The Best Voluntary Prayer
Tahajjud is the night prayer performed after sleeping and before Fajr. It is the best of all voluntary prayers and was the regular practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
The Command of Allah
Allah says: 'And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station' (Qur'an 17:79). This verse refers to Tahajjud prayer.
The Practice of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer' (Sahih Bukhari 1145). He would regularly perform Tahajjud, even though it was not obligatory.
The Virtue of Tahajjud
Tahajjud is a time when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and asks: 'Who is asking Me, so that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?' (Sahih Bukhari 1145). This is a special time for supplication and seeking forgiveness.
How to Perform Tahajjud
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Sleep First: The name 'Tahajjud' means 'to wake up after sleeping,' so one should sleep first.
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Wake Up: Wake up in the last third of the night (approximately 1-2 hours before Fajr).
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Perform Prayer: Pray in units of two rak'ahs, as many as one can.
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Make Du'a: This is an excellent time for supplication.
Benefits of Tahajjud:
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Closeness to Allah: Waking up to pray shows true devotion.
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Answered Supplications: Du'as made during Tahajjud are more likely to be answered.
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Expiation of Sins: Night prayer expiates sins.
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Elevated Status: Regular Tahajjud leads to a 'praised station' in the Hereafter.
Reference: Based on authentic Hadith and Quranic verses