How to perform Salatul Tahajjud?

[Nizam Uddin Akil]

Assalamualaikum.

I want to perform salatul tahajjud. but I don't know the proper rules and procedures. Please tell me step by step how to perform salatul tahajjud.

[Ahmed]

THE CORRECT TIME FOR TAHAJJUD

The time of Tahajjud extends from the time of Isha until SUBHE SADIQ [true
dawn]. Ahadith related from Hadhrat Aa'isha [radhiyallahu anha] state that
Nabie [salallahu alaihi wasallam] sometimes performed Tahajjud in the early
portion of the night and on occasions when half the night had passed.
However, towards the latter part of his life he frequently performed it in
the last portion of the night. As the night progresses, Allah Ta'ala's Mercy
and Blessings increase. Hence, the last sixth of the night is most
preferred. [Maktoobat Shaikh ul Islaam 77 p 202 - Fatawa Rahimiya vol 2 p
376]

DUA TO ASSIST ONE IN AWAKENING FOR TAHAJJUD

A person remarked to Abdullah bin Abbas [radhiyallahu anhu], "I always
intend awakening in the last portion of the night to perform Salaat but
sleep overpowers me." Ibne Abbas [radhiyallahu anhu] replied, "Before
sleeping recite from "QUL LAW KAANAL BAHRU MIDADAL..." to the end of Surah
Kahf. Allah Ta'ala will waken you at whatever time you intend rising."
[Tha'labi-Ma'ariful Quraan vol 5]

NUMBER OF RAKAATS IN TAHAJJUD

The number of rakaats performed by Nabie [salailahu alaihi wasallam] varied
according to the prevailing circumstances. Although on certain occasions
sufficient time was available, Nabie [salailahu alaihi wasallam] would
perform less rakaats reciting lengthy Qiraat.[Khasa'ile Nabawee p 156]

Deducing from the various narrations four to twelve rakaats in units of two
or four have been recommended. [Imdaadul Fatawa vol 1 -Baab finnawaafil /
Maraqiyul Falah], However if two rakaats are performed in the prescribed
time it will be regarded as Tahajjud.[Raddul Mukhtaar vol 1 p 715]

OCCASIONS WHEN ONE IS UNABLE TO AWAKEN FOR TAHAJJUD

Hadhrat Aa'isha [radhiyallahu anhal relates, "If for some reason Rasulullah
[salallahu alaihi wasallam] was unable to perform Tahajjud, he would perform
twelve rakaats during the day [at the time of Chaast - before midday".
[Shamail Baab fi Ibadah]

Note: Hadhrat Umar [radhiyallahu anhu] relates that Rasulullah [salallahu
alaihi wasallam] said, "Whoever was unable to complete his devotions at
night should complete it in the morning before noon. It will be regarded as
though he had completed it at night." [Muslim]. One should not overlook it
because of the time passing by, otherwise the nafs will become accustomed to
omitting it. [Khasail p 156]

by Moulana AS Chohan

Was salam

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
http://www.islam.tc/cgi-bin/askimam/...=3378&act=view

[Ahmed]

http://alislaah4.tripod.com/advices41/id36.htm

The great significance of Tahajjud Salaat may be understood from the following tradition: It is reported that our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam asked Sayyidina Jibra'eel Amin Alayhis Salaam to exhort him to something. Sayyidina Jibra'eel Amin Alayhis Salaam said:

"O Muhammad Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam! Live you as you wish, for verily you will depart from this Doonya someday. And love whatever you like, for verily you will have to part from it. Act as you wish, for verily you will have to face it. Know that the distinction of a believer lies in his establishing the night vigil (Tahajjud Salaat) and his nobleness lies in refraining from (maligning) the people's honour."

The high degree of its significance can be understood from Sayyidina Jibra'eel Amin's recommending it to our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam for had Sayyidina Jibra'eel Amin Alayhis Salaam deemed anything else as more important, he would have mentioned it while giving advice. It is said on the authority of Hazrat Abbas R.A. that our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam said:

"Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala appoints the night vigil (Tahajjud Salaat) as sustenance for His slaves. Man or woman, when he/she wakes up at night with sincere devotion towards Almighty Allah, performs Wudhu, and performs Tahajjud Salaat for the Pleasure of Almighty Allah with the purity of intention, with wholeheartedness and with tearful eyes, Almighty Allah appoints seven rows of Mala'eeka to pray behind him/her. No one except Almighty Allah can count their number on each side of each row, which extends from the east to the west. When he/she concludes the Salaat, Almighty Allah writes grades for him/her equal to their number."

It is reported from Hazrat Anas R.A. that he heard our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam say:

"Two Raka'ats of prayer performed in the middle of the night are dearer to me than the entire world and everything therein.

[Nizam Uddin Akil]

Thanks brother Ahmed for your help. Is their any special niyyat and dua that is prayed in salatul tahajjud? because i saw in a website that wrote a special dua to be prayed in the sajda of 2nd rakat of tahajjud. or should I pary tahajjud just like normal nafal salat except that tahajjud should be prayed late night.

[abuhajira]

Thanks brother Ahmed for your help. Is their any special niyyat and dua that is prayed in salatul tahajjud? because i saw in a website that wrote a special dua to be prayed in the sajda of 2nd rakat of tahajjud. or should I pary tahajjud just like normal nafal salat except that tahajjud should be prayed late night.

No, There is no particular dua for tahajjud salah. You may memorize all the duas taught by Nabi and recite them in abundance. In between the rakat too, you can sit and make numerous duas to Allah about whatever you wish and desire for.