How to Pray Tahajjud — Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide

AI Quick Answer

"How do I pray Tahajjud step by step?"

1. Sleep after Isha. 2. Wake in the last third of the night. 3. Make wudu. 4. Make intention (niyyah) for Tahajjud in your heart. 5. Pray 2 rakaats — short surahs are fine (Ikhlas, Falaq, Nas). 6. Repeat for 2-8 more rakaats in pairs. 7. End with Witr (1 or 3 rakaats). 8. Make personal dua. That is a complete Tahajjud.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Step 1: Prepare the night before

Sleep early. Set your alarm 45 minutes before Fajr. Place your prayer mat facing Qibla. Have wudu water ready. Make niyyah before sleeping: 'O Allah, wake me for Your sake in the night.'

Step 2: Wake and make wudu

Cold water helps with alertness. Say Bismillah and make a complete wudu. Do not go back to bed after wudu.

Step 3: Start with 2 light rakaats

The Prophet ﷺ would begin Tahajjud with 2 short rakaats. In these, recite Surah Al-Fatiha + a short surah (Al-Ikhlas works). This warms up your prayer.

Step 4: Pray your Tahajjud rakaats

Now pray 2 rakaats at a time, up to 8 total. You may recite longer surahs here — Al-Baqarah, Al-Imran. The Prophet ﷺ prayed long Tahajjud. In sujood, stay longer than usual and make dua.

Step 5: Pray Witr

End with Witr — 1 or 3 rakaats. In the last rakaat of Witr, recite Qunut (O Allah, guide me among those You have guided...).

Step 6: Make personal dua

This is why you woke up. Sit in the stillness. Raise your hands. Speak to Allah in any language. Ask for everything.

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