Is Taraweeh And Tahajjud Same? The 61 Top Answers

Voluntary night prayer in Islam

Tahajjud, also known as “night prayer”, is a voluntary prayer performed by followers of Islam. It is not one of the five obligatory prayers required of all Muslims, although the Islamic Prophet Muhammad has been recorded as regularly performing the Tahajjud prayer himself and encouraging his companions as well.

Evidence in the Qur’an[edit]

In Fiqh as-Sunnah, Shaykh Sayyid Sabiq elaborates on the subject of tahajjud as follows:

And keep yourself awake through prayer for part of the night. It goes beyond what is incumbent on you; Perhaps your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory.[1] Quran 17:79

And those who spend the night prostrating and standing before their Lord.[2] Quran 25:64

Evidence in Hadith[ edit ]

Besides these Qur’anic verses, there are also a number of hadiths (transmitted and confirmed traditions from Muhammad) that emphasize the importance of Tahajjud prayer. In various hadiths it has been mentioned as qiyamul sabah (morning rising), salatul sabah (morning prayer) and tahajjud.

Recommended time[ edit ]

Performing tahajjud means waking up at night and then praying.[3]

Tahajjud can be performed before or after Emsak (when the fast begins) but before the obligatory Fajr prayer.

On this subject Ibn Hajar says:

There was no specific time when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would perform his very early morning prayer; but he did what came easiest to him.

“The best time for tahajjud is the last third of the night.” (Abu Hurairah: Fiqh)[4][citation needed]

‘Amr ibn ‘Absah claimed that he heard Muhammad say:

A servant comes closest to his master in the middle of the last part of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah Most High at this time, then do so. At-Tirmidhi

HIWGYKSAG

Number of rakats[ edit ]

Tahajjud prayer does not impose a specific number of rak’ahs that must be performed, nor is there a maximum limit that may be performed. It would be fulfilled even by praying just one rak’ah of Witr after ‘Ishaa’; However, it is traditionally prayed with at least two rak’at known as shif’a followed by witr, since Muhammad did this before Fajr Abdullah ibn ‘Umar narrated that Muhammad said:

“Salatul Layl (night prayer i.e. Tahajjud) is offered as two rak’at followed by two rak’at and (so on) and if one is afraid of approaching dawn (Fajr prayer) he should offer one rak’at and praying this will be a witr for all the rak’at he has prayed before.”

Bukhari, Hadith 990

This Ramadan many of us need to refresh our knowledge of praying Tarawih! We’ve put together this short guide for an easy way for beginners to learn how it works, or for anyone looking to brush up on their knowledge.

We’ll start by answering some frequently asked questions about Tarawih. For the step-by-step process on how to perform this prayer from start to finish, please scroll down to question 10.

1. What is Tarawih?

Tarawih is an optional (nafl) night prayer performed only in Ramadan. Because it is a highly recommended Sunnah, Masjids around the world hold joint Tarawih prayers every evening of this blessed month.

2. How many rak’at are there in Tarawih?

A rak’ah is a unit of prayer consisting of standing and reciting the Qur’an, bowing, standing up and prostrating. Tarawih is prayed in sets of two rak’at, just like a normal voluntary prayer.

Some narrations say that a complete tarawih costs 8 rak’at while others say it is 20 rak’at. When praying in a Masjid, the Imam usually prays the full 20 rak’at of the prayer as all four schools of thought support these narrations.

It is worth noting that the word “Tarawih” is linked to the Arabic word for rest. This is because you can rest after every four rak’at during tarawih. So you don’t have to stand continuously for 20 raka’at!

3. When do I pray Tarawih?

Tarawih is prayed at any time during the night after the obligatory ‘Isha prayer. Please note that you should not pray Tarawih after Witr prayer as Witr prayer is the last prayer of the night.

Since Tarawih is a night prayer, you must perform it before Fajr begins. It is ok to sleep after ‘Isha and wake up later in the night to pray Tarawih – in fact it is very rewarding to worship Allah (swt) in the last third of the night:

The Messenger of Allah (sws) said: Our Lord Almighty descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of every night and says: ‘Who calls upon Me to answer? Who asks Me to give? Who seeks My forgiveness so that I may forgive them?” [Bukhari]

4. Can I pray Tarawih at home?

Absolutely! Even without lockdown restrictions, it would be fine to pray tarawih at home, either in church with your family or alone. As mentioned above, in the narration from Aishah (ra), the Prophet (saw) performed some Tarawih prayers at home.

5. Can I hold a Quran while praying?

According to the Hanbali, Maliki and Shafi’i schools of thought, you can hold a copy of the Qur’an during each voluntary prayer. This includes digital copies. This is permissible even if you are the one leading the Tarawih prayer.

The Shafi’i school of thought adds that while holding a copy of the Qur’an, one must ensure that one does not move so much as to invalidate the prayer.

There is a disagreement within the Hanafi school of thought. Some Hanafi scholars state that holding the Qur’an while praying is impermissible, while some Hanafi scholars say it is permitted but disliked.

6. Do I have to recite the whole Quran during Tarawih?

Most masjids traditionally recite the entire Qur’an over the course of Ramadan, completing a juz per tarawih night. This is because the Prophet (saas) revised the Quran with Jibril (as) every Ramadan and twice in his last Ramadan. Since Ramadan is the month of the Quran, we should strive to do the same!

However, it is definitely not obligatory to recite the entire Qur’an during tarawih. You can recite any part of the Qur’an that you wish during Tarawih. The sincerity of your prayer is the most important thing, so don’t worry if you haven’t memorized that many suras.

7. Can women lead Tarawih prayer at home?

Women can lead other women in congregational prayer. They will recite “Allahu Akbar” and all Surahs aloud and the concluding “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”.

The woman leading the prayer stands in the same row as the other women.

8. Is there a special du’a to recite for tarawih?

No, there is no special du’a to be recited during or after tarawih.

You can do any du’a of your choice after every four raka’at or after the whole tarawih is completed. This includes du’as from the Qur’an and Sunnah as well as personal du’as.

9. What is the reward for praying Tarawih?

The main reward is: The Prophet (saas) said: “Whoever stands in prayer (the night prayer) with Iman (faith) during Ramadan and hopes for reward, all his past sins will be forgiven. [Bukhari]

In addition, praying Tarawih carries the reward of following the Sunnah as well as the “Ramadan Special” that your rewards will be incredibly multiplied!

10. How to pray Tarawih?

Here are the step-by-step instructions for performing Tarawih according to the Hanafi school of thought:

Make sure you have wudu and wear clothing that at least covers your aura. The aura for men is said to cover everything from the belly button to the knees. Women must cover everything except their hands, feet and face. Find a clean place (like a prayer rug) and a place that will not cause inconvenience to others. Stand on the Qiblah (facing the Ka’bah in Mecca) which is towards the south-east of the UK. There are many free apps that will tell you where the Qibla is using the compass on your phone. If you are unable to stand because of illness or infirmity, you can pray while seated. Begin by verbally or silently stating your intention for salah. This is done either in Arabic or in your own language. Say, “I intend to pray two rak’at of tarawih for Allah when I face the Ka’bah.” Raise your hands to your earlobes for men and shoulders for women while saying “Allahu Akbar.” . It means “Allah is the greatest”. (This step is shown below). You are now in a state of Ihram which means you are forbidden from all worldly things such as B. Talking, laughing, eating, drinking, or thinking about anything that might distract you.

Place your right hand over your left, just below your navel. Women should put their hands in front of their chests. Say softly: ‘SubhanaK-Allahumma wa bihamdiKa, wa tabaarak-asmuKa, wa ta-‘aala jadduKa, wa la ilaaha illa ghayruK’. This means: “O Allah, glory and praise be upon Thee, and blessed is Thy name, and exalted is Thy majesty, and there is no god but Thee”.

Then silently recite “Auudhu bi-Llahi min ash-Shaitaanir rajeem bismi-Llahir Rahmaani Raheem”. This means: “I seek protection from Allah from the rejected Satan. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Gracious”

Then recite Surah al-Fatihah and end with “Amin” which means “Let it be”. When leading a prayer, remember to recite all surahs in Tarawih aloud!

Then recite any other surah. The minimum recitation is three verses or one long verse equal in length to three short verses. However, it is better to recite a complete sura.

Bend and say “Allahu Akbar” which means “Allah is the greatest” and place your hands on your knees with your back straight. Rest in this position called ruku (bow) and say “Subhaana Rabbiy-al-Adheem” at least three times. This means “Glory to my Lord the Great”. (This step is shown above).

Then, standing up straight again, say: “Sami-Allahu liman hamidaH” – “Allah heard him who praised Him”. Then say: “Rabbana laKal hamd” – “O our Lord, all praise is due to You”.

Say “Allahu Akbar” again and go into prostration called Sujood. When you prostrate, your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes that point forward should all touch the floor. (This step is shown above).

Say at least three times: “Subhaana Rabbiy-al-Aalaa” – “Glory to my Lord, the Most High”.

Sit up while saying “Allahu Akbar”. Place your palms on your knees. Sit on the flat side of your left foot while keeping the toes of your right foot planted and pointing forward. Women should lean on their left hip with the toes of both feet pointing to the right. (This step is shown below).

After a few moments, return to prostration while saying “Allahu Akbar” and repeat step 15.

Stand up fully while saying “Allahu Akbar”. You have now completed your first unit or rak’ah of Tarawih! Do steps 10 through 17 again.

Then return to a seated position as described in step 16.

While seated, recite the first part of the Tashaahud, ‘At-tahiyyatu lillah, was-salawaatu wat-tayyibaat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Ullahi wa barakaatu. As-salaamu alayna, wa alaa ibaadi-llahis saaliheen’. This means: “All compliments are for Allah, and prayers and kindness. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and the righteous servants of Allah.

Then, while resting your hands on your knees, raise your right index finger while grasping the other fingers of your right hand. Now recite the second part of the Tashaahud, ‘Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduHu wa Rasooluh’. This means: “I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and messenger”.

Lower your right index finger so both palms are resting on your knees again. (This step is shown below).

Continue to sit and recite: ‘Allahumma salli alaa Muhammadiw wa alaa aali Muhammadin, kamaa sallayta alaa Ibraheema wa alaa aali Ibraheema, innaKa Hameedum Majeed. Allahumma baarik ‘alaa Muhammadiw wa alaa aali Muhammadin, kamaa baarakta alaa Ibraheema wa alaa aali Ibraheema, innaKa Hameedum Majeed’. This means: “O Allah, send Your mercy to Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, just as You sent mercy to Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Verily You are praiseworthy and glorious. O Allah, send blessings on Muhammad and Muhammad’s family just as You sent blessings on Ibrahim and Ibrahim’s family. Verily You are praiseworthy and glorious.

It is then strongly recommended to recite some supplications (du’a). A very simple and comprehensive one is Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanataw wa fil-aakhirati hasantaw wa qina adhaaban Naar. This means: “O our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the hereafter and protect us from the punishment of fire”.

You then complete the salah by turning your head first over your right shoulder and saying “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmat-Ullahi wa barakaatuH”. Then repeat these words while turning your head over your left shoulder. They mean: “May the peace and mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you”. (This step is shown below).

Your first set of two rak’at is now complete! Please return to step 3 to perform your next two rak’at.

May Allah accept your salah, your du’as and all your efforts in Ramadan, Amin!

Muslim Hands is an award-winning charity founded in 1993 to help people in need of emergency assistance and to address the root causes of poverty. This Ramadan we can help you calculate your zakat, send iftar around the world and even build your own well. For more ways to serve the Ummah, visit our appeals page or call 0115 911 7222.

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The Taraweeh prayer is one of the specialties of the Ramadan nights; Throughout the month, Muslims line up at night to observe a series of optional rakats of prayers and listen to and ponder the recitation of the Qur’an.

Taraweeh derives from the Arabic word meaning “rest and relax” as it is considered a special form of Islamic meditation.

origins

In the last year of his life, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came out one night and prayed Tarawih. That evening some people prayed with him. On the second night, word spread and more people joined the Tarawih. On the third night even more people came. On the fourth night the mosque was full and people were waiting for the Prophet to come.

However, the Prophet prayed alone at home. After Fajr he said: “Nothing prevented me from coming to you except the fact that I feared it would become obligatory for you.” (Muslim)

From the time of Caliph Abu Bakr to the beginning of the time of Caliph Omar, people prayed Tarawih either individually or in small groups. Later, Caliph Omar gathered everyone behind an Imam and they prayed 8 rakats. Eventually it was increased to 20 rakat to make it easy for people.

Number of rakats and how to perform them

According to a hadith by Sahih Al Bukhari, the Tarawih prayer is eight rakats. The Prophet (PBUH) led the Tarawih prayer for eight rakats. Taraweeh is prayed in sets of two rakats each, just as you would pray your normal salah. The shortest is two rakats and the longest is 20 rakats. However, during the time of Caliph Omar bin Abdulaziz (AD 717 to 720), the people of Medina performed the Tarawih prayer for 36 rakats.

Taraweeh rewards

There are many rewards for praying the tarawih. The Prophet said: “Whoever stands in prayer (the night prayer) with Iman (faith) during Ramadan and hopes for reward, all his/her previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Since the rewards for good deeds are multiplied during the month of Ramadan, the rewards for Taraweeh are even greater. The Prophet said: “Whoever approaches (Allah) by performing any of the (voluntary) good deeds in (this month) will receive the same reward as at any other time an obligatory deed, and whoever performs an obligatory deed in (this month). month) shall at any other time receive the reward for the fulfillment of seventy obligations.” (Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah)

Pray in the mosque or at home

tahajjud, (Arabic: “keeping watch”), in Islamic practice, the reciting of the Qurʾān (Islamic scriptures) and prayers during the night. Tahajjud is generally considered a sunna (tradition) rather than a farḍ (duty). There are many verses in the Qur’an encouraging these nocturnal recitations and other verses indicating that such practices should remain “a voluntary effort” (17:79). Everywhere, devout Muslims perform tahajjud as a form of asceticism in imitation of the Prophet Muhammad, who continued nightly vigils even after the five daily prayers were instituted. In fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) it is considered censurable to prevent those who wish to practice tahajjud as much as they wish. According to one tradition, Tahajjud “unties the knots that Satan ties in a sleeper’s hair.” Tahajjud is considered particularly meritorious during Ramadan (the Muslim month of fasting), so Muslims often spend these nights in mosques, praying and reciting the Koran until dawn. In some Muslim countries, an official nightly adhan (call to prayer) has been introduced.

A Beginner’s Guide to Reading Duha, Tahajjud and Witr Prayers.

We live in a world that demands so much of us. We work tirelessly, exhausting our bodies in this quest to provide for our families. Taking care of our families is an act of worship, among many other acts of ibadah. It is important that we do not lose ourselves in dunya and forget our true purpose of worshiping Allah SWT. This can be done in many ways. It is an essential part of our spiritual health that we follow the example of the greatest man on earth, Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

One of the ways we can do this is by following the Sunnah and worshiping Allah SWT as He did to the best of our ability. The Sunnah services can be tragically neglected and this robs the heart of what benefits it. We must strive to revive and implement the Sunnah, and this is the best way to ensure we live enriched lives and have empowered communities.

As Muslims, it is important to shine in our worship during the month of Ramadan. A good way to do this is by hosting additional sunnah prayers. The prayers we will focus on are the Duha, Tahajjud and Witr prayers.

The Duha prayer

Duha prayer is classified as an additional prayer that Prophet Muhammed (SAW) would pray. This prayer is offered any time between sunrise and the Dhuhr prayer. The benefits of praying this prayer are powerful. In a hadith qudsī, Allah SWT says:

“O son of Adam! Pray four rak’ats for me at the beginning of the day and I will take care of you for the rest of the day” (Tirmidhī)

Anyone who reads four rak’ahs of this additional sunna prayer, Allah will take care of them for the rest of the day. This is powerful as we go through so much in our time and often encounter many obstacles and problems. Therefore, knowing that Allah SWT is with us to help us can offer much comfort to a believing heart.

For the Duha prayer, you can read either two ra’kahs, four ra’kahs, or eight ra’kahs. The Prophet (saww) read up to eight Ra’kahs. Praying four ra’kahs is recommended, but even offering two ra’kahs is good.

The Tahujjud prayer

“Our Lord, the Blessed One, the Superior, descends on the heaven nearest to us every night when the last third of the night remains and says: ‘Is there any one who calls upon me that I may answer the call? Is there anyone who asks Me to grant his request? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness so that I can forgive him?” [Bukhari]

Tahujjud prayer is the prayer of the night. Ideally, it is offered in the last third of the night, the time before Fajr. However, it can also be offered at any time during the night after Isha. During the last third of the night, Allah SWT descends to the lowest heaven to answer every believer who worships Him.

Praying Tahajjud Salah is relatively easy. The hardest part is waking up in the middle of the night, but remembering the reward and closeness of speaking to your Creator while most of creation sleeps can bring comfort to the distressed soul. After doing wudu, offer 2 ra’kah of sunnah prayer. You can pray as many Ra’kah as you like in intervals of 2. You finish your tahajjud by finishing it with witr salah.

The last third of the night is a very blessed time. Since we already wake up early too fast, try waking up a few minutes earlier and your tahajjud salah.

The Witr prayer

“The Witr prayer is offered in units of two raka’ah. If you fear that dawn is near, end with a single raka’ah so that the night prayer has an odd number.” (Bukhari)

Witr prayer is the last prayer of the night. It can be offered anytime after Isha and before Fajr. So if you are planning to pray tahajjud, wait to pray your witr prayer after you finish your tahajjud salah. Although this is an additional prayer, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would never leave it even when he was traveling.

Witr Salah is performed by praying two rak’ahs and then a single rak’ah. You can pray up to eight rak’ahs and then end it with a single rak’ah. Praying 3, 5, 7 and 9 Ra’kah for Witr Salat is permissible. Another (Hanafi) method of praying this additional prayer is to pray three rak’ahs and then in the third rakah after reciting the sura, raise your hands in supplication and recite Dua Qu’noot.

Getting used to praying your extra sunna prayers can be challenging at first, but with patience and perseverance; As we consistently perform these prayers, it will become ingrained within us and become the fiber of our being.

Below are some tips to help you put these additional prayers into practice.

Tips for structuring the prayers:

Seek Help from Allah – Before embarking on any new venture, be sure to seek the help of Allah SWT. He is the one who can guide you and help you draw closer to Him.

Create a Buddy System – Try to find someone to start this journey with you. Having the support of a friend or family member will make it easier to fight your nafs and perform those extra prayers.

Start small:

“Do good deeds rightly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not bring you to enter Paradise and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and enduring even if it were small.” [Bukhari] .

The most popular deeds in Allah SWT are the small deeds done consistently. Try to find the prayer that is easiest to do and do it consistently. Love Allah more than praying all three at once and then giving up shortly after because you are overwhelmed. Remember that praying the Supererogatory prayers consistently and patiently will develop a habit and constantly pondering their virtues will enhance the experience and help solidify your intention.

May Allah SWT allow us to do what pleases Him and make it easy for us to excel in Fardh and Sunnah worship. amine.

Make the most of your mercy this Ramadan. If you tick the Gift Aid box, your donation is completely free of administration fees. Be merciful now.

As COVID-19 continues to pose a threat around the world, mosques will remain closed for Taraweeh during the holy month of Ramadan. As a result, Muslims cannot pray in mosques during the holy month of Tarawih.

One of the most significant practices of Ramadan, taraweeh, is a congregational sunnah, or non-mandatory prayer, performed each night during Ramadan after the ‘Isha, or evening prayer. Taraweeh means rest or relaxation. Those who perform the optional prayer during Ramadan are believed to be “out of sincere faith and in the hope of earning reward that their past sins will be forgiven.” In the mosque, men and women pray Taraweeh led by the Imam, the worship leader in a mosque. However, prayer can be performed at home.

Decide how many rak’at you want to pray

Before praying ‘Isha, decide how many rak’at you will pray for Taraweeh. A rak’ah (rak’at; plural) is a unit of prayer. It is up to you how many rakat you want to pray during Taraweeh. It could be anything between eight and 20 rak’at. Follow the Sunnah (sayings and practices of the Prophet Muhammed), make sure to pray your rak’at in pairs and conclude with the Witr prayer. It was narrated from one of the Prophet’s Companions that “he performed the night prayer in pairs (i.e. rak’at) and made it odd by observing one rak’ah (as witr)”. The Prophet prayed eight rakats of Tarawih and three rakats of Witr.

Decide whether to read from the Qur’an or memorize it

Tarawih is a lengthy prayer that can last up to an hour and is usually read by an imam who has the entire Qur’an by heart. The challenge of praying Tarawih at home is for those who have not memorized the Quran. However, you could keep the Quran open and read it during prayer. It depends on you!

Begin by praying ‘Isha

The Taraweeh prayer begins with the ‘Isha prayer which consists of four rak’at followed by additional rak’at for Taraweeh.

Continue praying in pairs until you are satisfied

Once you have decided how many rak’at you will perform and once you have prayed ‘Isha, begin praying Taraweeh with as many rak’at as you wish. People usually pray nine, eleven or 13 rak’at (including witr) but you can do more or less. Be sure to say Tasleem between each session. Regarding the night prayers: ‘Your Lord knows that sometimes you get up in prayer almost two-thirds of the night and sometimes half or a third of that… Then recite [only] as much of it as you can ease’.

End the Taraweeh with Shafaa and Witr prayer

The Shafaa and Witr are non-obligatory Islamic prayers that must be recited at night.

When praying Taraweeh, once you have prayed your two times two rak’at, you must round it all off by praying two rak’at of Shafaa and one raka’h of Witr. For example, if you pray 12 rak’at of Taraweeh, finish with two rak’at of Sahfaa followed by one rak’at of Witr for a total of 15 rak’at.

Not only can you pray alone at home or with family, you can also follow online prayer guides or tune in to Quran Radio 103.4 FM from Qatar and follow Taraweeh prayer.

RELATED STORY: Call to prayer sounds different. Here’s why!

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Tahajjud prayer is a nafl or voluntary prayer. It is a night prayer offered to gain spiritual strength and peace. It is also known to avert sinful deeds. Prayer (Salat) – one of the five pillars of Islam, is divided into four main types:

Fardh Salat: The Most Important Prayer in Islam; it is obligatory and it is considered a great sin to fail to do so.

The most important prayer in Islam; it is obligatory and it is considered a great sin to fail to do so. Wajib Salat: It is compulsory, and lack of Wajib Salat is also considered a grave sin.

It is mandatory, and the absence of wajib salat is also considered a grave sin. Sunnah Salat: Known as the practice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Sunnah Salat is in turn divided into two categories namely Muakkadah and Ghair Muakkadah. The former is to be practiced regularly and the absence of it is considered a sin. However, failing to do the latter, which is said to be practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at times, is not considered punishable.

Sunnah salat known as the practice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is in turn divided into two categories namely Muakkadah and Ghair Muakkadah. The former is to be practiced regularly and the absence of it is considered a sin. However, failing to do the latter, which is said to be practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at times, is not considered punishable. Nafl: The last of the four main types of prayer, Nafl, is not obligatory and is usually performed for an additional virtue. Missing this prayer is not considered a sin.

What is Tahajjud prayer?

Also known as Qiyam-u-lail, Tahajjud prayer falls into the fourth category of prayers i.e. Nafl, meaning that it is optional and its absence is not counted as a sin. Tahajjud prayer is usually performed after Isha (the obligatory night prayer) and before Fajr (the obligatory morning prayer). Tahajjud means giving up sleep, which is why this prayer is preferably performed in the last third of the night. According to Islam, during this part of the night, Allah descends to the lowest heaven to see who worships devoutly and departs from their sleep in the middle of the night.

Importance of Tahajjud prayer

Also known as “night prayer,” Tahajjud prayer is not considered obligatory. However, there is great importance and several blessings associated with tahajjud. The Qiyam-u-lail is considered the most virtuous of the Nafl prayers and is considered part of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“And from [part of] the night pray with it as additional [worship] for yourselves; Your Lord is expected to resurrect you to a glorified stage.” (Qur’an, 17:79)

Those who perform Tahajjud prayer regularly will surely deserve the blessings of Allah. It is also said that this prayer brings a Muslim closer to the Almighty and his/her life is filled with peace and brightness. The Holy Quran as well as several Hadith emphasize the importance of Tahajjud prayer.

“And those who spend the night prostrating and standing before their Lord.” (Qur’an, 25:64)

“The Lord descends to the lowest heaven every night when a third of the night is left and says: ‘Who will call on me to answer him? Who will ask me to give to him? Who will ask My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?’” (Bukhari, Muslim)

How to Perform Tahajjud: Prayer Method

Although this prayer is not obligatory, many Muslims around the world strive to incorporate Tahajjud prayer into their daily lives to seek mercy and forgiveness from the Almighty. Here are some important guidelines laid down by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to perform this prayer:

1. When to pray Tahajjud?

This special Islamic prayer is performed in the last third of the night and before the start of Fajr prayer. The time for this prayer is when angels descend from heaven at Allah’s command to take duas from all the servants of Allah. During this time, Allah forgives the wrongdoers who have atoned for their sins.

2. How many rakats are there in Tahajjud prayer?

One can repeat rakats at will. For tahajjud prayer, two rakats are usually considered sufficient. According to the hadiths, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently performed almost 13 rakats. Here it is also important to remember that rakats for tahajjud prayer should be performed in pairs.

3. How to prepare?

Take proper precautions to wake up in the third part of the night. This may include setting an alarm or asking family members to wake you up before Fajr prayers. Thoroughly clean your face, hands (up to the elbows), head and feet (up to the ankles). Find a peaceful and clean place to perform tahajjud prayer. When you sit down to pray, devote yourself entirely to Allah and His glory. All worries of the mind and heart should be eliminated. Learn to read clearly and correctly.

4. How to pray Tahajjud?

At the beginning of the prayer it is important to remember that the prayer is completed according to the chosen manner, which involves reciting some rakats and suras. The purpose of Tahajjud prayer should also be specified, i.e. whether it is to ask for the mercy of Allah, to give thanks to the Almighty or to glorify the supreme power.

Here is how to recite Tahajjud. To begin with, two rakats of Salah are performed first. One has to stand and recite the verses from the Koran. After this, the prayer is continued by bowing to Allah while placing both hands on the knees. Next, face the ground with palms, nose, and forehead touching the ground in total surrender to the Almighty. In this position, the elbows are slightly raised and the feet are folded. Then stand up and recite “Allahu Akbar”.

After the rakats you can add your own dua for tahajjud prayer. The dua should be sincere and totally devoted to Allah. While performing the prayer, one should acknowledge their wrongdoing and insults and ask Almighty for mercy. Sincerely promise not to repeat the mistakes and strive to become a better person.

3. Exploring Tahajjud

One should take the time to read the Islamic scriptures to get a better understanding of Tahajjud prayer.

One should follow in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by studying extensively how to perform Tahajjud prayer. This allows one to get closer to Allah and lead a blessed life.

As narrated by Hazrat A’isha (R.A.): “Allah’s Apostle used to offer eleven rakat and that was his prayer. He used to prolong the prostration so that one could recite fifty verses (of the Qur’an) before raising his head. He used to pray two rakats (sunna) before Fajr prayer and then used to lie on his right side until the caller came and informed him about the prayer.” (Bukhari)

Integrating Tahajjud prayer into everyday life is the final and ultimate step. It is an optional prayer but an important one as it brings one closer to Allah. It is also associated with gifts of salvation and forgiveness from Allah, making it a wonderful way of asking for mercy for the sins and mistakes of everyday life. It should also be remembered that the Almighty appreciates performing prayer regularly.

Benefits of Tahajjud prayer

Tahajjud prayer comes with several benefits and rewards. Since tahajjud-salah involves waking up in the middle of sleep, it is said to offer great rewards from the Almighty. Here are some of its benefits along with Hadith regarding the same.

1. Tahajjud prayer is one of the best ways to get close to Allah.

“Be alert when you get up at night [in prayer], for it was the practice of the devout before you. It is a means of attaining closeness to Allah Ta’ala, expiation for transgressions and a barrier from sins.” (Tirmidhi)

2. The Holy Quran also mentions that those who devote time to Tahajjud prayer reap great benefits.

“And the servants of the Most Gracious [Allah] are those who walk lightly on the earth, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace and devote [part of] the night to their prostrating Lord and stand [ in prayer].” (Quran 25:63-64)

3. Tahajjud prayer is that there is inner strength and mental peace. It also has the ability to avert sinful and evil deeds. Also, according to Islamic tradition, the third part of the night is the best time to make wishes/duas.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “During the night there is a time when the Muslim does not ask for the good of this world and the hereafter, but it is given to him, and this happens every night.”

4. Also known as the best among voluntary prayers, a great benefit of performing Tahajjud is that it helps with everyday problems. While performing this prayer one puts complete trust in Allah and leaves all worldly worries behind. When a believer leaves everything to the Almighty, the supreme power supports various sources.

“And He will supply him from (sources) which he could never have imagined. And whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Verily Allah will achieve his goal. Verily, Allah has established a standard for all things.” (Surah Talaq, Chapter 65, V3)

5. It is also said that Tahajjud prayer grants patience even in the face of trouble. Incorporating Tahajjud into the daily routine is known to bring peace to the distressed heart.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The Lord is closest to His servant in the second half of the night, so if you can be one of those who remember Allah at this time, then do so.” (Al -Tirmidhi and al-Nisa’i)

Tahajjud prayer of the Prophet

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also used to perform Tahajjud prayer regularly. He also encouraged his companions to do the same. The Prophet used to wake up in the middle of the night, purify himself, praise Allah and recite the following passage of ten verses from Surat Aal ‘Imran:

“Verily, at the creation of heaven and earth, and the alternation of day and night, are signs for those who understand. (Aal ‘Imran 3:190)”

After that he performed the ablution and started the Tahajjud prayer reciting some verses in praise of Allah. According to Aishah, when the Messenger of Allah got up at night for tahajjud, he used to praise Allah’s greatness ten times and then praise him ten times. Then he said the words “Glory and glory be to Allah” ten times. Then he said ten times “Glory to the Holy King” and asked forgiveness from Allah ten times. Then he said ten times “There is no god but Allah”. Finally he said: “O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the tribulations of this worldly life and the tribulations of the Day of Resurrection.”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) initially offered two succinct prayer units that became much longer when he used to pray alone. According to Allah’s command in the holy book Quran – “Stand in prayer all night except for a little” (Al-Muzzammil 73:2) – the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to lengthen each step of the Tahajjud prayer, sei be it the supplications, the reciting of the Qur’an or even the opening recitations. He used to begin Tahajjud prayer with total reverence, love and devotion to Allah. The words with which he used to begin his prayer were:

“O Allah! Lord of Gabriel, Michael and Raphael, Maker of heaven and earth, Knower of the seen and the unseen, You will judge between Your servants in that which they once differed. Lead me by Your grace to the truth about what they differ. Verily You lead whom You will to a straight path.”

“I turn my face to the Creator of the heavens and the earth because of pure belief, and I am not of the polytheists. Verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are for Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, who is partnerless. This is as I was commanded, and I am of those who submit. O Allah! You are the king. There is no god but You. You are my Lord and I am your servant. I have been unfair to myself and I confess my sins, so forgive me all my sins, for indeed no one forgives sins but you. Lead me to the best behavior. No one leads to what is best but you. Keep me from bad behavior because nobody but you can do this for me. Here I am. I heed your call and am happy to serve you. All good is in your hands and no evil is yours. I exist by your will and will return to you. You are blessed and exalted. I seek your forgiveness and repent to you.”

Tahajjud is an important prayer, although not obligatory. Its benefits are immense and can help bring peace and spirituality to the everyday life of a Muslim who carries it out with devotion and diligence.

Old Delhi offers the rarest options through the Taraweeh sessions

Old Delhi offers the rarest options through the Taraweeh sessions

It was the year 610. It was Ramzan, and Muhammad, the husband of Khadijah, retired to the Cave of Hira to meditate in solitude. From childhood he was known for stepping away from the crowd to ponder life’s questions, the reasons for existence and so on. As a young boy, when he was grazing goats, he would often go to the outskirts of the city in Mecca to find some peace and quiet.

The habit never left him. However, that night in Hira was not an ordinary night, either for him or for humanity. Sitting there in utter isolation, Muhammad was visited by an angel, Jibrail. He said: “Iqra Bismikallazee” (Read, in the name of the Lord). After Mohammed could neither read nor write, the angel asked him to repeat after him. This is how the first verse of the Koran came into being. The process was to continue for another 22 years, with the angel asking him to repeat after him. It went on to 114 suras and 30 chapters. The book was completed just before the Prophet’s last breath in 632.

By the way, shortly after teaching him the first verse, the angel also taught him the way of offering the prayer, the daily salat prayer, which Muslims still offer in the same way today. In fact, to this day, Muslims around the world strive to complete at least one reading of the Holy Book in Ramzan. It is also the month when special Taraweh prayers are held every evening after Isha, the last prayer of the day.

The entire Qur’an is recited in Tarawih. In a place like Delhi, there is plenty of choice for the believers. For those short on time and lacking in faith, Old Delhi offers the rarest of rare opportunities where a special nightly Tarawih session is held. In about six hours, the Qur’an is recited at an extremely fast pace. The prayers begin about two hours after iftar and end about half an hour before suhour.

Then there are tarawih prayers, which are held six to 15 days in the month of Ramzan. Again, playback is brisk but by no means breathless. This type of tarawih is often taken up by men who are not too sure about being in the city towards the end of Ramzan, as most stay in Delhi for their bread and butter. Closer to Eid, they head home to townships in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It works quite well for them to hear the Koran in 15 days. Such options are offered by mosques throughout Delhi. There are mosques in Muslim dominated places like Okhla, Nizamuddin, Inderlok, Seelampur etc. that offer diversity in this segment. So you can take part in the tarawih prayers for 15 days on the ground floor. Or go to the first floor which offers a full recitation of Quranic verses in 10 days. And if you go higher, to the second floor, the deed is done in six days! By the way, Haafiz (those who have memorized the Qur’an) are in great demand at this time, and many come over from distant places especially for Ramzan.

However, it is the mosques, which hold tarawih for 27 or 29 nights, that attract the most staunch believers. For the hundreds of worshipers who crowd into each mosque each evening, mosques are illuminated from the night of the new moon, including the historic Jama Masjid. New carpets are often laid out, chandeliers cleaned and dusted, even walls freshly painted. Some mosques, like the Jama Masjid in New Delhi, cater better to the faithful than others. Here, every believer is given a bottle of mineral water so that they can quench their thirst during the prayer, which can last up to 90 minutes. More importantly, the imam often gives the congregation a brief translation of Arabic verses into everyday Urdu and English. Among the supporters here are former Vice President Hamid Ansari alongside political leaders from across the spectrum.

Quite different in the far east of Delhi. Here most of the Namaazis are workers. So ends up almost every mosque with stalls of restaurants and everyday necessities outside. Some sell hats, others prayer beads or rosaries. Still others sell dates for iftar or pheni, a sweet delicacy for suhour meals, the next night. Most shoppers eat small amounts every day and prefer to keep some cash in their pockets. However, in the heart of the city, in Old Delhi’s historic Jama Masjid or Fatehpuri Masjid, funds flow easily. The restaurants sell fried fish and chicken, kabab, biryani, shahi tukda and pakodas.

It lasts until about 3:45 a.m. Then the muezzin calls for another prayer. And another quick one begins. And the Koran revealed in Hira in 610 will also be read in 2018.

tahajjud, (Arabic: “keeping watch”), in Islamic practice, the reciting of the Qurʾān (Islamic scriptures) and prayers during the night. Tahajjud is generally considered a sunna (tradition) rather than a farḍ (duty). There are many verses in the Qur’an encouraging these nocturnal recitations and other verses indicating that such practices should remain “a voluntary effort” (17:79). Everywhere, devout Muslims perform tahajjud as a form of asceticism in imitation of the Prophet Muhammad, who continued nightly vigils even after the five daily prayers were instituted. In fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) it is considered censurable to prevent those who wish to practice tahajjud as much as they wish. According to one tradition, Tahajjud “unties the knots that Satan ties in a sleeper’s hair.” Tahajjud is considered particularly meritorious during Ramadan (the Muslim month of fasting), so Muslims often spend these nights in mosques, praying and reciting the Koran until dawn. In some Muslim countries, an official nightly adhan (call to prayer) has been introduced.

The Taraweeh prayer is one of the specialties of the Ramadan nights; Throughout the month, Muslims line up at night to observe a series of optional rakats of prayers and listen to and ponder the recitation of the Qur’an.

Taraweeh derives from the Arabic word meaning “rest and relax” as it is considered a special form of Islamic meditation.

origins

In the last year of his life, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came out one night and prayed Tarawih. That evening some people prayed with him. On the second night, word spread and more people joined the Tarawih. On the third night even more people came. On the fourth night the mosque was full and people were waiting for the Prophet to come.

However, the Prophet prayed alone at home. After Fajr he said: “Nothing prevented me from coming to you except the fact that I feared it would become obligatory for you.” (Muslim)

From the time of Caliph Abu Bakr to the beginning of the time of Caliph Omar, people prayed Tarawih either individually or in small groups. Later, Caliph Omar gathered everyone behind an Imam and they prayed 8 rakats. Eventually it was increased to 20 rakat to make it easy for people.

Number of rakats and how to perform them

According to a hadith by Sahih Al Bukhari, the Tarawih prayer is eight rakats. The Prophet (PBUH) led the Tarawih prayer for eight rakats. Taraweeh is prayed in sets of two rakats each, just as you would pray your normal salah. The shortest is two rakats and the longest is 20 rakats. However, during the time of Caliph Omar bin Abdulaziz (AD 717 to 720), the people of Medina performed the Tarawih prayer for 36 rakats.

Taraweeh rewards

There are many rewards for praying the tarawih. The Prophet said: “Whoever stands in prayer (the night prayer) with Iman (faith) during Ramadan and hopes for reward, all his/her previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Since the rewards for good deeds are multiplied during the month of Ramadan, the rewards for Taraweeh are even greater. The Prophet said: “Whoever approaches (Allah) by performing any of the (voluntary) good deeds in (this month) will receive the same reward as at any other time an obligatory deed, and whoever performs an obligatory deed in (this month). month) shall at any other time receive the reward for the fulfillment of seventy obligations.” (Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah)

Pray in the mosque or at home

By Rachel McArthur

During the holy month of Ramadan, after the last daily prayer (Isha), special prayers called Taraweeh are performed each evening.

Taraweeh derives from the Arabic word meaning “rest and relax” as it is considered a special form of Islamic meditation.

These special prayers involve reading long sections of the Qur’an as well as performing many rakah (cycles of movements included in Islamic prayer).

After performing four rakah, one sits for a short time to rest before continuing.

During the standing parts of the prayer, long passages from the Qur’an are read. The Qur’an is divided into equal parts to be read on each of the Ramadan nights of equal length, and so 1/30th of the Qur’an is read on consecutive nights. The goal is to read the entire Quran by the end of Ramadan.

Taraweeh prayers usually take place in mosques where Muslims pray in congregation. Although not compulsory, tarawih are highly recommended during Ramadan.

Rakahs vary from 14 to 20 cycles depending on which imam presides over them. However, according to a hadith, it is narrated by Bibi Aisha that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would not perform more than 11 or 13 rakah on any given day.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Reading Duha, Tahajjud and Witr Prayers.

We live in a world that demands so much of us. We work tirelessly, exhausting our bodies in this quest to provide for our families. Taking care of our families is an act of worship, among many other acts of ibadah. It is important that we do not lose ourselves in dunya and forget our true purpose of worshiping Allah SWT. This can be done in many ways. It is an essential part of our spiritual health that we follow the example of the greatest man on earth, Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

One of the ways we can do this is by following the Sunnah and worshiping Allah SWT as He did to the best of our ability. The Sunnah services can be tragically neglected and this robs the heart of what benefits it. We must strive to revive and implement the Sunnah, and this is the best way to ensure we live enriched lives and have empowered communities.

As Muslims, it is important to shine in our worship during the month of Ramadan. A good way to do this is by hosting additional sunnah prayers. The prayers we will focus on are the Duha, Tahajjud and Witr prayers.

The Duha prayer

Duha prayer is classified as an additional prayer that Prophet Muhammed (SAW) would pray. This prayer is offered any time between sunrise and the Dhuhr prayer. The benefits of praying this prayer are powerful. In a hadith qudsī, Allah SWT says:

“O son of Adam! Pray four rak’ats for me at the beginning of the day and I will take care of you for the rest of the day” (Tirmidhī)

Anyone who reads four rak’ahs of this additional sunna prayer, Allah will take care of them for the rest of the day. This is powerful as we go through so much in our time and often encounter many obstacles and problems. Therefore, knowing that Allah SWT is with us to help us can offer much comfort to a believing heart.

For the Duha prayer, you can read either two ra’kahs, four ra’kahs, or eight ra’kahs. The Prophet (saww) read up to eight Ra’kahs. Praying four ra’kahs is recommended, but even offering two ra’kahs is good.

The Tahujjud prayer

“Our Lord, the Blessed One, the Superior, descends on the heaven nearest to us every night when the last third of the night remains and says: ‘Is there any one who calls upon me that I may answer the call? Is there anyone who asks Me to grant his request? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness so that I can forgive him?” [Bukhari]

Tahujjud prayer is the prayer of the night. Ideally, it is offered in the last third of the night, the time before Fajr. However, it can also be offered at any time during the night after Isha. During the last third of the night, Allah SWT descends to the lowest heaven to answer every believer who worships Him.

Praying Tahajjud Salah is relatively easy. The hardest part is waking up in the middle of the night, but remembering the reward and closeness of speaking to your Creator while most of creation sleeps can bring comfort to the distressed soul. After doing wudu, offer 2 ra’kah of sunnah prayer. You can pray as many Ra’kah as you like in intervals of 2. You finish your tahajjud by finishing it with witr salah.

The last third of the night is a very blessed time. Since we already wake up early too fast, try waking up a few minutes earlier and your tahajjud salah.

The Witr prayer

“The Witr prayer is offered in units of two raka’ah. If you fear that dawn is near, end with a single raka’ah so that the night prayer has an odd number.” (Bukhari)

Witr prayer is the last prayer of the night. It can be offered anytime after Isha and before Fajr. So if you are planning to pray tahajjud, wait to pray your witr prayer after you finish your tahajjud salah. Although this is an additional prayer, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would never leave it even when he was traveling.

Witr Salah is performed by praying two rak’ahs and then a single rak’ah. You can pray up to eight rak’ahs and then end it with a single rak’ah. Praying 3, 5, 7 and 9 Ra’kah for Witr Salat is permissible. Another (Hanafi) method of praying this additional prayer is to pray three rak’ahs and then in the third rakah after reciting the sura, raise your hands in supplication and recite Dua Qu’noot.

Getting used to praying your extra sunna prayers can be challenging at first, but with patience and perseverance; As we consistently perform these prayers, it will become ingrained within us and become the fiber of our being.

Below are some tips to help you put these additional prayers into practice.

Tips for structuring the prayers:

Seek Help from Allah – Before embarking on any new venture, be sure to seek the help of Allah SWT. He is the one who can guide you and help you draw closer to Him.

Create a Buddy System – Try to find someone to start this journey with you. Having the support of a friend or family member will make it easier to fight your nafs and perform those extra prayers.

Start small:

“Do good deeds rightly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not bring you to enter Paradise and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and enduring even if it were small.” [Bukhari] .

The most popular deeds in Allah SWT are the small deeds done consistently. Try to find the prayer that is easiest to do and do it consistently. Love Allah more than praying all three at once and then giving up shortly after because you are overwhelmed. Remember that praying the Supererogatory prayers consistently and patiently will develop a habit and constantly pondering their virtues will enhance the experience and help solidify your intention.

May Allah SWT allow us to do what pleases Him and make it easy for us to excel in Fardh and Sunnah worship. amine.

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