Tahajjud

THE CORRECT TIME FOR TAHAJJUD

The time of Tahajjud extends from the time of Isha (MAYBE BEFORE GOING TO SLEEP e.g 11pm in WINTER) until SUBHE SADIQ [true dawn-SEHRI END TIME ON UR WALL]. Ahadith related from Hadhrat Aa'isha [radhiyallahu anha] state that Nabie [salallahu alaihi wasallam] sometimes performed Tahajjud in the early portion of the night and on occasions when half the night had passed. However, towards the latter part of his life he frequently performed it in the last portion of the night. As the night progresses, Allah Ta'ala's Mercy and Blessings increase. Hence, the last sixth of the night is most preferred. [Maktoobat Shaikh ul Islaam 77 p 202 - Fatawa Rahimiya vol 2 p 376]

DUA TO ASSIST ONE IN AWAKENING FOR TAHAJJUD

A person remarked to Abdullah bin Abbas [radhiyallahu anhu], "I always intend awakening in the last portion of the night to perform Salaat but sleep overpowers me." Ibne Abbas [radhiyallahu anhu] replied, "Before sleeping recite from "QUL LAW KAANAL BAHRU MIDADAL..." to the end of Surah Kahf. Allah Ta'ala will waken you at whatever time you intend rising." [Tha'labi-Ma'ariful Quraan vol 5]

NUMBER OF RAKAATS IN TAHAJJUD

The number of rakaats performed by Nabie [salailahu alaihi wasallam] varied according to the prevailing circumstances. Although on certain occasions sufficient time was available, Nabie [salailahu alaihi wasallam] would perform less rakaats reciting lengthy Qiraat.[Khasa'ile Nabawee p 156]

Deducing from the various narrations four to twelve rakaats(NAFLS) in units of two or four have been recommended. [Imdaadul Fatawa vol 1 -Baab finnawaafil / Maraqiyul Falah], However if two rakaats are performed in the prescribed time it will be regarded as Tahajjud.[Raddul Mukhtaar vol 1 p 715]

OCCASIONS WHEN ONE IS UNABLE TO AWAKEN FOR TAHAJJUD

Hadhrat Aa'isha [radhiyallahu anhal relates, "If for some reason Rasulullah [salallahu alaihi wasallam] was unable to perform Tahajjud, he would perform twelve rakaats during the day [at the time of Chaast - before midday". [Shamail Baab fi Ibadah]

Note: Hadhrat Umar [radhiyallahu anhu] relates that Rasulullah [salallahu alaihi wasallam] said, "Whoever was unable to complete his devotions at night should complete it in the morning before noon. It will be regarded as though he had completed it at night." [Muslim]. One should not overlook it because of the time passing by, otherwise the nafs will become accustomed to omitting it. [Khasail p 156]