What is Tahajjud, the night prayer in Islam? Could you please provide a detailed explanation of its meaning, significance, recommended timing within the night, the number of rak’ahs (units) that can be performed, and any specific surahs or supplications that are commonly recited during this prayer? Also, are there any specific benefits or virtues associated with performing Tahajjud consistently, both in this life and the afterlife, according to Islamic teachings?
Answer
Tahajjud, also known as the night prayer or Qiyam al-Layl, is a voluntary Islamic prayer performed during the night, after Isha (night prayer) and before Fajr (dawn prayer). It is considered a highly virtuous act of worship in Islam.
Timing: The best time to perform Tahajjud is in the last third of the night. This period is believed to be a time when Allah is closest to His servants and more receptive to their prayers and supplications. To determine the last third of the night, calculate the time between Isha and Fajr, divide it by three, and then subtract that result from the time of Fajr.
Number of Rak’ahs (Units): There is no fixed number of Rak’ahs for Tahajjud. It can be prayed in any even number of Rak’ahs, such as two, four, six, eight, or more, followed by Witr prayer (an odd number of Rak’ahs, usually one or three). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to pray different numbers of Rak’ahs at different times.
How to Pray: Tahajjud is performed like other voluntary prayers. It involves:
- Making the intention (Niyyah) to perform Tahajjud prayer.
- Performing ablution (Wudu) if necessary.
- Praying two Rak’ahs at a time. In each Rak’ah, recite Surah Al-Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Quran) and any other Surah or verses from the Quran.
- Performing the bowing (Ruku’) and prostration (Sujud) as in regular prayers.
- After every two Rak’ahs, one can make Dua (supplication) to Allah.
- Concluding the prayer with the Taslim (saying "Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah" to the right and then to the left).
- Concluding the Tahajjud prayer with Witr.
Significance and Benefits:
- Closeness to Allah: Tahajjud is a means of drawing closer to Allah and strengthening one’s relationship with Him.
- Forgiveness of Sins: Praying Tahajjud is believed to be a means of seeking forgiveness for sins and receiving Allah’s mercy.
- Purification of the Heart: It helps in purifying the heart and soul, and developing sincerity in worship.
- Answered Prayers: The supplications made during Tahajjud are considered more likely to be answered by Allah.
- Spiritual Elevation: It elevates one’s spiritual status and helps in attaining a higher level of piety and righteousness.
- Following the Sunnah: Performing Tahajjud is an act of following the Sunnah (practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who was a regular performer of this prayer.
- Character Building: Tahajjud helps in developing qualities such as patience, discipline, and self-control.
- Reward in the Hereafter: Allah has promised great rewards for those who perform Tahajjud regularly.
Verses in the Quran:
The Quran mentions the importance and virtues of praying at night in several verses, including:
- Surah Al-Isra (17:79): "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."
- Surah Az-Zumar (39:9): "Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in prayer], fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]? Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding."
- Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:17-18): "They used to sleep but little of the night, And in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness."
Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet):
Numerous Hadith highlight the virtues of Tahajjud, including:
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer." (Sahih Muslim)
- He also said: "You should pray Qiyam Al-Layl, for it is the custom of the righteous before you and a means of drawing closer to your Lord, expelling sins, and preventing disease." (At-Tirmidhi)
Conclusion:
Tahajjud is a highly recommended act of worship in Islam that offers numerous spiritual, personal, and social benefits. It is a means of strengthening one’s relationship with Allah, seeking forgiveness, and attaining a higher level of piety and righteousness. Although it is not obligatory, Muslims are encouraged to perform Tahajjud regularly, even if it is for a short period of time, to reap its immense rewards.