In Islam, the night prayer, known as Tahajjud, is a special act of worship performed in the quiet hours before dawn. It is considered a time when Allah’s mercy and blessings descend, and sincere prayers are answered. The Qur’an emphasizes this sacred practice in Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:2-4): “Stand [to pray] the night, except a little, half of it, or a little less, or more; and recite the Qur’an in slow, measured rhythmic tones.”
The night prayer is not obligatory but highly rewarding, allowing Muslims to draw closer to Allah, seek forgiveness, and ask for guidance. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Sahih Muslim 738)
Whether you are seeking spiritual growth, relief from anxiety, or closeness to Allah, establishing a nightly routine of prayer can change your life. In this guide, you will learn the significance, steps, and supplications of night prayer to deepen your connection with Allah and unlock divine blessings.
Hadith of the Day
“The most beloved prayer to Allah after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” — [Sahih Muslim 738]
Prayer for Forgiveness and Mercy
Qur’an 39:53 – “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of Allah’s mercy.’”
Prayer:
O Allah, I seek Your boundless mercy tonight. Forgive my sins, big and small, and cleanse my heart of every wrong I have done knowingly or unknowingly. Let Your forgiveness envelop me, and grant me peace and tranquility as I stand before You in this sacred hour. Guide me to walk in righteousness and remain steadfast in Your path. Ameen.
Prayer for Guidance in Life
Qur’an 1:6 – “Guide us to the straight path.”
Prayer:
O Allah, guide me in all my decisions and steps. Illuminate my path with Your wisdom and help me avoid the traps of confusion and misguidance. Strengthen my faith and enable me to make choices pleasing to You. Let Your guidance be a light in my heart tonight and always. Ameen.
Prayer for Strength in Faith
Qur’an 47:31 – “So fear Allah and be with those who are true.”
Prayer:
O Allah, increase my iman and keep my faith strong. Protect me from doubt, weakness, and temptation. Surround me with righteous company that uplifts my heart. Let my devotion grow deeper each night and let me always stand firm in Your truth. Ameen.
Prayer for Patience in Hardship
Qur’an 2:153 – “O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer.”
Prayer:
O Allah, grant me patience during trials and strength to endure difficulties. Help me trust Your timing and rely on Your wisdom. Let my heart remain calm and steadfast in prayer, and turn every hardship into a source of growth and closeness to You. Ameen.
Prayer for Protection from Evil
Qur’an 113:1-5 – “Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak…”
Prayer:
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from all evil, seen and unseen. Protect me from harm, whispers of Shaytaan, and the darkness of the night. Surround me with Your angels and let Your divine protection guard my mind, body, and soul. Keep me safe under Your mercy. Ameen.
Prayer for Family Well-being
Qur’an 25:74 – “Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes.”
Prayer:
O Allah, bless my family with health, love, and harmony. Protect them from harm and guide them on Your righteous path. Let our hearts find peace in one another and draw us closer to You. Grant us joy, contentment, and Your blessings abundantly. Ameen.
Prayer for Wealth and Provision
Qur’an 2:201 – “Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter.”
Prayer:
O Allah, provide me and my family with halal sustenance and blessings in all our endeavors. Protect us from poverty, financial stress, and worry. Let our earnings be fruitful, our needs met, and our hearts grateful for every provision You grant. Ameen.
Prayer for Health and Healing
Qur’an 26:80 – “And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.”
Prayer:
O Allah, grant me, my loved ones, and all believers good health and healing. Protect us from illness, pain, and harm. Strengthen our bodies and spirits, and let Your healing mercy flow through us. Make us strong to worship You fully. Ameen.
Prayer for Sincerity in Worship
Qur’an 98:5 – “They were commanded only to worship Allah, sincerely for His sake.”
Prayer:
O Allah, purify my intentions in all acts of worship. Let me pray, fast, and give charity sincerely for Your pleasure alone. Protect me from hypocrisy, pride, and distractions. Make every act of devotion meaningful and accepted by You. Ameen.
Prayer for Peace of Mind
Qur’an 13:28 – “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
Prayer:
O Allah, calm my heart and mind as I stand before You tonight. Remove anxiety, fear, and restlessness from my soul. Let Your remembrance fill me with tranquility, contentment, and hope. Grant me peace that lasts through the night and beyond. Ameen.
Prayer for Forgiving Others
Qur’an 24:22 – “Do not let hatred of a people prevent you from being just.”
Prayer:
O Allah, soften my heart and help me forgive those who have wronged me. Remove bitterness, anger, and resentment from my soul. Let me act with justice and mercy, reflecting Your forgiveness. Fill me with peace and love for others, and make me an instrument of Your compassion. Ameen.
Prayer for Guidance for Children
Qur’an 66:6 – “Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.”
Prayer:
O Allah, guide my children to the straight path and protect them from harm. Grant them faith, wisdom, and righteousness. Let their hearts be filled with love for You and obedience to Your commands. Keep them safe in this world and grant them success in the Hereafter. Ameen.
Prayer for Repentance
Qur’an 66:8 – “Turn to Allah with sincere repentance.”
Prayer:
O Allah, I turn to You in sincere repentance for all my sins. Forgive my mistakes, both hidden and open, and purify my heart. Help me leave behind wrong actions and draw closer to You. Make me steadfast in obedience and grateful for Your mercy. Ameen.
Prayer for Relief from Anxiety
Qur’an 2:286 – “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.”
Prayer:
O Allah, remove all anxiety, worry, and fear from my heart. Grant me strength to face life’s challenges with trust in You. Fill my mind with calm, hope, and clarity. Let Your peace replace every distress, and help me rely fully on Your wisdom. Ameen.
Prayer for Success in Life
Qur’an 3:26 – “Say, ‘O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will.’”
Prayer:
O Allah, bless me with success in all my endeavors. Guide my decisions and actions to achieve goodness in this world and the Hereafter. Let my work be fruitful and my efforts pleasing to You. Protect me from failure and grant me confidence and perseverance. Ameen.
Prayer for Strength Against Temptation
Qur’an 2:286 – “Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we forget or fall into error.”
Prayer:
O Allah, strengthen me against every temptation and evil desire. Protect my heart and mind from sinful thoughts and actions. Keep me aware of Your presence and mindful of Your commands. Help me resist wrongdoing and stay firm in faith and righteousness. Ameen.
Prayer for Patience and Gratitude
Qur’an 2:152 – “Remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not deny Me.”
Prayer:
O Allah, teach me patience in trials and gratitude in blessings. Let my heart remain thankful in every circumstance. Help me see Your wisdom in every situation. Fill my nights with remembrance and my days with contentment. Make me constant in faith and trust in Your plan. Ameen.
Prayer for Deliverance from Hardships
Qur’an 21:83 – “And Job, when he called to his Lord, ‘Indeed, adversity has touched me…’”
Prayer:
O Allah, relieve me from the burdens and hardships I face. Grant me patience and strength to endure trials. Ease my difficulties and guide me to solutions in Your wisdom. Let my heart trust Your plan and find comfort in Your mercy. Ameen.
Prayer for Strengthening Worship
Qur’an 29:45 – “Recite what has been revealed to you of the Qur’an and establish prayer.”
Prayer:
O Allah, help me establish consistent and sincere worship, especially during the night. Let my prayers be accepted and my heart focused. Strengthen my devotion, and make my acts of worship a source of closeness to You. Protect me from negligence and distractions. Ameen.
Prayer for Guidance to Righteous Companions
Qur’an 18:19 – “And the people of the cave were companions of faith; We strengthened them.”
Prayer:
O Allah, surround me with righteous companions who remind me of You. Help me choose friends who encourage goodness and faith. Let our hearts support one another in worship and obedience. Protect me from bad influences and strengthen our collective bond in Your guidance. Ameen.
Prayer for Strength in Trials
Qur’an 2:286 – “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.”
Prayer:
O Allah, grant me strength and patience during the trials I face tonight. Help me endure difficulties with faith and courage, trusting in Your plan. Remove despair from my heart and replace it with hope. Let every hardship refine my character and draw me closer to You. Protect me from weakness and strengthen my resolve. Ameen.
Prayer for Protection from Evil
Qur’an 113:1-5 – “Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak…”
Prayer:
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from all harm, seen and unseen. Protect me from the whispers of Shaytaan, from darkness, and from those who wish me ill. Surround me with Your angels and safeguard my soul. Let Your mercy and protection cover me throughout the night. Keep me safe and secure in Your care. Ameen.
Prayer for Forgiveness of Past Sins
Qur’an 39:53 – “Do not despair of Allah’s mercy.”
Prayer:
O Allah, forgive all my past sins and cleanse my heart of guilt and shame. Let Your mercy wash over me completely and grant me a fresh start. Help me to avoid repeating my mistakes and to live righteously. Fill my nights with Your remembrance and my heart with hope. Make me steadfast in Your obedience. Ameen.
Prayer for Guidance in Decision Making
Qur’an 1:6 – “Guide us to the straight path.”
Prayer:
O Allah, guide me in all my decisions and actions tonight and always. Illuminate my path with Your wisdom and help me avoid mistakes. Let me choose what pleases You and benefits my life. Protect me from confusion and misguidance. Strengthen my discernment and understanding through Your light. Ameen.
Prayer for Peace of Heart
Qur’an 13:28 – “In the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
Prayer:
O Allah, grant my heart serenity and remove every worry and fear tonight. Fill me with Your remembrance and let my mind find calm in Your presence. Protect me from restlessness and anxiety. Allow my soul to rest fully under Your care. Let Your peace flow through me and sustain me until morning. Ameen.
Prayer for Success in Life and Hereafter
Qur’an 3:201 – “Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter.”
Prayer:
O Allah, bless me with success and goodness in both this life and the Hereafter. Guide my actions, intentions, and decisions so that they align with Your will. Protect me from failure and misguidance. Grant me contentment, provision, and happiness. Let my life be pleasing to You, and my deeds accepted. Ameen.
Prayer for Family Protection
Qur’an 66:6 – “Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.”
Prayer:
O Allah, safeguard my family from all harm, both seen and unseen. Protect their hearts, bodies, and minds from sin and evil influences. Guide them in Your truth and keep us united in faith. Fill our home with love, peace, and Your blessings. Let Your angels guard us throughout the night. Ameen.
Prayer for Health and Well-being
Qur’an 26:80 – “And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.”
Prayer:
O Allah, grant me, my family, and all believers good health and protection from sickness. Heal the sick and strengthen our bodies and spirits. Let us rise in wellness to worship You fully. Protect us from harm and guide us to live in obedience. Bless us with vitality to serve You faithfully. Ameen.
Prayer for Sincerity in Worship
Qur’an 98:5 – “They were commanded only to worship Allah, sincerely for His sake.”
Prayer:
O Allah, purify my intentions in every act of worship tonight. Let my prayers, fasting, and supplications be sincerely for Your pleasure alone. Protect me from hypocrisy and distractions. Strengthen my devotion and love for You. Make my worship meaningful and accepted by You. Ameen.
Prayer for Gratitude and Contentment
Qur’an 2:152 – “Remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not deny Me.”
Prayer:
O Allah, fill my heart with gratitude for Your countless blessings tonight. Let me remain content in every circumstance and appreciative of Your mercy. Teach me to recognize Your gifts and to thank You in all situations. Strengthen my faith and bring peace to my soul. Keep me mindful of Your guidance always. Ameen.
Testimony
Fatima, a young Muslim woman, struggled with anxiety and restlessness every night. Despite following her daily routines, she often lay awake worrying about her studies, family, and future. Her heart felt heavy, and sleep eluded her, leaving her tired and frustrated.
One night, she decided to dedicate herself to sincere night prayers (Tahajjud), asking Allah for guidance, protection, and peace. She followed the supplications she had learned from the Qur’an and prayed with her heart fully present. Gradually, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders, a sense of calm filling her heart and mind.
Over time, these nightly prayers became a source of strength, clarity, and comfort. Fatima noticed that her anxiety reduced, her decisions became wiser, and her connection with Allah deepened. The nightly communion with Allah transformed her nights from restlessness into peace, proving that sincere night prayers hold profound power for inner tranquility and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is night prayer (Tahajjud) in Islam?
Q: What exactly is night prayer, and why is it important?
A: Night prayer, or Tahajjud, is a voluntary prayer performed after Isha and before Fajr. It is a time of deep reflection, sincere supplication, and closeness to Allah. The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize its spiritual benefits, including forgiveness of sins, guidance, and peace of heart. (Qur’an 73:2-4)
How many units (rak’ahs) should I pray at night?
Q: Is there a set number of rak’ahs for night prayer?
A: There is no fixed number for Tahajjud. Traditionally, believers pray at least two rak’ahs, but it can be more according to one’s ability. The focus is on sincerity, devotion, and consistency rather than quantity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged flexible but heartfelt worship. (Sahih Bukhari)
Can night prayer help with stress and anxiety?
Q: Will performing night prayer really calm my mind and reduce anxiety?
A: Yes, night prayer provides an opportunity for reflection, surrendering worries to Allah, and seeking guidance. Many believers experience inner peace, clarity, and relief from stress through Tahajjud, as it strengthens trust in Allah and fosters spiritual resilience. (Qur’an 13:28)
Is night prayer obligatory for Muslims?
Q: Do I have to pray at night to be a good Muslim?
A: No, night prayer is voluntary, not obligatory. While Fard (obligatory) prayers like Isha must be performed, Tahajjud is a Sunnah prayer that earns immense reward and spiritual benefits. Regular night prayer demonstrates devotion and strengthens one’s connection with Allah.
What is the best way to make night prayer consistent?
Q: I want to pray regularly at night, but I often feel too tired. What can I do?
A: Start with small, manageable prayers, even two rak’ahs. Adjust your schedule to allow adequate rest, keep intentions sincere, and gradually increase duration. Remember that consistency and devotion are more important than the number of rak’ahs. Regular prayer builds a habit and strengthens faith over time. (Qur’an 73:20)
Final Encouragement
Night prayer (Tahajjud) is a profound act of worship that draws you closer to Allah and strengthens your heart, mind, and soul. Even a few sincere rak’ahs prayed consistently can bring peace, clarity, and guidance into your life. Through these quiet hours, you can seek forgiveness, release burdens, and cultivate a deep connection with your Creator.
Remember, it is not the number of rak’ahs but the sincerity of your heart that matters most. Start gradually, remain consistent, and make these prayers a personal conversation with Allah. With time, patience, and devotion, your nights will transform from restlessness into serenity, and your life will be filled with divine guidance, mercy, and tranquility. Ameen.
Take Action Tonight
Don’t let another night pass in worry or restlessness. Rise in the stillness of the night and connect with Allah through Tahajjud. Even two rak’ahs with a sincere heart can change your life, bring peace to your mind, and guide your decisions. Make it a habit, and feel the weight of stress lift as your soul finds tranquility in His presence. Start tonight, commit to consistency, and watch how your nights and days transform under the mercy and guidance of Allah. Your spiritual breakthrough could begin this very night—don’t wait, pray now!