Night Prayer

صلاة التهجد

Qiyam al-Layl / Tahajjud - The best prayer after the obligatory ones

What is the night prayer?

Salat Tahajjud, also called Qiyam al-Layl, is a highly recommended supererogatory prayer performed after sleeping part of the night. It is a privileged moment of communion with Allah, in the calm and serenity of the night.

Spiritual benefits

Expiation of sins and elevation of degrees in Paradise
Moment when supplications are most answered
Strengthening the bond with Allah and calming the heart
Protection against temptations and evil
Light on the face on the Day of Judgment
Drawing closer to the righteous servants of Allah (Al-Muttaqin)
Source of baraka (blessings) in daily life

How to perform it?

Sleep early in the night with the intention to wake up for prayer
Wake up preferably in the last third of the night
Perform ablutions (Wudu)
Start with 2 light units (Rakats)
Pray in sets of 2 Rakats (the Prophet ﷺ prayed 11 Rakats in total)
Prolong the recitation of Quran, Ruku' and Sujud
End with Witr prayer (1 or 3 odd Rakats)
Multiply supplications and repentance

The best time

The last third of the night: when Allah descends to the lowest heaven
Simple calculation: look at Fajr time and go back 2-3 hours
Example: If Fajr is at 5am, pray between 2am and 4am
If difficult, any time after midnight is beneficial
Even 10-15 minutes before Fajr is highly meritorious
Consistency is more important than quantity

Quranic verses

يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُزَّمِّلُ ۝ قُمِ اللَّيْلَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا

Ya ayyuha al-muzzammilu, qumi al-layla illa qalilan

"O you wrapped in garments! Stand to pray all night, except a little."

Sourate Al-Muzzammil (73:1-2)

تَتَجَافَىٰ جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ الْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا

Tatajafa junubuhum 'ani al-madaji'i yad'una rabbahum khawfan wa tama'an

"Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope."

Sourate As-Sajdah (32:16)

Authentic hadiths

يَنْزِلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الآخِرُ فَيَقُولُ: مَنْ يَدْعُونِي فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ، مَنْ يَسْأَلُنِي فَأُعْطِيَهُ، مَنْ يَسْتَغْفِرُنِي فَأَغْفِرَ لَهُ

"Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains, and He 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 Al-Bukhari (1145) & Sahih Muslim (758)

أَفْضَلُ الصَّلاَةِ بَعْدَ الْفَرِيضَةِ صَلاَةُ اللَّيْلِ

"The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer."

Sahih Muslim (1163)

Practical tips

Set an alarm but also make a sincere intention before sleeping
Start gradually: even 2 Rakats are better than nothing
Keep water nearby to wake up more easily
Praying in group (with family) makes it easier and more motivating
Don't give up if you miss a few nights: start again with determination
Make personal supplications in addition to prophetic ones
This prayer is easier in Ramadan: take advantage to build the habit