Namaz Tahajjud in Islam — Importance and Benefits of Tahajjud
The Importance of tahajjud
We know in Islam that voluntary acts are a great way of getting closer to Allah. Allah informed us about this Himself via a Hadith Qudsi. One of the voluntary actions that Prophet Muhammad (S) did the most often was the night prayer or how to read namaz tahajjud. He would often go to sleep soon after offering Isha prayer, then he would awaken during the last third of the night to stand in prayer for long durations, often until his feet became swollen.
Attaining Allah’s love is one of the most desirable things for human beings. However, we are all too often so engrossed in our daily lives that we neglect our relationship with Allah. That is utterly wrong, however, and we should always be in search of ways that we can please Him and worship Him.
There is a Hadith in Sunan Abi Dawood that tells us about the last third of the night. This is the ideal time to offer Tahajjud because Allah comes down to the lowest heavens during this period. Then, He asks the Muslims who have given up their sleep: Who will make dua so that Allah can reply to Him? Who has repented to that Allah may forgive their sins? Having duas answered and being forgiven are two of the best things that can happen to a Muslim.
Recommendation
First, start off with reciting the Dua for Tahajjud before starting the salah.
Then Pray 2 rakats of Salah each (without iqamah) and it can be prayed till 8 Rakat, how much of that you want to pray, for example, 2 Rakat or 4 Rakat or 6 Rakat or 8 Rakat is up to you but more is always better.
After Tahajjud Salah is done, it is the sunnah to end with three Rakat witr and if time is short (Fajr time is near) then end with one Rakat of Witr Salah.
If you are going to pray Tahajjud then pray Witr prayer after Tahajjud Prayer, but if you have already prayed Witr after Isha Prayer then do not pray Witr Prayer again because there is only one Witr in a night.
Make Dua and ask for forgiveness and for Jannatul Ferdous and refuge against Hellfire.
It is best to pray Tahajjud Salah 1 to 1.5 hours (last one-third of the night) before Fajr starts.
