The term "niat sholat tahajud" is an Islamic legal noun phrase. The core component, "niat" (intention), functions as the primary noun, while "sholat tahajud" (the Tahajud prayer) acts as a modifier specifying the object of that intention. It refers to the internal, heartfelt resolve to perform the Tahajud prayer, a voluntary, supererogatory prayer performed after waking from sleep during the last third of the night. In Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), this specific intention is a foundational pillar and an indispensable prerequisite for the prayer's validity, formulated in the heart immediately before commencing the act of worship.
The components of a valid intention for the Tahajud prayer include specifying the act being performed (prayer), its particular type (Tahajud), and its ultimate purpose (for the sake of Allah). While the intention is fundamentally a silent, internal act, a classical jurisprudential discussion exists regarding its verbalization. The majority of scholars assert that vocalizing the intention is not a requirement, as the internal resolve is the critical element. However, some schools of thought consider it recommended (mustahabb) as an aid to concentration. The primary function of this specificity is to distinguish the Tahajud prayer from other forms of worship, such as the obligatory daily prayers or other voluntary night prayers like Witr.
In practical application, the "niat sholat tahajud" transforms the physical movements of prayer into a conscious and valid act of worship. It serves as the spiritual anchor that imbues the ritual with meaning and sincerity, ensuring the act is directed solely toward God. Without this correctly formulated intention, the physical actions of the prayer would be considered legally void from a religious perspective. Therefore, this noun phrase represents a crucial concept that defines the prayer's identity and establishes its spiritual and legal legitimacy.
