In the serene hours of the night, when the world is cloaked in darkness and tranquility prevails, Tahajjud prayer offers a unique opportunity for spiritual connection and reflection. This special night prayer is not only a means of seeking forgiveness and guidance but also a way to deepen one’s relationship with the Almighty.
In this article, we will explore the significance of Tahajjud and provide a step-by-step guide on how to pray Tahajjud for Ladies.
What is Tahajjud?
Tahajjud is a special night prayer in Islam, a quiet conversation with the Almighty when the world sleeps. It’s not an obligation, rather, it is a voluntary act of devotion. It is also part of the Sunnah, as our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions would often engage in night prayer.
Tahajjud is generally performed after one rises from their sleep. However, you may pray Tahajjud without sleeping, though the preferred option would be to pray it in the middle of the night (before fajr time) after one has woken up. The difficult act of waking up in the middle of the night is what gives Tahajjud its importance, and extra reward.
Is there any difference between Tahajjud for Ladies and Men?
In essence, there is no fundamental difference between Tahajjud for ladies and men. Both genders are encouraged to engage in this voluntary night prayer as a means of drawing closer to Allah and seeking spiritual closeness. The core rituals and supplications remain the same.
However, it is important to remember that the general differences between Prayer for Men and Prayer for Women still remain.
For example, the Awrah for women must be maintained and covered, which includes everything except for the hands, feet, and face.
How to pray Tahajjud for Ladies?
Pre-prayer preparations:
- Night Preceding Sleep: Plan to wake up in the last third of the night, preferably after a good night’s rest. Tahajjud is typically performed after the Isha prayer.
- Ablution (Wudu): Perform ablution to purify yourself physically and spiritually. Make sure to follow all of the steps as mentioned in the sunnah of the Prophet for the maximum reward.
- Choosing a Quiet Place: Select a quiet and secluded space where you can concentrate without distractions. It could be a corner of your home, creating an environment conducive to prayer. This point in particular is important for the women, because the more secluded the area in which they pray is, the greater the reward for their prayer.
- Number of Units (Rak’ahs): Tahajjud can consist of as few as two rak’ahs (units) and can be increased as desired. Start with a manageable number, and over time, you can gradually extend the duration of your prayer. Tahajjud is always prayed in pairs (of 2) and usually about 8 Rakats are performed in total. There is no fixed limit, however.
‘Abdullah b. ‘Umar reported:
A man stood up and said. Messenger of Allah, how is the night prayer? The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: The night prayer consists of pair, but if you apprehend the rise of dawn, make it odd number by observing one rak’ah.
~ Sahih Muslim 749c
How to pray Tahajuud:
- Intention (Niyyah): Begin with a sincere intention in your heart to perform Tahajjud. This private commitment sets the tone for a personal connection with Allah.
- Begin the Prayer: Begin with the Takbir (saying “Allahu Akbar”) to commence the prayer.
- Opening Duas: Recite the opening supplications, such as “Subhanaka Allahumma…” and “A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim.”
- Recitation of the Holy Quran: Recite verses from the Quran.
- Ruku (Bowing): Bow down with humility, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory is to my Lord, the Great).
- Sujud (Prostration): Move into sujud, prostrating with your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground. Repeat this twice.
- Repeat steps 3 – 6 for the second rakat.
- Tashahhud (Testification): During the sujud of the last rak’ah, recite the tashahhud.
- Closing the Prayer: End the prayer with the Tasleem by turning your head to the right and saying, “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (peace and mercy of Allah be upon you). Then turn your head to the left and repeat the same supplication.
This concludes our article on how to pray Tahajjud for Ladies.