The Significance of Tahajjud
Tahajjud is a voluntary prayer performed during the night after waking from sleep. This act of devotion holds a special place in Islamic practice due to its profound spiritual benefits and the deep connection it fosters with Allah SWT. Tahajjud dua is therefore the most likely to be answered during this precious time.
The practice of Tahajjud was something special that all prophets and messengers (May Allah be pleased with them all) used to perform. The Prophet SAW and the sahaba were foremost in doing tahajjud.
You’ll find many references of tahajjud rooted in various Hadiths, underscoring its importance and rewarding nature. This night-time prayer is an intimate act of worship that emphasizes sincerity and tranquility, making it a highly regarded practice in Islam
The Virtue of Supplication in the Last Third of the Night
One of the most significant aspects of Tahajjud is the opportunity it provides for making supplications (dua) during the last third of the night. This period is particularly special because, according to Islamic teachings, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and responds to the prayers of His servants.
The Prophet SAW said:
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: ‘Who will call upon Me, that I may answer him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’” (Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith highlights the incredible opportunity for believers to seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings during this time. The serenity of the night enhances the sincerity and concentration in one’s prayers, making it a highly effective time for supplication.
How to Perform Tahajjud Dua
Performing Tahajjud is both straightforward and flexible. It can be as simple as praying two rak’ahs or as extensive as you wish. You may of course complete more rak’ah in units of two if you want to. The time of tahajjud is up until Fajr comes in.
Here are the key steps to performing Tahajjud:
1. Start with an Intention: Begin with a sincere intention to perform the Tahajjud prayer.
2. Perform Witr: If Witr (an odd-numbered prayer) has not been prayed before sleeping, it should be included after the Tahajjud.
3. Pray in Pairs: It is recommended to pray two rak’ahs at a time. The Prophet SAW said: “The night prayers are two by two (rak’ahs), then if one fears the approaching dawn, he should pray one rak’ah, which will make his prayer odd-numbered” (Bukhari).
4. Make Supplications: Utilize this time to make heartfelt supplications. Be earnest in seeking Allah’s guidance, help, and forgiveness, and for asking Him for all your needs.
The Difference Between Tahajjud and Qiyam al-Layl
While both terms refer to night prayers, there is a subtle distinction between Tahajjud and Qiyam al-Layl. Qiyam al-Layl includes any prayer or worship performed after the Isha prayer and before Fajr, encompassing various acts like reading the Quran, making dua, or any other form of worship.
Tahajjud specifically refers to the night prayers performed after waking up from sleep. Therefore, Tahajjud is a subset of Qiyam al-Layl but with the additional element of waking up from sleep to perform it.
Practical Tips for Consistency
Incorporating Tahajjud into one’s routine can be challenging but highly rewarding. Here are some practical tips to help maintain consistency:
1. Start Small: Begin with a manageable number of rak’ahs and gradually increase as it becomes a habit.
2. Wake Before Fajr: Wake up at least 20-30 minutes before Fajr and use this time to pray, do tahajjud dua, recite Quran and do dhikr.
3. Stay Consistent: Even if you miss it occasionally, persist and make it a regular part of your worship.
4. Seek Motivation: Remember the immense rewards and spiritual benefits associated with Tahajjud to stay motivated.
The Rewards of Tahajjud
The rewards of Tahajjud are immense, both spiritually and mentally. It is a time when one can seek forgiveness, make heartfelt supplications, and ask for guidance. The tranquillity and peace found in the stillness of the night allows for a deeper connection with Allah. Moreover, the act of waking up in the middle of the night specifically to engage in worship demonstrates a high level of devotion and commitment to faith, which is highly commended in Islam.
The Prophet SAW said:
“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the prayer at night” (Muslim).
This highlights the significant merit of night prayers in the eyes of Allah. Furthermore, engaging in Tahajjud can lead to a sense of inner peace, contentment, and a strengthened relationship with Allah.
The Role of Tahajjud in Personal Development
Beyond the spiritual benefits, Tahajjud also plays a crucial role in personal development. It instils discipline, as waking up in the middle of the night requires a strong will and determination. This discipline can translate into other areas of life, promoting a sense of responsibility and time management. Additionally, the quiet moments of reflection during Tahajjud can provide clarity and perspective, aiding in personal growth and decision-making.
The act of consistent night prayers also fosters a sense of humility and gratitude. Recognizing one’s dependence on Allah for guidance and support during these moments can deepen one’s faith and trust in Allah’s plan. This sense of humility and reliance on divine assistance can enhance one’s overall character and approach to life’s challenges.
Specific Tahajjud Dua
There are no specific duas that must be prayed at tahajjud time, since you can ask for whatever you want from Allah SWT. That being said, there is a dua you can recite during this time which is from the sunnah of the Prophet SAW and can be found in Bukhari:
:(حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي مُسْلِمٍ، عَنْ طَاوُسٍ، سَمِعَ ابْنَ عَبَّاسٍ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا قَامَ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ يَتَهَجَّدُ قَالَ ” اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ، لَكَ مُلْكُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحَقُّ، وَوَعْدُكَ الْحَقُّ، وَلِقَاؤُكَ حَقٌّ، وَقَوْلُكَ حَقٌّ، وَالْجَنَّةُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّارُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّبِيُّونَ حَقٌّ، وَمُحَمَّدٌ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَقٌّ، وَالسَّاعَةُ حَقٌّ، اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ، وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْتُ، وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَمْتُ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ ـ أَوْ لاَ إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ ـ ”. قَالَ سُفْيَانُ وَزَادَ عَبْدُ الْكَرِيمِ أَبُو أُمَيَّةَ ” وَلاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ ”. قَالَ سُفْيَانُ قَالَ سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي مُسْلِمٍ سَمِعَهُ مِنْ طَاوُسٍ عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم.
Transliteration:
‘Allahumma lakal-hamd. Anta qaiyyimus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Walakal-hamd, Laka mulkus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Walakal-hamd, anta nurus-samawati wal-ard. Wa lakal-hamd, anta-l-haq wa wa’duka-lhaq, wa liqa’uka Haq, wa qauluka Haq, wal-jannatu Han wan-naru Haq wannabiyuna Haq.
Wa Muhammadun, sallal-lahu’alaihi wasallam, Haq, was-sa’atu Haq. Allahumma aslamtu Laka wabika amantu, wa ‘Alaika tawakkaltu, wa ilaika anabtu wa bika khasamtu, wa ilaika hakamtu faghfir li ma qaddamtu wama akh-khartu wama as-rartu wama’a lantu, anta-l-muqaddim wa anta-l-mu akh-khir, la ilaha illa anta (or la ilaha ghairuka).
Translation:
O Allah! All the praises are for you, You are the Holder of the Heavens and the Earth, And whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You have the possession of the Heavens and the Earth And whatever is in them.
All the praises are for You; You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth And all the praises are for You; You are the King of the Heavens and the Earth; And all the praises are for You; You are the Truth and Your Promise is the truth, And to meet You is true, Your Word is the truth And Paradise is true And Hell is true And all the Prophets (Peace be upon them) are true; And Muhammad is true, And the Day of Resurrection is true.
O Allah ! I surrender (my will) to You; I believe in You and depend on You. And repent to You, And with Your help I argue (with my opponents, the non-believers) And I take You as a judge (to judge between us).
Please forgive me my previous And future sins; And whatever I concealed or revealed And You are the One who make (some people) forward And (some) backward. There is none to be worshipped but you . Sufyan said that `Abdul Karim Abu Umaiya added to the above, ‘Wala haula Wala quwata illa billah’ (There is neither might nor power except with Allah).
Conclusion
Tahajjud offers an amazing opportunity for you to connect with Allah SWT in a serene and intimate setting. The last third of the night is a time when prayers are particularly potent, and the act of waking up for tahajjud dua specifically to engage in worship is immensely rewarding. By understanding its significance and incorporating it into one’s life, you can deepen your spiritual practice and draw closer to Allah.