The Night Prayer, How Many Rakat in Tahajjud?

Tahajjud is one of the most special voluntary prayers a Muslim can perform. It is a beautiful sign of sincere faith, a quiet moment when a believer leaves their bed to stand before Allah (SWT) and speak to Him through du‘a. In these peaceful hours of the night, Allah’s mercy is near, and prayers are answered. In this guide, we’ll explain what Tahajjud prayer is, the best time to pray it, how to perform tahajjud prayer step by step, how many rakat in tahajjud, and how to end it properly with Witr, based on the Qur’an and Sunnah.

What Is Tahajjud Prayer?

Tahajjud prayer is a specific type of voluntary (Nafil) prayer performed at night. It can refer to both general and particular voluntary night prayers. Linguistically, Tahajjud originates from the word Hujud, which means ‘to give up sleep’, specifically referring to a prayer performed at night after sleep.

When to Pray Tahajjud Prayer?

Tahajjud is the Nafl of the night, starting from after Isha (night prayer) until Fajr (dawn prayer). Preferably at the last third of the night, as Allah says in the Quran:

وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةًۭ لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًۭا مَّحْمُودًۭا

Translation: And rise at ˹the last˺ part of the night, offering additional prayers, so your Lord may raise you to a station of praise (Surah Israa-17-79)

And Prophet Muhamed(PBUH) says:

“If anyone is afraid that he may not get up in the latter part of the night, he should observe a witr in the first part of it; and if anyone is eager to get up in the last part of it he should observe a witr at the end of the night, for prayer at the end of the night is attended by the angels, and that is most excellent.”

What time can Tahajjud be prayed?

To make a long story short, Tahajjud is prayed any time after Isha and befor Fajir, better to be late at night after you sleep.

How to Perform Tahajjud Prayer Step by Step?

Now that you’re ready to begin, it’s time to answer two common questions many people ask: How many rakat in Tahajjud? and how to pray Tahajjud step by step correctly?

Before starting, it is important to prepare yourself and have the intention to pray Tahajjud with complete Khushu (humble focus and presence of heart).

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

Deeds are to be judged only by intentions, and a man will have only what he intended

Step 1: Facing the Qiblah

Stand facing the Qibla with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Step 2: The opening Takbeer

Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the greatest) to begin the prayer. Place your right hand over your left above your chest.

Step 3: Quran recitation

Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Quran), followed by whatever you can recite from the Quran.

Step 4: Bowing

Bow (Rukoo’) by saying “Allahu Akbar” and place your hands on your knees. Say “Subhana Rabbiy-al-Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord Almighty) at least three times while bowing.

Step 5: Rising from bowing

Rise from the bowing position and stand upright while saying, “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him), followed by “Rabbana lakal hamd” (O our Lord, to You is the praise).

Step 6: Prostration

Prostrate (Sujood) by saying “Allahu Akbar” and place your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground. Say “Subhaana Rabbiy-al-A‘laa” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High) at least three times.

And this is the closest anyone can get to Allah, so we were encouraged to do duaa:

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said:

The closest that the slave comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke Allah much (in prostration)

Take your time here to make du‘a from your heart.

Step 7: Setting between the two prostrations

Sit up briefly while saying “Allahu Akbar.” Then return to Sujood, repeating “Subhaana Rabbiy-al-A‘laa” at least three times.

Step 8: Completing the First Rak‘ah

Rise from the prostration and stand up, saying “Allahu Akbar.” Now you finished the first Rakaa.

Step 9: Start the next Rakaa!

Begin the second Rakaa and repeat steps 3–7. (recitation, rukoo‘, standing, and sujood)

Step 10: Tashahhud

After completing two Rakaas, sit and recite the Tashahhud (At-tahiyyatu lillah, was-salawaatu wat-tayyibaat. As-salaamu ’alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Ullahi wa barakaatu. As-salaamu ’alayna, wa ’alaa ‘ibaadi-llahis saaliheen. Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu.

Step 11: Send Salawat Upon the Prophet ﷺ

Recite the Salat Ibrahimiyyah, sending peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by reciting: “Allahumma Salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hamidum-Majeed. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hameedum-Majeed”.

Step 12: Make Supplications

It is highly recommended to recite some Sunnah du’as (supplications) at this point.

Step 13: Tasleem

Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left, saying “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” each time.

Step 14: After Tahajjud: Make Du‘a

After completing your prayer, make heartfelt supplications to Allah. This is a powerful time for Du’a, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

The closest that the Lord comes to the slave is in the last portion of the night. So, if you can be among those who remember Allah in this hour, then be among them

Now, after clearing how to perform tahajjud prayer, it’s time to answer the question: how many rakats for tahajjud?

Read Also: Dua For Last 10 Days of Ramadan

How Many Rakat in Tahajjud Prayer?

There is no fixed number of rak‘ahs for Tahajjud prayer for those asking how many rakat in Tahajjud. However, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, it is commonly recommended to pray 11 or 13 rak‘ahs, including Witr.

1. How to Pray 4 Rakat Tahajjud?

Following the step-by-step instructions given before, just repeat the set another time after finishing the first two rakaat.

It is advisable to have a brief set between each 2 set of rakaat.

2. How to Pray 8 or 12 Rakat Tahajjud?

Simply follow the same method:

• Pray two rak‘ahs at a time
• End each set with Tasleem
• Repeat until you reach 8 or 12 rak‘ahs

Every two sets of rakaat should be separated by a short set.

General Rule for Tahajjud Prayer

When praying Tahajjud, it is prayed in an even number of Rakaat, in sets of 2.

Ibn ‘Umar رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

The Salat during the night and the day is two and two

3. How to Pray 13 Rakat Tahajjud?

Now it’s clear, just do one more witr rakaa after Tahajjud.

simply:

• Pray 12 rak‘ahs of Tahajjud (in sets of two)
• Then finish with one rak‘ah of Witr

How to Pray Witr After Tahajjud

After explaining what Tahajjud is, how to perform tahajjud and how many rakats, let’s explain how to pray Witr in Tahajjud.

Witr is an odd-numbered Sunnah prayer, usually performed after Tahajjud, and it’s often short but holds great reward.

How to Pray Witr Prayer

Witr can be prayed as one rak‘ah (most common) or more, but one rak‘ah is sufficient.

In that rak‘ah:

1. Recite Surah Al-Fātiḥah
2. Follow it with Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ (or any other short surah)
3. Complete the rak‘ah with Rukū‘ (bowing) and Sujūd (prostration)
4. Sit for Tashahhud
5. End the prayer with Tasleem

You may also make du‘a during or after the prayer, especially in the quiet hours of the night.

Is Witr Necessary After Tahajjud?

Both Witr and Tahajjud are Sunnah, so they are not an obligatory prayer, but praying them is a sign of Sincerity, and following Sunnah, Witr should be after Tahajjud.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Tahajjud prayer stands as a profound spiritual anchor, offering a unique opportunity for intimacy with Allah (SWT) during the serene final third of the night. Whether you perform the minimum two rakats or follow the prophetic Sunnah of eleven to thirteen, the essence lies in sincerity and Khushu. By closing your night with the Witr prayer, you fulfill the Sunnah and solidify your devotion. Ultimately, Tahajjud is not just a ritual; it is a transformative practice that brings peace, clarity, and answered supplications to every believer.

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