The tahajjud prayer is a voluntary night prayer to attain mental strength and peace. Find out how to pray it here.
Praying tahajjud is a spiritual act of worship that allows Muslims to connect with Allah during the tranquil hours of the night.
It is a nafl (voluntary) prayer that holds immense blessings and is highly recommended for people who are seeking closeness to Allah and inner peace.
Here, we explore the significance of tahajjud, the best time to perform it, and a step-by-step guide on how to do so.
Performed during the last third of the night – after the isha prayer and before fajr – tahajjud is an act of devotion that allows us to connect deeply with Allah.
While it is not an obligatory prayer, tahajjud holds immense significance. Allah says in the Qur’an:
And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud beyond what is incumbent on you; maybe your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory. (17:79)
Tahajjud was consistently performed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
He (PBUH) said:
Hold on tight to the night prayer. Indeed it is the habit of the righteous who came before you. It brings you close to your Lord, wipes away your sins, prevents you from sinning and repels sickness from the body.
[Hadith |Tirmidhi]
This prayer embodies humility and dedication, fostering a sense of closeness to Allah that strengthens faith and patience.
Tahajjud can be prayed anytime after isha and before fajr. However, the most rewarding time is during the last third of the night.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
O you wrapped in your clothes! Stand all night in prayer except a little—pray half the night, or a little less, or a little more—and recite the Quran properly in a measured way. For We will soon send upon you a weighty revelation. Indeed, worship in the night is more impactful and suitable for recitation.( 73:1-6)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said:
Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains, and He says: ‘Who will call upon Me, that I may answer him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’
[Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari, 1145 & Sahih Muslim, 758]
Before beginning the tahajjud prayer, it’s important to prepare yourself by performing wudu (ablution), finding a quiet and clean space for prayer, and deciding the number of rakahs (units of prayer) you’d like to pray.
Tahajjud is prayed in sets of two rakahs, and there is no fixed number as to how many to pray.
Here is a quick step-by-step on how to read tahajjud:
Stand facing the qibla with your feet shoulder-width apart.
You should then make a sincere intention to pray tahajjud to seek Allah’s pleasure.
Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the greatest) to begin the prayer. Place your right hand over your left above your chest.
Recite surah al-fatihah (the opening chapter of the Qur’an), followed by another surah or at least three verses from the Qur’an.
Bow, saying “Allahu Akbar” and place your hands on your knees. Say “Subhana Rabbiy-al-Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord Almighty) at least three times.
Rise from the bowing position and stand upright while saying, “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him) followed by “Rabbana lakal hamd” (O our Lord, to You is the praise).
Prostrate yourself (sujood) while saying “Allahu Akbar” and place your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground. Say “Subhaana Rabbiy-al-A‘laa” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High) at least three times.
Sit up briefly while saying “Allahu Akbar.” Then return to sujood, repeating “Subhaana Rabbiy-al-A‘laa” at least three times.
Rise from the prostration and stand up saying “Allahu Akbar.” This concludes one rakah.
Begin the second rakah and repeat steps 4–8.
After completing two rakahs, sit and recite the tashahhud (At-tahiyyatu lillah, was-salawaatu wat-tayyibaat. As-salaamu ’alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Ullahi wa barakaatu. As-salaamu ’alayna, wa ’alaa ‘ibaadi-llahis saaliheen. Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu).
Send salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by reciting: “Allahumma Salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hamidum-Majeed. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hameedum-Majeed”.
It is highly recommended to recite some sunnah duas (supplications) at this point.
Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left, saying “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” each time.
After completing your prayer, make heartfelt supplications to Allah. This is a powerful time for dua, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is during the last part of the night, so if you can be among those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.
[Hadith | Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3579]
Praying tahajjud is a beautiful way to nurture your connection with Allah (SWT).
By dedicating a portion of your night to this voluntary act of worship, you open your heart to Allah’s mercy and blessings.
Tahajjud is also a powerful time for dua, with greater chances of your prayers being accepted during these quiet hours.
Even if you start with just two rakahs, aim to pray tahajjud regularly. The key is consistency. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.
[Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari, 6464 & Sahih Muslim, 2818]
During Ramadan, tahajjud holds even greater significance for many believers, as the rewards for worship and prayer are multiplied, making it an ideal time to strengthen our bond with Allah.
Tahajjud is not about the quantity of your prayer but the sincerity and effort you put into it. Whether you are seeking forgiveness, guidance, or a deeper connection with Allah, this special prayer is a profound way to achieve it.
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Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.