Question:
ASALAAMU Alaikum
Can you give details as to how to properly perform Tahajud Salaah?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Virtues of Tahajjud
Abu Hurairah Radhiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah ﷺ said, “When one third of the night remains our Rabb (Lord), Most High, Most Exalted, descends to the first sky and announces, “Who is there to beseech Me that I may answer his prayer and who is there to seek forgiveness that I may forgive him. Then He spreads out His hands (of kindness and mercy) and proclaims, “Who will grant a loan to the One who is neither a destitute or an oppressor.” (Sahih Muslim)
Bilal Radhiallahu Anhu narrates that Nabi ﷺ said, “Be vigilant in standing up (in prayer) at night for it was the practice of the pious before you. It is a means of gaining proximity to Allah Ta’ala, expiation for transgressions and a barrier from sins (Tirmidhi).
Time for Tahajjud
The time for Tahajjud begins after one has performed Isha Salaah and extends up to Subh Saadiq (beginning time of Fajr). Sleeping is not a condition for the validity of Tahajjud. However, it is better to sleep and thereafter to rise and perform the Tahajjud Salaah. It is more virtuous to perform Tahajjud in the latter portion of the night.
Rasulullah ﷺ said, “The closest Allah Ta’ala gets to his servant is in the last portion of the night. If you possess the ability to be from among those who remember Allah, then become one of them.” (Tirmidhi)
Method of Tahajjud
The method of performing Tahajjud Salah is the same as performing any other Salah. One may perform two Rakaats and may increase as time permits.The number of rakaats performed by Nabi ﷺ varied according to the prevailing circumstances. Although on certain occasions sufficient time was available, Nabi ﷺ would perform less rakaats reciting lengthy Qiraat.
On different occasions and according to the various narrations, The Prophet ﷺ would perform four to twelve rakaats of Tahajjud in units of two or four.
After performing Tahajjud Salah, one should engage in Dua and ask for Allah Talaa’s mercy and forgiveness and whatever needs one may have.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Arshad Ali
Darul Iftaa, Jaamia Madinatul Uloom (Trinidad)