How many rakats in tahajjud is a question that usually arrives in the most human way possible—half-awake, slightly guilty, and honestly hopeful. You finally decide to “start Tahajjud,” like launching a tiny startup after everyone else has gone home. But then you hit the first problem: nobody agrees on numbers. Two? Eight? Twelve? Eleven? So let’s make it simple.
The Big Idea: Tahajjud Has Flexibility on Purpose
Tahajjud is a voluntary night prayer. That word “voluntary” matters. It means the door is wide, not narrow. You’re not meant to feel trapped by a fixed number. You’re meant to build a habit that fits your life, your energy, and your consistency.
In everyday practice, Muslims often pray it in sets of two rak‘ahs, then end the night with Witr as an odd number. That pattern comes straight from the Sunnah.
Quran: Night Prayer Is Real Worship, Not a Trend
Allah mentions Tahajjud directly
In the Holy Quran Surah Al-Isra (17:79)
Arabic: وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةًۭ لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًۭا مَّحْمُودًۭا
English Translation: “And rise at ˹the last˺ part of the night, offering additional prayers, so your Lord may raise you to a station of praise.”
Allah also makes it manageable
: فَاقْرَءُوا مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنْهُ
English Translation: “So recite what is easy of it.”Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:20
That “easy” principle is a relief. It reminds you that night worship isn’t about showing off. It’s about showing up.
Hadith: The Prophet PBUH Gave a Clear Framework
Night prayer is prayed in pairs
Arabic: صَلَاةُ اللَّيْلِ مَثْنَى مَثْنَى، فَإِذَا خِفْتَ الصُّبْحَ فَأَوْتِرْ بِوَاحِدَةٍ
English Translation: “The night prayer is two by two, and if you fear dawn, then pray one rak‘ah as Witr.” Prayer at Night Sahih al-Bukhari (1137)
This hadith solves a lot of confusion. It tells you the shape of the prayer: two rak‘ahs at a time. Then, when you’re ready to finish, you end with Witr.
The Prophet ﷺ often prayed 11 rak‘ahs including Witr
Arabic: مَا كَانَ… يَزِيدُ… عَلَى إِحْدَى عَشْرَةَ رَكْعَةً
English Translation :“He never exceeded eleven rak‘ahs… then he prayed three (Witr).” Sahih al-Bukhari (1147)
This narration is a snapshot of the Prophet’s common practice, not a hard ceiling for everyone.
Categories: Namaz ,Zakat , Roza , Prayer , Hadith & Supplications
So What’s the Minimum and Maximum?
Here’s the simplest, widely accepted answer:
- Minimum: two rak‘ahs
- Maximum: no fixed maximum for voluntary night prayer, as long as it stays within the night and is prayed properly
Islam Question & Answer summarizes this clearly: the minimum is two, and there is no set maximum.
That’s why you’ll see different habits in different homes and cultures. The Sunnah gives room, not rigidity.
Practical Choices That Work in Real Life
If you’re new, you don’t need a complicated plan. You need a plan you can repeat.
Beginner set (best for consistency)
- 2 rak‘ahs, then sleep again
This is perfect for people who struggle to wake up or have early work. Two rak‘ahs done regularly can change you more than eight rak‘ahs done once a month.
Strong habit set (common and balanced)
- 4 rak‘ahs (2 + 2)
This gives you enough time to slow down without feeling overwhelmed.
Growth set (when you’re ready)
- 6 or 8 rak‘ahs (in pairs)
Many people love 8 because it feels structured, and it’s often mentioned in discussions of the Prophet’s night worship alongside Witr.
Finishing the night: Witr
Witr is prayed as an odd number. If you’re following a common pattern, you pray your night prayer in pairs, then end with Witr—often 1 or 3 rak‘ahs depending on your school and habit.
A “Startup Strategy” for Choosing Your Number
When a startup grows, it doesn’t start with a giant product. It starts with a version that works. Tahajjud is similar.
Use this decision path:
- If you’re exhausted → pray 2 and protect consistency
- If you feel stable → pray 4 for a month
- If your body adjusts → move to 6 or 8
- Keep Witr at the end if you can
This is how you build a habit that survives busy weeks.
What About Hanafi Practice?
Many Hanafi teachers encourage keeping Tahajjud manageable and consistent, often mentioning a pattern like 2, 4, 6, or 8 rak‘ahs—then Witr later in the night if you expect to wake. At the same time, the core rule remains: it’s voluntary, and you pray in pairs.
If you want beginner-friendly learning and reminders, many readers also benefit from www.quranmualim.com as an Islamic site that collects practical guidance for everyday worship.
Also Read: Words by words Quran PDF Download
Common Mistakes That Make People Quit
Mistake 1: Treating 8 like a “pass/fail” target
If you aim for 8 and keep failing, you’ll start hating the idea. Start with 2. Let the habit win first.
Mistake 2: Rushing through long rak‘ahs
Quality matters. Slow recitation, calm sujood, and sincere du‘a can make two rak‘ahs feel powerful.
Mistake 3: Thinking you must copy someone else
Your life is not their life. Your sleep is not their sleep. Tahajjud was made flexible for a reason.
One Recommended Resource (Amazon)
If you like keeping a focused book near your prayer space, you can explore The Night Prayers: Qiyam & Tarawih on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Night-Prayers-Qiyam-Tarawih-2nd/dp/1891229222
Hanafi Scholar PDF Book Names for Deeper Study
These Hanafi classics are widely taught, and PDF editions are often available through Islamic libraries and publishers:
- نور الإيضاح (Nur al-Idah)—Imam Shurunbulali
- مراقي الفلاح (Maraqi al-Falah)—Imam Shurunbulali
- الهداية (Al-Hidayah) — Burhan al-Din al-Marghinani
- بدائع الصنائع (Bada’i al-Sana’i) — Imam al-Kasani
- رد المحتار (Radd al-Muhtar) — Ibn ‘Abidin
Conclusion: Choose the Number You Can Carry
If you’re still wondering how many rakats are in tahajjud, remember this: the best number is the one that brings you back tomorrow. Start small, stay steady, and let your worship grow the way strong things grow—quietly, consistently, and with purpose.
How many rakats in Tahajjud stops being stressful when you stop chasing perfection and start chasing sincerity. Tonight, pray too. Next week, add two more. Keep moving forward.
FAQs
Is two rak‘ahs enough for Tahajjud?
Yes. Two is the minimum and a strong starting point. Consistency matters more than quantity, especially for beginners.
Can I pray 8 rak‘ahs every night?
Yes, if you can do it calmly and consistently. Pray them in pairs of two, and don’t rush the recitation.
Do I have to pray the same number every night?
No. Voluntary worship can change from night to night. Some nights you may pray 2 times; other nights, 4 or more.
How do I end Tahajjud properly?
Pray the night prayer in pairs, then end with Witr as an odd number when you’re ready to finish before Fajr.
What if I wake up late and only have a few minutes?
Pray 2 rak‘ahs quickly but respectfully, make a short du‘a, and prepare for Fajr. A small prayer done sincerely is never “too little.”
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