Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him) left a rich treasury of supplications — many are recommended for the night prayer, and one penitential du‘a is particularly cited as his regular recital after Tahajjud.
There is no single, exclusive prayer called “Imam Sajjad’s prayer in the night prayer.” Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him) composed many supplications preserved in works such as the Ṣaḥīfa al-Ṣajjadiyya, and many of these are suitable for recitation during Tahajjud (the night prayer).
Some of Imam Sajjad’s best-known supplications that are appropriate for night prayer include:
Du‘a Makarim al-Akhlaq: A prayer seeking noble traits and virtuous character.
Du‘a Jawshan Kabir: A long supplication enumerating Divine Names; commonly recited on the Nights of Qadr and during night prayers for great reward.
Du‘a Abu Hamzah Thumali: An intimate, penitential supplication full of private petition and seeking forgiveness.
Du‘a Kumayl: A prayer of confession and seeking pardon.
Below the article reproduces a famous supplication of Imam Sajjad which he is said to have recited after completing the night prayer; the supplication is presented here in its traditional Arabic form (as in the Ṣaḥīfa) and is introduced as a prayer of self-confession after Tahajjud.
Note: When reading such a supplication, the article recommends directing your attention to its meaning and praying with humility and awe before God.
There is no unique text formally labelled “Imam Sajjad’s Tahajjud du‘a”; rather, Imam Sajjad left many supplications — collected in books such as the Ṣaḥīfa — that worshippers may use at night. The article lists several of the most popular texts and then reproduces a long penitential du‘a attributed to him that he reportedly recited after night prayer.
The article names the following as especially appropriate to recite during Tahajjud:
Du‘a Makarim al-Akhlaq (invoking noble character and virtues).
Du‘a Jawshan Kabir (a lengthy invocation of Divine Names, recommended on Nights of Qadr and during night prayer).
Du‘a Abu Hamzah Thumali (an extended, intimate monologue of pleading and forgiveness).
Du‘a Kumayl (a supplication emphasizing confession and seeking pardon).
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Practical reading advice :
When reciting such prayers, focus on the meaning; bring the heart into the supplication and ask God with humility and sincerity.
Tip | Short explanation |
|---|---|
Use the Ṣaḥīfa and other known du‘as in Tahajjud | Supplications such as Makarim al-Akhlaq, Jawshan Kabir, Abu Hamzah Thumali and Kumayl are traditionally recited during night prayer. |
Concentrate on meaning | While reciting, direct attention to the sense of the words and pray with humility (khushu‘). |
Prefer sacred times | Night prayer, Nights of Qadr and other special nights are especially meritorious for these supplications. |
Recite penitential du‘as after Tahajjud | The article notes a long penitential prayer attributed to Imam Sajjad that tradition links with post-Tahajjud recitation. |
Pair supplication with regular worship | Combine du‘a with night prayer and remembrance to cultivate steady devotion and spiritual presence. |
