How to pray Tahajjud

A simple, practical walkthrough of praying Tahajjud, from waking to Witr.

Pending scholarly review · Last updated 9 August 2026

Tahajjud is prayed like any other voluntary prayer. There is no separate special form.

Step by step

Wake and prepare. Wash, make wudu, and pray in a quiet place.
Make your intention in the heart. Nothing is said aloud.
Pray in units of two. The Prophet ﷺ was asked about the night prayer and said: "The night prayer is two by two; and if one of you fears the approach of dawn, let him pray one rak'ah as Witr for what he has prayed." (Sahih al-Bukhari 990; Sahih Muslim 749)
Recite what you know. Any portion of the Qur'an you have memorised is enough. Lengthening the recitation is beloved, but not required.
Take your time. Unhurried bowing and prostration are part of the spirit of this prayer.
End with Witr — an odd number of rak'ahs.
Make dua, in your own language, for whatever is on your heart.

Rulings differ on details between schools of law. For a personal question about your own situation, ask a qualified scholar you trust locally.

Sahih al-Bukhari — 990hadith
Night prayer is two by two, closed with one rak'ah of Witr.
Sahih Muslim — 749hadith
Parallel narration.

Islamic educational content is provided with references. For personal religious rulings, please consult a qualified scholar.

See Isha, Islamic midnight, the last third and Fajr calculated for your own location.