How many rak'ahs is Tahajjud?
There is no fixed maximum. What the Sunnah shows, and why two rak'ahs is a complete beginning.
Pending scholarly review · Last updated 9 August 2026
There is no fixed obligatory number. The night prayer is prayed two rak'ahs at a time, for as long as a person wishes, closed with Witr.
What ʿA''ishah described
ʿA''ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked about the Prophet's ﷺ prayer in Ramadan. She said that he did not exceed eleven rak'ahs in Ramadan or outside it. (Sahih al-Bukhari 1147; Sahih Muslim 738)
Other authentic narrations describe thirteen rak'ahs. Scholars have understood this variation as showing breadth, not contradiction.
So what should you pray?
- Beginning: two rak'ahs plus one Witr.
- Building: four rak'ahs plus Witr.
- Established: eight rak'ahs plus three Witr.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The most beloved deeds to Allah are the most consistent, even if they are few." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6464; Sahih Muslim 783)
Two rak'ahs can be a beginning.
References
Sahih al-Bukhari — 1147hadith
ʿA'ishah on eleven rak'ahs.
Sahih Muslim — 738hadith
Parallel narration.
Sahih al-Bukhari — 6464hadith
Most beloved deeds are the most consistent.
Islamic educational content is provided with references. For personal religious rulings, please consult a qualified scholar.
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