The Teheccüd prayer is a voluntary act of worship performed by rising in the late hours of the night after sleeping for a short while following the Isha prayer. Literally meaning “to abandon sleep,” Teheccüd is also referred to in religious sources as “salâtü’l-leyl” (night prayer) and is a Sunnah that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consistently observed throughout his life.
This article discusses what the tahajjud prayer is, when and how it is performed, how many rak’ahs it consists of, its virtues, and the supplications that can be recited when rising for tahajjud—all in light of the primary sources of Hanafi jurisprudence.
What Is the Tahajjud Prayer?
This act of worship is a voluntary night prayer performed by sleeping for a while after the Isha prayer and then waking up later at night, before the time for the Fajr prayer begins. In the Holy Qur’an, the Prophet (peace be upon him) is addressed with the words, “Rise during part of the night and pray as an additional prayer (tahajjud) specific to you” (Al-Isra, 17:79), thereby encouraging this act of worship.
In *Al-Quduri*, one of the foundational texts of Hanafi jurisprudence, the following statement regarding this prayer is included:
وَيُسْتَحَبُّ فِي الْوِثْرِ لِمَنْ يَأْلَفُ صَلاةَ اللَّيْلِ أَنْ يُؤَخِّرَ الْوِتْرَ إِلَى آخِرِ اللَّيْلِ
Pronunciation: “And it is recommended in the Witr prayer for those who are accustomed to praying at night to delay the Witr prayer until the end of the night.”
Meaning: It is recommended for someone who is accustomed to praying at night (tahajjud) to delay the witr prayer until the end of the night.
When Is It Performed?
The time for this act of worship begins after the Isha prayer and ends before the time for the Fajr prayer (fajr-i sadik) begins. It may be performed at any time during this period; however, it is important to wake up after sleeping for a short while in order for the act of worship to be properly called “teheccüd.”
Which Is the Most Virtuous Time?
According to sources, the most virtuous time is the last third of the night. This time is also considered one of the moments when prayers are most likely to be answered; therefore, offering prayers and seeking forgiveness after the prayer is especially recommended.
How Is the Tahajjud Prayer Performed?
This prayer is performed in sets of two rak'ahs, just like other supererogatory prayers. There is a difference of opinion among Hanafi scholars regarding how the rak'ahs are connected with the salam:
- According to Imam Abu Hanifa: It is permissible to pray up to eight rak'ahs in voluntary night prayers with a single salam; more than eight is considered makruh.
- According to the two Imams (Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad): In night prayers, the salam must be recited after every two rak’ahs; more than two rak’ahs cannot be performed with a single salam.
The steps to follow when performing this act of worship can be summarized as follows:
- After the Isha prayer, one sleeps for a while.
- One should get up later at night, preferably during the last third of the night.
- One makes the intention after performing ablution; like other prayers, the tahajjud prayer is also contingent upon being in a state of purity (having performed ablution).
- Prayer is performed with at least two rak'ahs, reciting a surah or a few verses after the Fatiha in each rak'ah.
- After prayer, one should pray—preferably with prolonged prostrations and seeking forgiveness.
What Is the Relationship Between the Tahajjud and Witr Prayers?
For those who are certain they will wake up for the tahajjud prayer at night, the most appropriate course of action according to the Sunnah is to delay the witr prayer until after the tahajjud prayer. Those who are not certain they will wake up, however, should perform the witr prayer before going to sleep, immediately after the Isha prayer.
What Are Its Virtues and Wisdom?
This act of worship is described in the sources as a means to many virtues, both spiritual and legal:
- The pinnacle of sincerity: Performed in the stillness of the night, free from the congregation and all pretense, and offered solely for the sake of Allah, it is considered one of the highest examples of sincerity.
- Acceptance of Prayers: The latter part of the night is described as one of the times when prayers are most likely to be answered.
- The love of the Guardian Angels: It is reported that in the advice our Prophet (peace be upon him) gave to Anas b. Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), he said, “Increase your night prayers so that the Guardian Angels may love you.”
- Protection from the torment of the grave: It is said that nightly acts of worship serve as a light against the darkness and torment of the grave.
- Preserving Knowledge: It is recommended that anyone who does not want to forget what they have learned continue to perform night prayers, even if it is only two rak'ahs.
- Unraveling the Devil’s Knots: It is said that one of the knots the Devil ties at the nape of a sleeping person’s neck is undone through remembrance of God, the second through ritual ablution, and the third through prayer (tahajjud); thus, the believer begins the day feeling more refreshed.
What Prayers Are Recited When Getting Up for the Teheccüd Prayer?
Repentance and seeking forgiveness are among the foremost acts of prayer and remembrance performed during the time of the Teheccüd prayer. It is recommended to reflect on the following verse at this time:
رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَاطِلًا سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Pronunciation: “Our Lord, You did not create this in vain; glory be to You. So protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
Translation: “Our Lord! You did not create this in vain. We glorify You. Protect us from the torment of Hell!” (Al-Imran, 3:191)
According to a narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), whenever the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would rise during the night, he would perform long prostrations and supplicate, “O Allah! You are Most Forgiving and love to forgive; please forgive me as well.”
For information on prayer times and other voluntary prayers, you can also check out the page titled “How to Perform Tarawih Prayer: A Complete Guide to 20 Rak’ahs.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tahajjud Prayer
How many rak'ahs are there in the tahajjud prayer?
It is performed in at least two rak'ahs. According to Imam Abu Hanifa, voluntary night prayers can be performed with a single salam for up to eight rak'ahs, whereas according to the two Imams, a salam must be given after every two rak'ahs.
Does the night prayer performed before going to sleep count as tahajjud?
Since the word “teheccüd” refers to waking from sleep, it is generally performed after a period of sleep. However, night prayers performed without sleeping first also earn the reward of “night vigil” (salâtü’l-leyl).
Can one perform the tahajjud prayer without having performed wudu?
No. As with all other prayers, it is a requirement for this act of worship to be in a state of purity from hadath—that is, to have performed wudu.
Can someone who is making up a missed prayer perform the tahajjud prayer?
It is generally recommended in books of Islamic jurisprudence that a person who has missed prayers should first make up those missed prayers. However, in order not to miss out on the reward for night supererogatory prayers such as tahajjud, it is also recommended to pray at this time with the intention of making up missed prayers.
What is the most virtuous time for the tahajjud prayer?
The most virtuous time is the last third of the night. This time is also considered one of the times when prayers are most likely to be answered.
Sources
- The sections on prayer and prayer times in the fundamental text of Hanafi fiqh, *Al-Quduri*, and its related commentaries.
