How do you calculate the last third of the night?

Take the total night duration from Maghrib (sunset) to Fajr (dawn). Divide this by 3. Subtract that amount from Fajr time. Example: If Maghrib is 6:00 PM and Fajr is 5:30 AM, the night is 11.5 hours. One-third is about 3 hours 50 minutes. So the last third begins at 1:40 AM (5:30 AM minus 3:50).

What time should I wake up for Tahajjud?

Wake up anytime during the last third of the night before Fajr. If you find the exact start time difficult, waking up 1-2 hours before Fajr places you well within the last third. Even waking 30-45 minutes before Fajr allows time for a few rakaat and dua during this blessed period.

Is the last third of the night the same every day?

No, it changes throughout the year. In summer, nights are shorter, so the last third may begin around 2-3 AM. In winter, nights are longer, so it may begin around 12-1 AM. It also varies by location - northern latitudes have more extreme seasonal variation. This is why a calculator is helpful.

What is the difference between Islamic midnight and the last third of the night?

Islamic midnight is the exact midpoint of the night (halfway between Maghrib and Fajr), while the last third begins two-thirds through the night. For example, if night is 12 hours, midnight is at the 6-hour mark, while the last third begins at the 8-hour mark. Both are significant times, but the last third has special virtue for dua.

What duas should I make in the last third of the night?

Any sincere dua is accepted. Recommended duas include: Istighfar (seeking forgiveness), dua for guidance (hidayah), Surah Al-Ikhlas, Ayat al-Kursi, the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, and personal requests in your own language. The Prophet (ﷺ) would also recite Surah Al-Imran (3:190-200) during this time.

How many rakaat should I pray for Tahajjud?

There is no fixed number - the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed 8-11 rakaat, but you can pray as few as 2 rakaat. Pray in sets of 2, then end with Witr (1 or 3 rakaat). Quality matters more than quantity. Even 2 sincere rakaat with focused khushu (concentration) during the last third is immensely rewarding.

Can I make dua in the last third without praying Tahajjud?

Yes! While combining Tahajjud prayer with dua is ideal, simply waking up and making sincere dua during this time is also highly virtuous. The hadith mentions that Allah asks 'Who is calling upon Me?' - this includes all forms of supplication, not just those within prayer.

What if I can't wake up during the last third of the night?

The Prophet (ﷺ) advised those who fear not waking up to pray Witr before sleeping. You can also: 1) Set multiple alarms, 2) Sleep earlier after Isha, 3) Ask family to wake you, 4) Start with waking once a week, then increase gradually. Any sincere effort is rewarded, even if you don't succeed every night.

When Is the Last Third of the Night? Calculate Tahajjud Time

Q: When is the last third of the night?

The last third of the night begins approximately 4-5 hours before Fajr (dawn) and extends until Fajr prayer time. The exact time depends on your location and the season. Calculate it by finding the total night duration (Maghrib to Fajr), dividing by three, and counting backward from Fajr. Use our free Islamic Midnight Calculator for precise times.

Q: What is special about the last third of the night in Islam?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Allah descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night and asks: 'Who is calling upon Me that I may answer? Who is asking of Me that I may give? Who is seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive?' (Sahih Bukhari). This makes it the most blessed time for dua and Tahajjud prayer.

What is the Last Third of the Night?

The last third of the night (Arabic: الثلث الأخير من الليل) is the final portion of the Islamic night - the time between sunset (Maghrib) and dawn (Fajr) - divided into three equal parts.

This period holds immense spiritual significance in Islam. It is the time when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and offers His servants forgiveness, answers their prayers, and grants their requests.

Understanding when this blessed time occurs and how to benefit from it can transform your spiritual practice.

The Hadith About Allah’s Descent

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Our Lord, Blessed and Exalted, descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains. He says: ‘Who is calling upon Me that I may answer? Who is asking of Me that I may give? Who is seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him?’”

— Sahih Bukhari (1145), Sahih Muslim (758)

This hadith establishes the last third of the night as the most privileged time for:

Making dua (supplication)
Seeking forgiveness (istighfar)
Performing voluntary prayers (Tahajjud/Qiyam al-Layl)
Asking for anything from Allah

How to Calculate the Last Third of the Night

The calculation is straightforward:

Formula:

Find night duration = Fajr time − Maghrib time (previous evening)
One-third of night = Night duration ÷ 3
Last third begins = Fajr time − One-third of night

Example Calculation:

Let’s say in your city:

Maghrib (sunset): 6:00 PM
Fajr (dawn): 5:30 AM

Step 1: Night duration = 5:30 AM − 6:00 PM = 11 hours 30 minutes

Step 2: One-third = 11.5 hours ÷ 3 = 3 hours 50 minutes

Step 3: Last third begins = 5:30 AM − 3:50 = 1:40 AM

So the last third of the night runs from 1:40 AM to 5:30 AM (Fajr).

Use Our Free Calculator

Don’t want to calculate manually? Our Islamic Midnight Calculator does this instantly:

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See how times change seasonally
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Calculate Your Last Third Time →

Sample Times by Season

Times vary significantly throughout the year. Here’s an example for a mid-latitude city:

Season	Maghrib	Fajr	Night Duration	Last Third Begins
Summer	8:30 PM	4:00 AM	7.5 hours	1:30 AM
Fall	6:00 PM	5:00 AM	11 hours	1:20 AM
Winter	4:30 PM	6:30 AM	14 hours	1:50 AM
Spring	7:00 PM	5:15 AM	10.25 hours	1:50 AM

Note: Your exact times will differ based on your latitude and the calculation method your community uses.

Why This Time is Best for Dua

Several factors make the last third uniquely powerful:

1. Divine Proximity

Allah descends to the lowest heaven, creating a direct channel for your prayers.

2. Sincerity of Effort

Waking from sleep to worship demonstrates genuine devotion. This sacrifice is recognized and rewarded.

3. Fewer Distractions

The world is quiet. Your mind is less cluttered with daily concerns. Focus is easier.

4. Following the Prophet’s Example

The Prophet (ﷺ) regularly woke during this time, even standing until his feet swelled from lengthy night prayer.

5. Quranic Praise

Allah praises those who “forsake their beds to invoke their Lord in fear and aspiration” (Quran 32:16).

Tahajjud Prayer Guide

Tahajjud (also called Qiyam al-Layl or night prayer) is the voluntary prayer performed during the last third of the night.

How to Pray Tahajjud:

Wake up during the last third of the night
Make wudu (ablution)
Pray 2 rakaat at a time
Repeat as many times as you wish (2, 4, 6, 8, or more rakaat)
End with Witr (1 or 3 rakaat) if you haven’t prayed it yet

Recommended Recitations:

Long Surahs in each rakaat (the Prophet would recite at length)
Take your time in rukuu (bowing) and sujood (prostration)
Make dua during sujood (prostration is the closest you are to Allah)
After completing salah, sit and make dua at length

Minimum Tahajjud:

If time is short, even 2 rakaat with sincerity counts as Tahajjud. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The most beloved deed to Allah is the most consistent one, even if it is small” (Sahih Bukhari).

Best Duas for the Last Third

While any sincere dua is accepted, here are particularly recommended supplications:

1. Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar)

أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

Astaghfirullah alladhi la ilaha illa huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum wa atubu ilayh

“I seek forgiveness from Allah, there is no god but He, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting, and I turn to Him in repentance.”

2. The Prophet’s Night Dua

اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ…

The lengthy supplication the Prophet (ﷺ) made when waking for night prayer (found in Sahih Bukhari).

3. Dua of Need

Ask Allah for anything you need - in Arabic or your own language. Pour out your heart. This is your private audience with your Creator.

4. Dua for Others

The Prophet (ﷺ) said dua for an absent person is answered. Pray for your family, the ummah, and those in need.

5. Quranic Duas

Rabbana duas from Surah Al-Baqarah
Duas of the Prophets mentioned in the Quran
Last verses of Surah Al-Hashr

Practical Tips for Waking Up

Many Muslims struggle to wake during the last third. Here are proven strategies:

Before Sleeping:

Sleep early after Isha - Don’t stay up late unnecessarily
Make intention - Sincerely intend to wake up; this itself is rewarded
Avoid heavy meals - Late-night eating makes waking harder
Light wudu before bed - The Prophet (ﷺ) recommended this
Recite sleep duas - Including asking Allah to wake you

Alarm Strategies:

Multiple alarms - Set 2-3 alarms at 5-minute intervals
Place alarm far away - Force yourself to get up
Use a loud, distinct tone - Not something you’ll sleep through
Accountability partner - Ask someone to call/text you

Making It Sustainable:

Start with Fridays - The most blessed night is Thursday night (before Friday)
Begin with Fajr - Wake 30 minutes before Fajr as a starting point
Gradual increase - Add 15 minutes earlier each week
Don’t be discouraged - Missing some nights is normal; keep trying

The Night Before:

Nap after Dhuhr if possible - This is Sunnah and helps with night worship
Limit screen time - Blue light disrupts sleep quality
Go to bed in a state of wudu - Helps spiritually and practically

The Three Parts of the Night

Understanding the full night structure helps with worship planning:

First Third: After Isha until one-third of night passes

Good time for Quran recitation
Witr can be prayed here if you won’t wake later
Rest and sleep begin

Middle Third: The middle portion of night

Deep sleep typically occurs here
Some scholars recommend waking briefly for dhikr
Prepares for the blessed final third

Last Third: Final portion until Fajr

Most blessed time
Allah descends to lowest heaven
Optimal for Tahajjud and dua
Ends at Fajr adhan

Common Questions Answered

”What if I wake up but don’t know if it’s the last third?”

If you wake naturally during the night and Fajr is still hours away, you’re likely in or near the last third. Pray and make dua - the effort is rewarded regardless of precise timing.

”Is the last third the same as Sahar (pre-dawn)?”

Sahar specifically refers to the time just before dawn (Fajr). It’s the very end of the last third - the most precious part. If you can only wake briefly, aim for Sahar.

”Can women in menstruation benefit from this time?”

Yes! While they cannot pray, women during menstruation can:

Make dua extensively
Do dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
Read Islamic books
Listen to Quran recitation
Seek forgiveness

The hadith says “Who is calling upon Me?” - this applies to all forms of turning to Allah.

”What about in places with extreme day/night?”

In regions near the poles where night is extremely short (or absent in summer), scholars advise:

Follow the nearest city with normal day/night cycle
Or follow Makkah timings
Consult local Islamic authority for guidance

The Spiritual Benefits

Regular night worship transforms your life:

1. Closeness to Allah

Nothing brings you nearer to your Creator than sacrificing sleep to worship Him.

2. Answered Duas

This is the time Allah specifically offers to answer requests.

3. Forgiveness of Sins

Sincere istighfar during this time is promised forgiveness.

4. Peace of Heart

Those who pray at night experience tranquility that others don’t know.

5. Protection from Sins

Night worshippers develop strength to resist temptation during the day.

6. Light on Judgment Day

The Prophet (ﷺ) said night prayer brings light (noor) on the Day of Resurrection.

Calculate Your Times Now

Stop guessing when the last third begins. Use our precise calculator:

Islamic Midnight & Last Third Calculator →

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Islamic Midnight Calculator Tool - Calculate exact times for your location
How to Find Qibla Direction - Face the right direction for prayer
Ghusl Checklist - Purify before worship

Start Tonight

The best time to begin praying Tahajjud is tonight. Even if you can only manage a few minutes before Fajr, start. Consistency in small actions is more beloved to Allah than sporadic large efforts.

Set your alarm. Make your intention. And present yourself before your Lord during the blessed last third of the night.

May Allah grant you the ability to wake during the night, the sincerity in your worship, and the acceptance of your duas. Ameen.