What is Night Prayer?
Night prayer, known as Qiyam al-Layl, is a voluntary prayer performed by Muslims after they wake up at night or just before going to bed if they fear they might not wake up. Some scholars refer to it as Tahajjud, although a distinction is made by others who define Tahajjud as the prayer performed after sleep, while Qiyam al-Layl is conducted prior to sleeping. Regardless of the terminology used, both share similar rulings. This practice is highly recommended, being a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and recognized as the best prayer after obligatory prayers. Its significance is underscored by Allah (Glory be to Him) commanding the Prophet to observe it, making it a means to attain the esteemed station known as Al-Maqam Al-Mahmood.
Historical Practices of the Righteous Predecessors in Night Prayer
Practices of the Companions with Night Prayer
Here are some examples of how certain companions engaged in night prayer:
- Umar ibn al-Khattab: It is narrated that Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) prayed at night for as long as he wished and would wake his family near dawn, encouraging them to pray, stating, “And command your family to pray.” He remarked that winter was a season beneficial for the worshippers.
- Abdullah ibn Umar: It was reported that if he missed the congregational Isha prayer, he would spend the remainder of the night in prayer, as narrated by Nafi’. He continued his prayers until the time for Suhoor arrived, after which he would sit, seek forgiveness, and make supplications until dawn.
- Abu Huraira: According to Abu Othman al-Nahdi, Abu Huraira, along with his wife and servant, divided the night into thirds, with one praying while the others rested, and then rotating the responsibilities.
- Tamim al-Dari: It is said that he once slept through the night without performing Tahajjud; as a form of self-punishment, he then committed to sleepless nights of prayer for an entire year.
Practices of the Successors with Night Prayer
Below are accounts regarding some of the Successors and their experience with night prayer:
- Al-Fudayl: He would begin the night with Quran recitation and would continue until dawn without fulfilling any worldly needs, stating that anyone unable to perform night prayers and fast during the day was truly deprived.
- Ayyub al-Sakhtiyani: He kept his night prayers hidden from the public, making it seem like he just woke up when dawn broke.
- Masruq: His wife reported that he would pray so much at night that his feet would swell, and it was said that while on pilgrimage, he would only sleep in a prostrated position until he returned home.
The Virtues of Night Prayer
Night prayer has numerous virtues, some of which are outlined below:
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was particularly diligent in performing night prayers, striving to the point that his feet would swell.
- Engaging in night prayer significantly contributes to entering Paradise, as narrated by the Prophet (peace be upon him): “O people, spread peace, feed food, maintain familial ties, and pray at night while others are sleeping, and you will enter Paradise in peace.”
- Night prayer elevates the ranks of believers in the hereafter.
- Those who perform night prayers are recognized by Allah as the righteous, deserving of His mercy and paradise, as highlighted in the Quran: “They would scarcely sleep at night and during the early dawn would seek forgiveness.”
- Allah praises the night prayer practitioners in His noble Book among His righteous servants.
- They are acknowledged for their complete faith.