Sholat Tahajud Berapa Rakaat: Benefits, How to Perform, and FAQs
Sholat Tahajud is a voluntary prayer that Muslims perform during the night after they have slept for a few hours. It is a highly recommended prayer and is considered one of the most rewarding ones, especially if performed with sincerity and dedication. Muslims all over the world perform Tahajud to seek Allah’s blessings and guidance, to repent for their sins, and to express their gratitude for all that they have been given. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to perform the Tahajud prayer, how many Rakaat are required, what are its benefits, and answer some frequently asked questions about it.
What is Sholat Tahajud?
Sholat Tahajud is a voluntary prayer that is performed after midnight and before the before the dawn prayer (Fajr). It is offered after waking up from sleep and is considered a gesture of devotion and gratitude towards Allah. The word Tahajud comes from the Arabic root “hajada,” which means to remain awake at night.
How Many Rakaat are Required for Tahajud Prayer?
The Tahajud prayer is performed in Rakaats, which are units of prayer. The minimum number of Rakaat that can be offered is 2, and the maximum is 12. However, it is recommended to offer 8 Rakaats, as this was the number offered by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself, according to many Hadiths (sayings) of the Prophet. Some scholars also suggest offering 4 Rakaats, 6 Rakaats, or any number between 2 to 12 as per individual capacity and convenience.
What is the Time for Tahajud Prayer?
The time for Tahajud prayer starts approximately an hour before the Fajr prayer and ends at the break of dawn. It is best to perform Tahajud in the last third part of the night, as that is considered the most favourable time for seeking Allah’s blessings and forgiveness.
How to Perform Tahajud Prayer?
Performing Tahajud is not very different from other prayers. However, there are certain steps that need to be followed to ensure that the prayer is performed correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing Tahajud:
1. Make ablution (wudu) as you do for other prayers.
2. Wear clean clothes and choose an appropriate place for prayer.
3. Start with two Rakats of prayers, silently, without any additional recitation.
4. After completing these 2 Rakaats, recite any Surah from the Quran or any part thereof.
5. After the recitation, prostrate and perform Sajdah twice. Once getting up from Sajdah recite any supplication (Dua). The supplication can be recited in any language, and it is recommended to recite it with full heart and sincerity.
6. Get up from the Sajdah and perform 2 more Rakaats in the same way as mentioned above.
7. Repeat the above mentioned process until the number of Rakaats intended to be performed have been performed.
8. Finally, after completing the intended number of Rakaats, recite the Tasbih of Fatimah and Salawat. The Tasbih of Fatimah consists of reciting Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) 33 times, Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) 33 times and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) 34 times. After completing the Tasbih, offer Salam to the right followed by left.
It is important to remember that while performing Tahajud prayer, one needs to have a calm and peaceful mind, free from distractions and negative thoughts. The prayer should be performed with full heart and sincerity, and it is highly recommended to supplicate and ask for Allah’s forgiveness and guidance during and after the prayer.
Benefits of Tahajud Prayer:
Tahajud prayer has several benefits both spiritually and physically. Some of the benefits are:
1. It helps to purify the soul and strengthens the connection with Allah.
2. It helps to overcome anxiety, stress, and depression and provides peace of mind.
3. It helps to seek Allah’s forgiveness, repent for the sins committed, and seek His guidance.
4. It helps to attain closeness to Allah, as it is considered one of the most sincere forms of prayer.
5. It is believed that Tahajud prayer increases one’s good deeds, which in turn increases their reward in the hereafter.
6. It helps to improve one’s physical health by getting up early in the morning.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. Is Tahajud prayer mandatory or voluntary?
Tahajud prayer is voluntary, not mandatory. However, it is highly recommended that Muslims perform it as it has several spiritual and physical benefits.
2. How many Rakaats can be offered in Tahajud prayer?
The minimum number of Rakaats that can be offered is 2, and the maximum is 12. However, it is recommended to offer 8 Rakaats.
3. Can Tahajud prayer be performed before sleeping?
No, Tahajud prayer cannot be performed before sleeping as it is a night prayer that is performed after sleeping for a few hours.
4. What is the best time for Tahajud prayer?
The best time for Tahajud prayer is in the last third part of the night. However, it can be performed anytime after midnight and before dawn prayer (Fajr).
5. Is it necessary to recite Surahs during Tahajud prayer?
Yes, it is necessary to recite Surahs during Tahajud prayer. After completing the 2 Rakats, any Surah from the Quran or any part thereof can be recited.
In conclusion, Tahajud prayer is a highly rewarding form of voluntary prayer that has several spiritual and physical benefits. It is a great way to seek Allah’s guidance and forgiveness, and attain closeness to Him. Muslims around the world perform Tahajud to show their devotion and gratitude towards Allah. We hope that this article has helped you understand how to perform Tahajud prayer, how many Rakaats are required, and the benefits of performing it. If you have any further queries, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.