In the quietest hours of the night, when distractions fade and the heart becomes most sincere, lies a moment unlike any other — the time of Tahajjud. It is in these private moments that countless believers have cried out to Allah, seeking relief, guidance, healing, or simply closeness to Him. While dua alone is powerful, Islam teaches us that sincere effort must walk hand-in-hand with supplication.
This guide will walk you through the meaning and importance of Tahajjud, and the most powerful and authentic duas you can say during this blessed time.
Table of Contents
What is Tahajjud?
Tahajjud is a special voluntary night prayer that holds immense spiritual value in Islam. It is performed after the obligatory Isha prayer and preferably after sleeping for a portion of the night. Unlike the five daily prayers, Tahajjud is not obligatory, but it was a consistent practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and is highly encouraged in the Qur’an and Sunnah. This prayer is a quiet, intimate act of worship where a believer stands before Allah during the stillness of the night to seek His mercy, guidance, and forgiveness.
It is a sign of sincere faith and deep connection with the Creator, and those who perform it are praised in the Qur’an as being among the righteous.
Powerful Duas for Tahajjud
Tahajjud is one of the most spiritually intense times to raise your hands in supplication. When you wake in the last third of the night, you are in a moment when Allah is closest to His servants, and duas made at this time are among the most sincere and accepted.
Here are several authentic duas you can make to seek Allah’s help during Tahajjud—whether you’re praying for forgiveness, strength, success, or peace of heart:
1. Dua for Forgiveness During Tahajjud
This dua is best said during sujood in Tahajjud, when your heart is humbled before Allah and you’re sincerely seeking His forgiveness.
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي كُلَّهُ، دِقَّهُ وَجِلَّهُ، وَأَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ، وَعَلاَنِيَتَهُ وَسِرَّهُ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ighfir lī dhanbī kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, wa awwalahu wa ākhirahu, wa ʿalāniyatahu wa sirrahu.
Translation:
O Allah, forgive all my sins — the minor and the major, the first and the last, the public and the private.
2. Dua for Guidance and Clarity in Life
This is a beautiful supplication to make during qunoot or after finishing your Tahajjud prayer when seeking direction from Allah.
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي وَسَدِّدْنِي، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالسَّدَادَ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ihdinī wa saddidnī. Allāhumma innī as’aluka al-hudā wa as-sadād.
Translation:
O Allah, guide me and grant me correctness. O Allah, I ask You for guidance and sound judgment.
3. Quranic Dua for Spiritual Peace and Mercy
This powerful Quranic dua can be recited in Tahajjud to seek Allah’s mercy and tranquility for the heart.
Arabic:
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْوَهَّابُ
[سورة آل عمران: 8
Transliteration:
Rabbana lā tuzigh qulubanā baʿda idh hadaytanā wa hoblana min ladunka raḥmah. Innaka anta al-Wahhāb.
Translation:
Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us mercy from Yourself. Truly, You are the Bestower.
4. Dua for a Content Heart and Strong Faith
Use this heartfelt dua in moments of doubt or sadness, asking Allah for steadfastness.
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلِ الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيعَ قَلْبِي، وَنُورَ صَدْرِي، وَجِلَاءَ حُزْنِي، وَذَهَابَ هَمِّي
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ajʿal al-Qur’āna rabīʿa qalbī, wa nūra ṣadrī, wa jilā’a ḥuznī, wa dhahāba hammī.
Translation:
O Allah, make the Qur’an the spring of my heart, the light of my chest, the remover of my sorrow, and the reliever of my distress.
5. Dua for Tahajjud from the Sunnah
This comprehensive dua was often recited by the Prophet ﷺ during the night prayer (Tahajjud). It includes praise of Allah and requests for guidance, forgiveness, and steadfastness.
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ، أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ، أَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ، أَنْتَ مَلِكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ…
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ، وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma laka al-ḥamdu, anta qayyimu as-samāwāti wal-arḍi waman fīhinna, wa laka al-ḥamdu, anta nūru as-samāwāti wal-arḍi waman fīhinna, wa laka al-ḥamdu, anta maliku as-samāwāti wal-arḍi…
Allāhumma aghfir lī mā qaddamtu wa mā akhkhartu, wa mā asrartu wa mā aʿlantu, anta al-muqaddim wa anta al-mu’akhkhir, lā ilāha illā anta.
Translation:
O Allah, all praise is due to You. You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. All praise is due to You. You are the Light of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. All praise is due to You. You are the Sovereign of the heavens and the earth…
O Allah, forgive me for what I have done in the past and what I will do in the future, what I have kept hidden and what I have done openly. You are the One who brings forward and the One who delays. There is no deity worthy of worship except You..
The Power and Significance of Dua for Tahajjud
Tahajjud is not just a night prayer; it is an intimate conversation between a servant and His Lord during the most blessed part of the night. Making dua during Tahajjud holds a unique power because it reflects sincerity, humility, and deep trust in Allah. It is a time when hearts are most connected to their Creator and distractions are few, allowing for a more focused and heartfelt supplication.
An Islamic Perspective on Tahajjud
The Prophet ﷺ consistently encouraged his Ummah to pray Tahajjud, describing it as the habit of the righteous and a means to draw closer to Allah. It is mentioned in the Qur’an:
- “And in the hours before dawn, they would ask forgiveness.”
[Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:18] - And Allah directly instructed the Prophet ﷺ:”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.” [Surah Al-Isra 17:79]
The Virtue of Supplicating in Tahajjud
One of the most remarkable Hadiths that shows the virtue of this time is:
“Allah descends to the lowest heaven every night when the first third of the night has passed and says: ‘I am the King, I am the King! Who is calling upon Me so I may answer him? Who is asking of Me so I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness so I may forgive him?’ And He continues like that until dawn breaks.”
(Reported by Muslim)
This divine moment is an open invitation from Allah Himself to pour your heart out and receive mercy, guidance, and blessings. It strengthens your Tawakkul (trust in Allah) and reinforces your connection with Him, especially in times of hardship, confusion, or hope.
Read Also: Laylatul Qadr Dua List
Why Should You Build the Habit of Tahajjud?
Building the habit of praying Tahajjud transforms your relationship with Allah. This nightly prayer is a gateway to spiritual clarity, inner peace, and answered supplications. When you wake up at a time when the world is asleep, and stand humbly before your Lord, you are demonstrating sincerity, love, and true devotion. Tahajjud softens the heart, increases faith, and opens the door to barakah in your life—be it in your studies, work, family, or mental well-being.
Many scholars and righteous people throughout Islamic history attributed their success, wisdom, and spiritual strength to their consistency in Tahajjud. It is a secret act of worship that brings public blessings.
Practical Steps to Complement Your Duas
While Tahajjud Dua holds great power, Islam encourages us to take practical steps alongside our supplications. True reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) means doing our part while placing complete trust in His decree. Here are a few actionable tips to help you make the most out of your Tahajjud and stay consistent:
1. Set a Consistent Sleep and Wake-Up Schedule
Establishing a stable nighttime routine will help your body and mind adapt to waking up for Tahajjud. Avoid staying up too late, and aim to sleep early so you can rise with energy and purpose.
2. Prepare Mentally and Physically Before Sleeping
Make wudu before sleeping, and intend to wake up for Tahajjud. Mentally preparing yourself increases your chances of waking up with sincerity and motivation.
3. Reduce Distractions and Prioritize Your Intentions
Keep your phone away before sleeping and avoid screens that delay sleep. Instead, reflect on your intentions, read some Qur’an, or make dhikr. This will spiritually prepare your heart for the night prayer.
Read Also: Dua Qunoot – In English, Transliteration, And Arabic
Learn Quran and Islamic Studies with Riwaq Al Quran
Making dua is a powerful act of worship — a direct line of communication with Allah. But true transformation comes when dua is paired with action. One of the greatest actions a believer can take is seeking beneficial knowledge, especially knowledge of the Quran and Islamic teachings.
At Riwaq Al Quran, we believe that every Muslim — young or old — deserves access to authentic, high-quality Islamic education. That’s why we offer personalized one-on-one online classes in:
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Our teachers are certified, native Arabic speakers who are trained to work with students of all ages and backgrounds — whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to perfect your recitation. Lessons are conducted in a flexible, supportive, and spiritually uplifting environment.
Let your night prayers lead to a journey of knowledge. Enroll in a course today and start building a stronger relationship with the Quran — one lesson at a time. Book Your Free Trial Class Now
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to make Duas for Tahajjud?
The best time to make Tahajjud duas is during the last third of the night. It’s when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and responds to those who call upon Him.
Can I say these Duas for Tahajjud in English, or do they have to be in Arabic?
While Arabic is ideal, especially for Quranic duas, you can certainly make dua in your native language, Allah understands all languages.
How can I help my child learn Duas for Tahajjud?
Start by teaching one dua at a time with its meaning. Use repetition, visual aids, and consistency. Enrolling them in a structured program like Riwaq Al Quran can also help greatly.
What if I make a mistake in the pronunciation?
Don’t worry, Allah is Most Merciful. Keep trying and correct your mistakes over time. Seeking guidance from a teacher can help improve your pronunciation.
Conclusion
The Tahajjud prayer holds a special place in the heart of every believer seeking nearness to Allah. It is a time when the world sleeps, yet the hearts of the righteous awaken — not for worldly gain, but to humbly stand before their Lord, to seek His mercy, forgiveness, and guidance.
The power of Tahajjud lies not only in its timing, but in the sincerity of the dua made during it. These supplications are a means of deep spiritual connection — a moment when Allah Himself calls out to His servants, offering to answer their prayers, forgive their sins, and fulfill their needs.
So rise in the last part of the night — even if for a few minutes — and call upon your Lord with certainty. Know that no effort is wasted, and no sincere dua goes unanswered.
