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Tahajjud During Ramadan

Scholar Verified

Written by: M. Hamza

Researcher: Ayesha Rahman

Reviewed by: Omar Abdullah

Last Review: 9 September 2026

Our Ramadan information is carefully examined by a qualified Islamic reviewer to help ensure that religious details, references, and guidance are presented accurately and responsibly.

Tahajjud is a voluntary night prayer offered after sleeping and before the Fajr prayer. It can be prayed throughout the year, but it has special value during Ramadan. The quiet hours of the night give Muslims time to pray, read the Quran, and make sincere dua.

When Is Tahajjud Prayed?

The time for Tahajjud begins after Isha and ends when Fajr begins. The best time is the last third of the night, shortly before Fajr.

To calculate the last third:

  1. 1.Note the time between Maghrib and Fajr.
  2. 2.Divide the total night into three equal parts.
  3. 3.The final part is the last third of the night.

For example, if the time from Maghrib to Fajr is nine hours, the last third begins three hours before Fajr.

Quranic Guidance

Allah says:

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

Transliteration: Wa mina al-layli fatahajjad bihi naafilatan laka ‘asaa an yab‘athaka rabbuka maqaaman mahmooda.

Translation: "And rise at night and pray with it as an additional prayer for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a station of praise."
Surah Al-Isra, 17:79

This verse highlights the special value of voluntary night prayer.

Hadith About Tahajjud

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

يَنْزِلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الآخِرُ

Transliteration: Yanzilu rabbuna tabaraka wa ta‘ala kulla laylatin ila as-sama’i ad-dunya hina yabqa thuluthu al-layli al-akhir.

Translation: "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 that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?"
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim

This is a special time for dua and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

How to Pray Tahajjud

Tahajjud is prayed in sets of two rak‘ahs.

  1. 1.Make the intention to pray Tahajjud.
  2. 2.Pray two rak‘ahs like a normal voluntary prayer.
  3. 3.End the two rak‘ahs with salam.
  4. 4.Repeat two rak‘ahs if you wish.
  5. 5.Finish with Witr if you have not already prayed.

There is no fixed number of Tahajjud rak‘ahs. You can pray two, four, six, eight, or more according to your ability. The Prophet ﷺ said:

صَلَاةُ اللَّيْلِ مَثْنَى مَثْنَى

Transliteration: Salatu al-layli mathna mathna.

Translation: "The night prayer is offered two rak‘ahs at a time."
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim

Tahajjud and Taraweeh

Taraweeh and Tahajjud are both forms of night prayer, but they are commonly used in different ways.

  • Taraweeh: Usually prayed after Isha during Ramadan, often in congregation.
  • Tahajjud: Usually prayed after sleeping, often in the last third of the night.
  • Qiyam al-Layl: A wider term for voluntary worship during the night, including Taraweeh and Tahajjud.

If you pray Taraweeh in the mosque and later wake up for Tahajjud, you can pray more voluntary rak‘ahs. Do not repeat Witr if you already prayed it after Taraweeh.

If you expect to wake up for Tahajjud, it is better to delay Witr until after Tahajjud. If you may not wake up, pray Witr before sleeping.

What to Do After Tahajjud

After praying, take time to make dua. You can ask Allah for:

  • Forgiveness for your sins
  • Stronger faith
  • Good health
  • Guidance for your family
  • Relief from difficulties
  • Success in this life and the Hereafter

You can also read the Quran, recite dhikr, and send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Tips for Praying Tahajjud in Ramadan

  • Sleep soon after Taraweeh if you plan to wake later.
  • Set an alarm before Fajr.
  • Start with two rak‘ahs instead of taking on too much.
  • Keep your intention sincere.
  • Make a short dua list before sleeping.
  • Use the Fajr timetable on Ramadan Calendar 360 to wake up on time.
  • Leave enough time for Suhoor and the Fajr prayer.

Tahajjud does not need to be long to be meaningful. Two sincere rak‘ahs, followed by heartfelt dua, can make a valuable part of your Ramadan night.

Ramadan Calendar 360 — Your complete guide to Ramadan, Eid, and Islamic worship. Visit us at Ramadan Calendar 360 for prayer times, Ramadan calendars, and more.