Many Muslims wonder whether performing Tahajjud before sleep is permissible. According to Al-Azhar, Tahajjud is a special form of Qiyam al-Layl, typically performed after a short sleep in the night. The worshipper prays two light units, followed by as many additional units as desired, ending with Witr.

Dr. Ahmed Wissam, Fatwa Official at Al-Azhar, explained that Qiyam al-Layl starts after Isha prayer and ends at Fajr, while Tahajjud specifically involves sleeping first and then praying in the middle of the night. However, if a person remains awake the entire night, their Tahajjud prayer is still valid, as it is an act of worship including Quran recitation, supplication, and dhikr.

Islamic scholar Aziz Al-Anzi added that the last third of the night is the most virtuous time for Tahajjud, citing the Prophet ﷺ: "Allah descends to the lowest heaven every night..." Yet, the optimal time may depend on the individual's ability to wake up; if one cannot wake in the last third, praying earlier in the night is recommended.

Tafsir references like Ibn Rajab and Al-Qurtubi highlight that performing Tahajjud after sleeping is one of the best forms of voluntary prayer, involving awakening and intentional devotion, as practiced by the Prophet ﷺ.

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