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Tahajjud Time Calculator
— find the start of the last third and the Islamic midnight for your city.
The last third of the night is a time of great virtue for night prayer and supplication. But it is not measured by the 12 o'clock hour — it is based on the actual night length from Maghrib to Fajr. This guide explains how to calculate it precisely.
What is the night in Islam?
The night extends from sunset (Maghrib) to dawn (Fajr). This is the period divided into thirds — not from clock midnight.
How is the last third calculated?
- Calculate the night length = (from Maghrib to Fajr).
- Divide it by three.
- Start of the last third = Maghrib + two-thirds of the night length (i.e. one third before Fajr).
The Islamic midnight
The Islamic midnight = Maghrib + half the night length. It differs from 12:00 because it depends on the actual Maghrib and Fajr in your city.
A tip
Whoever fears they will not wake in the late night should pray Witr at the start of the night before sleeping. Whoever is confident of waking — the last third is better for its established virtue.
Frequently Asked Questions
The night in Islam extends from sunset (Maghrib) to dawn (Fajr). It is divided into three thirds, and the last third is the final one just before Fajr — a virtuous time for night prayer and supplication.
The night length is calculated from Maghrib to Fajr, then divided by three. The last third begins at: Maghrib time + two-thirds of the night length — that is, one third before Fajr.
The Islamic midnight is the midpoint between Maghrib and Fajr, calculated as: Maghrib + half the night length. It differs from clock midnight (12:00) because it depends on the actual Maghrib and Fajr.
The best time for night prayer is the last third of the night for those able, due to its virtue in the Sunnah. Whoever fears they will not wake in the late night should pray Witr at its beginning.
Use the free Tahajjud time calculator: choose your city and date to see the start of the last third, the Islamic midnight, and the Fajr time precisely.