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TahajjudNight of Mercy

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 31 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. (Sahih Muslim 737; Sahih al-Bukhari 1138) 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.

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