The Prophet (ﷺ) "Whoever gets up at night and says: -- 'La ilaha il-lallah Wahdahu la Sharika lahu Lahu-lmulk, waLahu-l-hamd wahuwa 'ala kullishai'in Qadir. Al hamdu lil-lahi wa subhanal-lahi wa la-ilaha il-lal-lah wa-l-lahu akbar wa la hawla Wala Quwata il-la-bil-lah.' (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah. He is the Only One and has no partners . For Him is the Kingdom and all the praises are due for Him. He is Omnipotent. All the praises are for Allah. All the glories are for Allah. And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, And Allah is Great And there is neither Might nor Power Except with Allah). And then says: -- Allahumma, Ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me). Or invokes (Allah), he will be responded to and if he performs ablution (and prays), his prayer will be accepted."
Prayer at Night (Tahajjud)
Sahih al-Bukhari 1154
The Excellence of Night Prayer
This hadith establishes the immense virtue of waking for night prayer (Tahajjud) and the specific supplications to be recited. The Prophet (ﷺ) guarantees response to those who rise at night and utter these profound declarations of Allah's Oneness and Majesty.
Commentary on the Opening Declaration
"La ilaha il-lallah Wahdahu la Sharika lahu" affirms Tawhid (Allah's Oneness) in worship and essence. "Lahu-l-mulk" acknowledges His absolute sovereignty over creation. "Lahu-l-hamd" recognizes all praise belongs to Him alone. "Wahuwa 'ala kullishai'in Qadir" establishes His Omnipotence - scholars note this comprehensive declaration purifies one's belief.
The Tasbih and Takbir
"Al hamdu lil-lahi" (All praise is for Allah) expresses gratitude. "Subhanal-lahi" glorifies Allah above all imperfections. "Wa-l-lahu akbar" magnifies His greatness beyond comprehension. These phrases, when recited at night, carry special weight as they're uttered when distractions are minimal and hearts are more receptive.
The Hawqalah
"La hawla Wala Quwata il-la-bil-lah" acknowledges human incapacity and that all power and ability come solely from Allah. Scholars explain this phrase is particularly powerful at night as it demonstrates complete dependence on Allah when one abandons sleep - a great blessing - for His sake.
The Seeking of Forgiveness
"Allahumma, Ighfir li" (O Allah! Forgive me) follows the glorification, showing the proper order: first praise Allah, then seek forgiveness. Scholars note that forgiveness sought after such profound remembrance is more likely to be accepted, as the heart is properly prepared.
The Promise of Acceptance
The guarantee that "he will be responded to" applies to all sincere invocations made after this remembrance. If one performs ablution and prays, the prayer itself becomes accepted - scholars understand this as the prayer bearing full spiritual fruits and rewards.
Practical Implementation
Classical scholars recommend reciting these phrases upon waking for Tahajjud, before making ablution. The combination of verbal remembrance, seeking forgiveness, and physical worship (through ablution and prayer) creates a comprehensive act of devotion that encompasses all aspects of worship.