Introduction
In this world full of demands, we often work tirelessly and face fatigue in our bodies while taking care of our families. Yet, each act of care is a form of worship and part of ibadah, reminding us of our higher purpose. I once felt myself drifting into the Dunya, but returning to Allah SWT brought back my spiritual health and strength.
Following the Example of the Prophet
The greatest human, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), showed us how to perform Duha,Tahajjud and Witr prayer with sincerity. Watching how he would walk gently on this earth made me realize how important it is not to lose this connection. These night acts are integral, helping the heart stay alive, and reminding us of the beautiful example we are meant to follow
The Tahujjud prayer
The Lord, the Blessed and Superior, comes down each night to the nearest Heaven in the last third that remains, calling us to invoke Him so He may respond to our invocation. He asks, “Will you ask, so I may grant your request? Are you seeking forgiveness, so I may forgive you?” This narration in Bukhari reminds every believer that Allah SWT draws near, ready to answer the hearts that are truly worshipping.
The Value of Tahajjud Prayer
TheTahajjud and Witr prayer is ideally offered after Isha and before fajr, when the soul feels closest to the Creator as He descends to the lowest sky. In my own journey, waking in the third night gave me peace, even though it was hard at first. But Tahajjud and Witr prayer became a treasure, a moment where silence spoke, and I felt the weight of His mercy lifting my heart.
Reference:-
وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةًۭ لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًۭا مَّحْمُودًۭاوَالَّذِيۡنَ يَبِيۡتُوۡنَ لِرَبِّهِمۡ سُجَّدًا وَّقِيَامًا
“And rise at ‘the last’ part of the night, offering additional prayers, so your Lord may raise you to a station of praise.” (Quran, 17:79)وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَإِدْبَـٰرَ ٱلنُّجُومِ
“And glorify Him during part of the night and at the fading of the stars.” (Qur’an, 52:49)The Duha Prayer
The Duha prayer is a supererogatory act that the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) would pray between sunrise and Dhuhr, showing its benefits and powerful impact on the soul. I once read a hadith qudsī where Allah SWT calls the son of Adam to offer rak’ats at the beginning of the day, and He promises to take care of the rest. This Tirmidhī narration touched my believing heart, reminding me that through even two, four, or eight rak’ah, the extra sunnah can bring comfort, remove obstacles, and provide divine aid with every sincere offering of what is truly good and recommended.
The Witr Prayer
The Tahajjud and Witr prayer is prayed in units of two raka’at, and if you fear the dawn is near, you should conclude with a single rak’ah so the night worship remains an odd number. In Bukhari, it is described as the Tahajjud and Witr prayer after Isha and before Fajr, and many people plan to delay it until after praying Tahajjud. I remember learning that the Prophet (PBUH) would never leave this Tahajjud and Witr even while traveling, showing its constant importance.
The Practice of Witr Salah
This Tahajjud and Witr can be offered any time after Isha, but if you intend to pray Tahajjud, it is better to wait and do it after finishing. Personally, I found that making space for this practice gave my nights more meaning, even when tired. Whether prayed in small units or as one single rak’ah, the rhythm of this devotion reflects dedication to Allah and builds a habit of steady worship.
Practical Tips for Consistency
Seek help from Allah SWT before every effort, for only He can guide your endeavours and help you attain closeness to Him.
Create a buddy system with a friend or family member for support in this spiritual journey.
Make it easier to fight nafs by setting a small goal to perform extra prayers at night.
Start small with good deeds that are done properly, sincerely, and moderately.
Remember even a little effort is beloved to Allah, as mentioned in Bukhari.
Stay regular and constant, instead of becoming overwhelmed and giving up shortly after.
Use patience to build a firm habit, and keep reflecting on the virtues of each prayer.
Importance Of Tahajjud Prayer
Every Muslim who seeks closeness to the Almighty finds that the blessed night prayer brings a deep sense of peace and brightness in daily life. When I first tried waking up for Tahajjud and Witr, I realized the significance it carried in shaping both heart and mind. The blessings of these late-night moments cannot be compared with anything else, as they carry a calmness that settles the soul. Even though Tahajjud and Witr are Nafl prayers, they are still among the most virtuous acts of worship a believer can do. Over time, I noticed how this practice of Tahajjud and Witr transformed my spiritual routine and gave me a stronger connection with Allah.
Reference:-
وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةًۭ لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًۭا مَّحْمُودًۭا
“And rise at ‘the last’ part of the night, offering additional prayers, so your Lord may raise you to a station of praise.” (Quran, 17:79)وَالَّذِيۡنَ يَبِيۡتُوۡنَ لِرَبِّهِمۡ سُجَّدًا وَّقِيَامًا
“who spend the night prostrating themselves before their Lord and standing ” (Qur’an, 25:64)Importance of Qiyam-u-lail
The night standing, known as Qiyam-u-lail, is not just about discipline but also about reviving a Sunnah that was loved by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). When you rise from sleep to pray, it feels like an intimate conversation with your Lord, one that carries immense reward. I found myself experiencing tranquility in my heart and a clarity of thought that lasted through the day. The prayers at this time become a doorway to mercy, forgiveness, and strength to overcome challenges. Embracing this nightly worship opens a path where both devotion and consistency nurture the believer’s journey.
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When To Pray Tahajjud?
The Tahajjud prayer is a special night worship that is performed after Isha, the compulsory nightly salah, and before Fajr, the mandatory morning prayer. It is ideally offered in the last third of the time before dawn, but can also be performed throughout the night. This blessed moment is when Allah SWT descends to the lowest heaven, answering the call of every believer who is worshipping Him with sincerity. I personally found that waking at such hours brings unmatched peace, reminding me of the deep mercy hidden in this quiet devotion.
How to Perform Tahajjud Prayer:
The way of performing Tahajjud Prayer is like praying Two Rak’ah, whether Obligatory or voluntary, and the minimum raka’at was shown by the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). These prayers can be performed as four, six, eight, or twelve rak’ahs, making it possible to adjust based on one’s ability. The number is not limited, but at the least two rak’ahs with a salutation (salam) after every pair completes it beautifully.
When To Pray Tahajjud?
The Tahajjud prayer is a special night worship that begins after Isha, the compulsory nightly salah, and continues until Fajr, the mandatory morning prayer. It is ideally offered in the last third of the time before dawn, though it may be prayed at anytime throughout the night. This blessed moment is when Allah SWT descends to the lowest heaven, seeking to answer the call of every believer who is worshipping Him with sincerity. I personally feel the heart becomes lighter and stronger when one embraces these quiet hours of devotion.
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that he (the Messenger of Allah) was asked as to which prayer was most excellent after the prescribed prayer, he said:
أَفْضَلُ الصَّلاَةِ بَعْدَ الصَّلاَةِ الْمَكْتُوبَةِ الصَّلاَةُ فِي جَوْفِ اللَّيْلِ
Translation: “The best prayer after the prescribed prayer is the prayer in the middle of the night.”-
إِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ ٱلَّيْلِ هِىَ أَشَدُّ وَطْـًٔا وَأَقْوَمُ قِيلًا. إِنَّ لَكَ فِى ٱلنَّهَارِ سَبْحًا طَوِيلًا. وَٱذْكُرِ ٱسْمَ رَبِّكَ وَتَبَتَّلْ إِلَيْهِ تَبْتِيلًا
Qur’an, 73:6-8
Conclusion
The journey of Tahajjud and Witr teaches us that night worship is more than just extra prayers; it is a pathway to closeness with Allah SWT. Each step, whether through Duha, Qiyam-u-lail, or even a small rak’ah, builds strength in faith and purifies the heart. These acts, practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), remind us of balance, patience, and sincerity. True consistency lies not in how much we pray but in how sincerely we do it. By making space for these moments, we unlock peace, mercy, and a deeper connection to our Creator.