The Benefits of Salat-ut-Tahajjud

By Tooba Yasser, Director of Editing

Salat-ut-Tahajjud is an important Sunnah prayer which has many great benefits for those who take the time to read it. Salat-ut-Tahajjud is a series of sunnah prayers which are to be read before the Fajr adhan. It should be read in two rakat increments to total four, eight, or twelve rakats. Not only is reading this prayer a great Sunnah but it has other great benefits as well, not to mention it takes very little time to read and is easy.

Salat-at-Tahajjud is a series of sunnah prayers that requires you to wake up only a mere ten minutes before the Fajr adhan. The closer you can read your prayer to the adhan, the better it is, so this way, if you are already awake you can read Fajr as soon as the adhan finishes. Like the Fajr prayer, your Tahajjud should be read two rakats at a time to equal four, eight, or twelve rakats. You can read only two rakats if you want, but it was an emphasized sunnah to read either four, eight, or twelve rakats meaning that you would have to read two, four, or six separate prayers of two rakats each. It is the effort that counts! May Allah (SWT) always reward us for our efforts! It only takes a few minutes to read each one, and it is a great habit to build for everyday as it will also make you more likely to wake up on time and read Fajr closer to its adhan.

There are many benefits to Salat-at-Tahajjud which is why we shouldn’t miss it. Amr ibn Abasah reported that Prophet (ﷺ) once said, “The closest that the Lord is to His slave is in the later part of the night, so if you can be one of those who remember Allah (SWT) at that time, then do so.” This is the time that one should use to get closer to Allah (SWT) and have a conversation with Him. The doors of mercy and forgiveness are open during the last third of the night. Salat-ut-Tahajjud is conveniently timed during this and it is narrated that Allah (SWT) descends every night to the skies of this world during that time in order to listen to the dua’as of His servants. He searches for those who make dua’a to Him to respond to them and he looks to grant forgiveness to those who seek it at that time. Before sleeping, we should make an intention to say that we will wake up for Tahajjud because more likely than not, Allah (SWT) will help you wake up. If not, you still receive the reward for waking up for Salat-at-Tahajjud because you tried to wake up and it was not your fault that you didn’t.

Additionally, praying Salat-at-Tahajjud keeps the Shayateen away and brings you closer to Allah (SWT). The Prophet (ﷺ) never missed this sunnah prayer and following his path is highly recommended. By performing it regularly, you will have a Noor or light on your face that will never be achieved through even the most expensive creams and lotions. It will light up your face, soul, and your grave, even providing you with comfortable bedding whilst you wait for the Day of Judgement.

Moreover, Salat-ut-Tahajjud increases the means for us to pursue knowledge. It increases one’s livelihood and keeps one physically fit. It also provides shelter on the Day of Judgment as well as a crown on the Last Day. In the grave, the performer of this prayer will receive companionship and ease in the questioning of Munkar and Nakir. All in all, this prayer has countless benefits, and reading it regularly, will increase our chances to get closer to Allah (SWT). May Allah (SWT) grant everyone the opportunity to read Salat-at-Tahajjud regularly and accept all of our efforts in trying to read it.