Tahajjud Prayer

Tahajjud is derived from the Arabic root “hajada” meaning: he who
was wakeful in the night. Thajjud prayer, also known as Salatul-Layl, was an
obligatory prayer for our Prophet (saw) to offer anytime after Isha Prayer.

For the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (saw) this particular prayer holds the most
merit from all the optional prayers that one can perform. As a mureed it is
particularly important and

“….highly recommended for you to observe Tahajjud Prayer, for it was
the practice of your righteous predecessors.The Tahajjud prayer brings you close
to your Lord, atones for your sins, drives disease from the body, and puts a
stop to transgression.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Time & Performance of Tahajjud:

“The closest that a slave comes to his Lord is during the middle of the
latter portion of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah the
Exalted One at that time, then do so.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Our mureeds should observe their tahajjud prayer anytime between: 12:30am and
one hour before Sehri ends.

Although Tahajjud Prayer can be anywhere between 2-8 rakaats (cycles), mureeds
are asked to perform atleast 4. The tahajjud should be observed such that in
each rakaat you recite Surah Fatiha once & Surah Ikhlas three times.

Waking up one’s soul partner:

It is highly recommended that one wakes up one’s own partner for this prayer
also. Abu Hurairah quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:

“May Allah bless the man who gets up during the night to pray and wakes
up his wife and who, if she refuses to get up, sprinkles water on her face.
And may Allah bless the woman who gets up during the night to pray and wakes
up her husband and who, if he refuses, sprinkles water on his face.” (Ahmad)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:

“If a man wakes his wife and prays during the night or they pray two rak`ahs
together, they will be recorded among those (men and women) who (constantly)
make remembrance of Allah.” (Abu Dawud.)