What is the proper method of performing Salat-ul-Tahajjud?

Salat-ul-Tahajjud is a voluntary prayer that is performed during the night after Isha prayer. Here is the proper method of performing Salat-ul-Tahajjud:

1. Make the intention (niyyah) to pray Tahajjud.

2. Perform Wudu (ablution) if you are not already in a state of purity.

3. Start by praying two rakats (units) of prayer. Each rakat should be performed like any other prayer, with recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah in each rakat.

4. After completing the two rakats, you can pray as many additional rakats as you like in sets of two rakats. It is recommended to pray in sets of two rakats, but you can also pray in sets of four or more.

5. In each rakat, you can recite any Surahs or verses from the Quran that you know.

6. After completing the prayer, make dua (supplication) and ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.

7. It is recommended to end the prayer with the Witr prayer, which is an odd-numbered prayer performed after the Tahajjud prayer.

It is important to remember that Tahajjud is a voluntary prayer and can be performed at any time during the night. It is a time for personal reflection, repentance, and seeking closeness to Allah.

Steps for Performing Salat-ul-Tahajjud:

1. Intention and Ablution:
- Make the intention to perform Salat-ul-Tahajjud.
- Perform ablution (wudu) thoroughly.

2. Two or More Rak'ahs:
- Begin by reciting "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great).
- Recite Surah Fatihah and any other surah you wish.
- Perform ruku (bowing) and say "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory be to my Lord, the Majestic).
- Rise from ruku and say "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal hamd" (Allah hears those who praise Him. Our Lord, praise is due to You).
- Perform sujood (prostration) and say "Subhana Rabbiyal A'ala" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
- Sit up from sujood and perform another prostration.
- Repeat this sequence for two or more rak'ahs, depending on your ability.

3. Witr:
- After completing the even number of rak'ahs (e.g., 2, 4, 6, etc.), perform the witr (an odd number of rak'ahs). This is typically three rak'ahs.
- The witr follows the same sequence as the previous rak'ahs.

4. Qunut:
- In the last rak'ah of the witr, recite the following dua (supplication) in the standing position:

```
Allaahumma-inna-nas'aluka min khayrika, wa-na'uuzu bika min sharrika, wa-nu'minu bika, wa-natawakkalu 'alayka, wa-nushkuruka wa-la nakfuruka, wa-nakhla'u wa-natruku man yafjuruka. Allaahumma-innaka antallahu laa ilaaha illaa anta, a'a'antana wa-nsarna wa-'a'izzana wanta maulanaa, fansirnaa bi-fathin qariib.
```

Translation:

"O Allah, we ask You for Your goodness, and we seek refuge in You from Your punishment. We believe in You, and we put our trust in You, and we thank You and we do not disbelieve in You. We abandon and leave those who disbelieve in You. O Allah, You are Allah, there is no god but You. You are our Helper and our Supporter, and You are our Master. So grant us victory with an imminent conquest."

5. Salutations and Tasbih:
- End the prayer with the salutations: "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah).
- Recite Tasbih (glorification) after the prayer: "Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is Great)."

Additional Notes:

- Salat-ul-Tahajjud is typically performed during the last one-third of the night, after waking from sleep.
- It is recommended to make dua in your own words after the qunut.
- The number of rak'ahs performed can vary, but it is important to maintain an odd number for the witr.
- It is a highly meritorious act in Islam, and regular performance can bring blessings and spiritual growth.