Witr and Tahajjud Prayer: Virtues and How to Pray

Witr and tahajjud are two precious prayers that revive the blessing of the night. Witr is prayed after the night (isha) prayer, while tahajjud is a voluntary act performed after sleeping during part of the night. Night prayers are special moments that draw the servant nearer to the Lord and bring peace to the heart.

What is witr and how is it prayed?

Witr is a prayer performed after the isha prayer, commonly prayed as three units. In the final unit, before bowing, the hands are raised and the qunut supplication is recited; one who does not know it may say a short supplication or words of glorification. Witr may be prayed until the time of isha ends; it is good for one who is unsure of waking at night to pray it before sleeping.

What is the tahajjud prayer?

Tahajjud is a voluntary prayer performed after sleeping for a while during the night and then rising. There is no fixed upper limit on the number of units; it is commonly prayed in pairs as two, four, or eight units. Regularly observed by the Prophet, this prayer is most virtuous when performed in the latter part of the night, in the pre-dawn hours.

Ways of praying and recommendations

One who wishes to rise for tahajjud may take care to sleep early and keep a firm intention. The prayer is begun with ablution and performed calmly, without haste; afterwards it is good to turn to Allah with repentance, seeking forgiveness, and supplication. Night worship done consistently, even if little, is often better than what is done irregularly.

Spiritual benefits of night worship

The night prayer nurtures patience, sincerity, and the serenity of being alone with Allah. It is known that supplication and seeking forgiveness in the pre-dawn hours are closer to acceptance; this time is well suited to repentance and reflection. Regular night worship also increases spiritual discipline and peace of heart during the day; by following your prayer times through our site you can easily set the pre-dawn hour.