What is the last third of the night?
The last third of the night is the most blessed time in Islam. It is the final one-third of the period between Maghrib (sunset) and Fajr (dawn). During this time, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and says: "Who is calling upon Me, that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me, that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1145). This is why Muslims wake up to pray tahajjud and make dua during this time.
How to calculate tahajjud time
Tahajjud prayer is prayed during the last third of the night. To calculate when it starts:
- Find the total time between Maghrib and Fajr
- Divide that time by 3
- Subtract the result from Fajr time
For example, if Maghrib is at 7:30 PM and Fajr is at 4:30 AM, the night is 9 hours. One third is 3 hours. Subtract 3 hours from 4:30 AM and tahajjud starts at 1:30 AM. Use the calculator above to get your exact time.
What is Islamic midnight?
Islamic midnight is the midpoint between Maghrib and Fajr. It is not the same as 12:00 AM. Some scholars hold that Isha prayer must be performed before Islamic midnight. This calculator also gives you the Islamic midnight time based on your local prayer times.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last third of the night?
The last third of the night changes every day because Maghrib and Fajr times change throughout the year. Enter your local Maghrib and Fajr times in the calculator above to get today's exact time. The last third typically falls in the early hours of the morning, before Fajr.
What time is tahajjud prayer?
Tahajjud can be prayed any time after Isha and before Fajr, but the best time is during the last third of the night. The exact time depends on your location and changes daily. Use this calculator to find the precise start time for tahajjud based on your Maghrib and Fajr times.
How do I calculate the last third of the night for my location?
Enter your local Maghrib time and tomorrow's Fajr time in the calculator above. The calculator works for all countries and all times of the year. It divides the night into three equal parts and tells you when the last third begins.
Is qiyam al layl the same as tahajjud?
Qiyam al layl means "standing in the night" and refers to any voluntary night prayer. Tahajjud specifically refers to prayer after sleeping, though the terms are often used interchangeably. Both are best prayed during the last third of the night.
Does the last third of the night change every day?
Yes. Since it is based on Maghrib and Fajr times, which shift throughout the year, the last third of the night changes daily. In summer when nights are short, the last third begins later. In winter when nights are long, it begins earlier. Always use updated prayer times for accuracy.