Tahajjud | What, When, How?

Summary

In this episode of 'Deen and Chai', the speaker explains the difference between Qiyam al-Layl and Tahajjud, two types of night prayers in Islam. Qiyam al-Layl refers to any prayer done between Isha and Fajr, while Tahajjud specifically requires a person to sleep first and then wake up to pray. The best time for Tahajjud is the last third of the night, which is considered especially blessed. The prayer is performed in sets of two rak'ahs and can be concluded with Witr. The speaker encourages incorporating Tahajjud during the last 10 nights of Ramadan.

Takeaways

• 🕌 Tahajjud is a prayer performed after rising from sleep during the night, unlike Qiyam al-Layl, which can be done without having slept.
• 🌙 Qiyam al-Layl refers to standing in prayer at night, which can be done anytime between Isha and Fajr, whether or not you've slept.
• 😴 Tahajjud requires having slept for some time before waking up to perform the prayer, no matter how short the sleep is.
• 📖 The term Tahajjud comes from an instruction in the Quran, where Allah tells the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to rise from sleep for additional prayers.
• 💫 The last third of the night is considered the best time to perform Tahajjud, as it is believed that Allah descends to the lowest heaven, ready to answer prayers and grant forgiveness.
• 🕒 The last third of the night can be calculated by dividing the time between Maghrib and Fajr into three equal parts. For example, if Fajr is at 4:30 AM, the last third starts at 2:10 AM.
• 🕌 Tahajjud is prayed in sets of two rak'ahs. You can pray as many as you wish, ending with one rak'ah of Witr prayer.
• 🕋 Some narrations state that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed up to 11 rak'ahs during Tahajjud, but the important thing is to perform at least two rak'ahs.
• 🤲 The last 10 nights of Ramadan are an ideal time to incorporate Tahajjud, especially if you're already waking up for Suhoor, as it coincides with the last third of the night.
• 📅 You can start by waking up 5-10 minutes earlier for Suhoor and perform at least two rak'ahs of Tahajjud during these special nights.

Q & A

What is the difference between Qiyam al-Layl and Tahajjud?

Qiyam al-Layl refers to any prayer performed at night between Isha and Fajr, regardless of whether one has slept. Tahajjud, however, specifically refers to prayers performed after waking up from sleep.

What does the term 'Tahajjud' mean?

The word 'Tahajjud' literally means 'to rise from sleep,' signifying that the prayer is done after one has slept and then wakes up to pray.

What is Nafila, and how is it related to Tahajjud?

Nafila refers to an extra or voluntary prayer, performed in addition to the obligatory prayers. Tahajjud is one form of Nafila, as it is a non-obligatory prayer performed at night after sleep.

When is the best time to pray Tahajjud?

The last third of the night is considered the best time to pray Tahajjud. According to narrations, Allah descends to the lowest heaven during this time and responds to those who call upon Him.

How can one calculate the last third of the night for Tahajjud prayer?

To calculate the last third of the night, take the time between Maghrib (sunset) and Fajr (dawn), divide it by three, and the last portion of that duration is the final third of the night. For example, if Fajr is at 4:30 AM and Maghrib is at 9:30 PM, the last third would begin around 2:10 AM.

What is the minimum number of Rak'ahs for Tahajjud prayer?

The minimum number of Rak'ahs for Tahajjud is two. After completing two Rak'ahs, one can conclude with Witr (a single Rak'ah) to finish the night prayer.

How did the Prophet (PBUH) pray Tahajjud according to different narrations?

Different narrations describe the Prophet (PBUH) praying Tahajjud in varying numbers of Rak'ahs. Some narrations mention seven Rak'ahs (2+2+2+1), others mention nine (2+2+2+2+1), and some mention eleven (2+2+2+2+2+1).

What should one do if they are already waking up for Suhoor during Ramadan?

If someone is already waking up for Suhoor, they can easily incorporate Tahajjud into their routine by waking up a few minutes earlier and praying two or more Rak'ahs before eating Suhoor.

Does the duration of sleep before praying Tahajjud matter?

No, the duration of sleep before praying Tahajjud does not matter. You could sleep for as little as 20 minutes or as long as eight hours before waking up to pray Tahajjud.

What is the significance of Tahajjud prayer during the last 10 nights of Ramadan?

The last 10 nights of Ramadan are especially significant because they may contain Laylatul Qadr, a night more blessed than a thousand months. Praying Tahajjud during these nights is a great way to seek Allah's mercy and forgiveness.