Prayer: Structure of the Night Nafilah Prayer
Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Ayatullah Sistani
Ruling 752
From among the eleven rakʿahs of the night nafilah,[1] eight rakʿahs must be performed with the intention of nafilah of the night, two rakʿahs with the intention of the shafʿ prayer, and one rakʿah with the intention of the witr prayer. Full instructions on how to perform the nāfilah of the night are mentioned in the books of supplications (duas).
-Ayatullah Sistani, Practical Laws of Islam, Prayer (Salah)
1
These eleven rakʿahs are collectively referred to as ‘ṣalāt al‑layl’ (the night prayer) or ‘ṣalāt al‑tahajjud’ (the night vigil prayer).