Offering Tahajjud, also known as Qiyaam ul-Lail or the night prayer, is a worship that brings immense spiritual benefits to Muslims. It is an optional prayer that may be performed during the late hours of the night. Tahajjud is a voluntary prayer that requires discipline, dedication, and regularity. In this article, we will discuss how to read Tahajjud and its benefits.
Timing of Tahajjud
The time for Tahajjud prayer starts after performing the Isha prayer and continues until the time for Fajr prayer. The best time to offer Tahajjud is the last third of the night. However, it is not mandatory to pray at this time. It can also be offered after midnight or before the time for Fajr prayer begins.
How To Perform Tahajjud
The Tahajjud prayer consists of a minimum of two Rak'ahs and a maximum of twelve. One may start with two Rak'ahs and gradually increase the number of Rak'ahs over time. One can perform the Tahajjud prayer in the following way:
Step 1: Make Intention
Before starting the prayer, one should make the intention for Tahajjud prayer. The intention should be clear in the heart that one is offering the Tahajjud prayer only for the sake of Allah.
Step 2: Perform Wudu
Perform Wudu, the ritual washing of hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head and feet, as is required for any other prayer.
Step 3: Start the Prayer
Start the prayer with the recitation of Takbir (Allahu Akbar). Then recite Suratul-Fatiha, which is the first chapter of the Quran. After that, recite any other chapter or verses from the Quran. Make sure to recite the Quran with proper Tajweed and reflection.
Step 4: Perform Rak'ahs
Perform the Rak'ahs as per your choice. A minimum of two Rak'ahs are required to complete Tahajjud. While performing the Tahajjud prayer, take time to reflect on each verse of the Quran and focus on the meaning.
Step 5: Perform Sajdah
Perform the Sajdah (Prostration) after reciting the Quran. Make sure to offer Sajdah with utmost humility and concentrate on your communication with Allah.
Step 6: Perform Tasleem
Complete the prayer by reciting the Salam (Tasleem) and greeting those you are praying with.
Benefits of Tahajjud
There are numerous benefits of offering Tahajjud prayer, among which are:
- Increase in spiritual strength: Offering Tahajjud prayer helps us to connect with Allah, and creates a sense of closeness and devotion towards him. It increases our spiritual strength, and helps purify and cleanse our hearts.
- Forgiveness of sins: The Tahajjud prayer is a means of seeking Allah's forgiveness for our sins. It allows us to repent and seek forgiveness for our mistakes and wrongdoings, and helps to make us better Muslims.
- Blessings and rewards: Allah rewards those who offer Tahajjud prayer with many blessings, both in this world and the hereafter. Those who regularly offer the Tahajjud prayer are blessed with peace, happiness, and success in their daily lives.
- Increased productivity: Offering the Tahajjud prayer helps us to stay focused and refreshed, which in turn increases our productivity throughout the day. We are more energised, focused and positive, which helps us to be more efficient and effective in all our tasks.
- Peace of mind: The Tahajjud prayer helps to calm our minds and soothe our souls. Its meditative aspects help us to focus on our thoughts, and gain clarity and peace of mind.
Conclusion
The Tahajjud prayer is a beautiful form of worship that offers numerous benefits to Muslims. By performing this voluntary prayer, we can increase our spiritual strength, seek Allah's forgiveness, and experience the many blessings that come along with it. Let us strive to make Tahajjud prayer a regular part of our lives, and benefit from its many rewards.
