Tahajjud Prayer: Secret Night Worship That Transforms The Heart

When No One Else Can Help, the Night Can 

There are moments in life when no advice helps, no friend understands, and no success fills the void inside your chest. 

You lie awake in the middle of the night. Your eyes are closed, but your heart is wide open; anxious, searching, wounded. 

You’ve tried everything: podcasts, therapy, scrolling endlessly, even routine prayers, but nothing brings the tranquility you crave. And then, almost like a whisper from the divine, you hear of something called Tahajjud, the night prayer. 

• Not just a ritual. 
• Not just a Sunnah. 

But a transformational act of intimacy with Allah, one that has healed prophets, purified sinners, answered the heartbroken, and elevated the righteous, all while the world sleeps. 

This blog is your complete guide to the Tahajjud prayer not just how to pray it, but how it can truly transform your spiritual life. We’ll walk through each stage of awareness and share how Ihsan Coaching can support you personally through this journey with one-on-one religious consultation.  

What Is Tahajjud? (Arabic + Meaning)

The word Tahajjud (تَهَجُّد) comes from the Arabic root “h-j-d” (ه ج د) which means to leave sleep intentionally. 

It is a voluntary prayer performed after Isha and before Fajr, preferably in the last third of the night, and after one has slept. 

وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَىٰ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا 

“And during the night, wake up and pray as an extra (devotion) for you; it may be that your Lord will raise you to a station of praise.” 

Surah Al-Isra (17:79) 

كَانُوا۟ قَلِيلًۭا مِّنَ ٱلَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَ ۝ وَبِٱلْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ 

“They used to sleep but little of the night, and in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness.” 

Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:17–18) 

Why Tahajjud? Not Just a Prayer: A Portal

1- When You’ve Sinned and Feel Distant from Allah

“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven, when the last third of the night remains, and says: Who is calling upon Me so I may answer him? Who is asking of Me so I may give him? Who is seeking forgiveness so I may forgive him?” 

Sahih al-Bukhari 

The one who sinned, but cries alone in Tahajjud is dearer to Allah than the one who prays publicly for praise. There is no better time to return to Him.

2- When You’re Heartbroken or Spiritually Lost

Breakups. Death. Depression. Loneliness. Doubts in faith. Guilt. 

There is no therapist more healing than sujood in the last third of the night, where your tear hits the prayer mat and Allah listens, even if your words make no sense. 

Ibn Qayyim (رحمه الله) said: 

“The heart becomes broken. And no one can mend it but standing before Allah in the stillness of the night.” 

At this stage, you might relate to any of the following: 

• You’re doing your five daily prayers but feel no emotional or spiritual connection. 
• You’re overwhelmed with anxiety or stress, seeking peace beyond self-help books. 
• You’re looking for a purpose in your Deen and Dunya balance. 
• You’ve heard of Tahajjud but feel it’s only for the “super religious.” 

The Problem: Spiritual Emptiness 

In a time when dopamine addiction, screen fatigue, and stress culture dominate our lives, it’s easy to lose touch with our Creator. We search for meaning in people, jobs, or success, but the soul doesn’t respond to dunya. It responds to divine light.

3- When You Have a Difficult Decision to Make

• Marriage 
• Business 
• Career 
• Migration 
• Health 

Imam ash-Shafi’i (رحمه الله) said: 

“I never faced a decision except that I prayed Tahajjud, and I never regretted what I chose after that.”

4- When You’re Struggling Financially

وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَٱصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَا ۖ لَا نَسْـَٔلُكَ رِزْقًۭا ۖ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكَ 

“Enjoin prayer on your family, and be constant in it. We do not ask you for provision; We provide for you.” 

 Surah Ta-Ha (20:132) 

Sustenance is from Allah. And it comes not just from work, but from surrendering at night when your heart trusts His promise. 

How to Pray Tahajjud: A Simple, Authentic Guide

Timing: 

• Starts after Isha prayer 
• Ideal time: last third of the night 

Step-by-Step Guide to Tahajjud 

1. Sleep with the intention of waking for Tahajjud. 
2. Wake up in the last third of the night (calculate by dividing the time between Maghrib and Fajr into three parts). 
3. Perform Wudhu 
4. Pray 2 rakahs at minimum (can pray in 2-rakah sets: 2, 4, 6, 8) 
5. Make heartfelt Du’a in your language; this is your moment of divine intimacy. 

What Makes Tahajjud Different From Other Prayers?

• No rush, no noise, no performance, just you and Him 
• You pray not to show, but to heal, connect, and elevate 
• Du’a is more likely to be answered than at any other time 

How Ihsan Coaching Helps You with Tahajjud and Beyond

Our certified Islamic coaches walk you through: One-on-One Religious Consultation 

• Reconnecting with Allah based on your unique life context 
• Creating personal Tahajjud schedules aligned with your routine 
• Building emotional resilience through Quranic healing 
• Understanding Du’a strategy for goals, healing, and forgiveness 

Faith + Psychology = Real Growth 

At Ihsan Coaching, we blend Islamic teachings with practical coaching psychology, so your journey to Allah isn’t just ritualistic, it’s transformational. 

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I pray Tahajjud without sleeping first? 

While the word Tahajjud linguistically implies waking up from sleep, some scholars allow night prayer before sleeping, though the full reward of Tahajjud comes when you sleep and wake up intentionally for it. 

Q2. What time is Tahajjud prayer? 

It begins after Isha and continues until Fajr, but the last third of the night is the most spiritually potent time. 

Q3. How many rakahs are Tahajjud? 

Minimum is 2 rakahs. You can pray up to 8 rakahs, followed by Witr. 

Q4. Do I need to recite long Surahs in Tahajjud? 

No. Even short surahs are fine. Sincerity and emotional presence matter more than length. 

Q5. Can women pray Tahajjud during menstruation? 

Women can make Du’a and engage in Dhikr and Istighfar, but cannot perform Salah during menstruation. 

Q6. What should I make Du’a for in Tahajjud? 

Anything. The doors of the heavens are open. Ask for guidance, health, a spouse, forgiveness, rizq, peace, or anything close to your heart. 

Q7. How do I stay motivated for Tahajjud? 

• Start small: 2 rakahs only. 
• Sleep early and reduce screen time. 
• Have a Tahajjud buddy or spiritual coach. 
• Reflect on your “why”: what are you praying for? 

Your Night Is Calling 

You were created for more than just checking boxes in life. Tahajjud is not just a prayer; it’s an act of rebellion against your lower self, a love letter to your Creator, and the secret of the righteous. If your soul aches for deeper meaning, this is your sign. 

“Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend [in charity] out of what We have given them.”
(Surah As-Sajda 32:16) 

“Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” 

Surah Ghafir (40:60) 

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real. 

And nothing is more real than a soul that weeps before its Creator in the darkness of night.

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