And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional[worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.(AL-Quran 17:79)
“Tahajjud” is derived from “Hujud”, meaning sleep. It, literally, signifies giving up of sleep. It is a sunnah prayer that can be performed anytime between Isha and Fajr.For it to be called Tahajjud one has to have a short sleep then wake up for Tahajjud.
Time For Praying Tahajjud
It can be done any time between Isha and Fajr Prayer but it is recommended to pray it between Midnight and Fajr preferably in the last third of the night.Abu Hurairah quoted the Prophet(Peace be Upon him) saying:
“Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, inquiring: ‘Who will call on Me so that I may respond to him? Who is asking something of Me so I may give it to him? Who is asking for My forgiveness so I may forgive him?’” (Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet(Peace Be Upon him) used to wake up for Tahjjud on hearing the cock crow as Masruq narrates: (more…)