If you are looking for one of the acts of worship through which you can draw closer to Allah Almighty in ordinary days? We are here now to inform you of all the details regarding Qiyam al-Layl (the Night Prayer), that voluntary prayer which the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) described as the honor of the believer, as it holds a great virtue and a significant impact on strengthening faith.
Throughout this guide, we will learn about the meaning of Qiyam al-Layl, its virtues, and how to perform it step-by-step.
What is Qiyam al-Layl?
Qiyam al-Layl is spending a part of the night (after Isha prayer until the Fajr Adhan) in worshipping Allah, by praying, Quran Reading, or supplication (Dua), and a specific number of rak’ahs is not required in the Qiyam prayer; rather, a Muslim prays as much as is easy for him.
Below are the most prominent details of Qiyam al-Layl:
- The Best Time: The best time for Qiyam al-Layl is the last third of the night, as Allah Almighty descends to the lowest heaven and says: “Is there anyone invoking Me that I may respond to him?”.
- Number of Rakat: Qiyam prayer is not fixed, but the Sunnah is to pray it in pairs (two rak’a by two rak’a) then ending with Witr as a single rak’ah. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) mostly used to pray eleven rak’a, or thirteen rak’a.
- The difference between Qiyam al-Layl and Tahajjud: Qiyam al-Layl is more general, including all acts of worship performed during the night (such as prayer, Dhikr, or Quran Reading), while Tahajjud is the night prayer that is performed after waking up from sleep.
Virtues of Qiyam al-Layl
Qiyam al-Layl has great virtues, and there are many reasons that indicate its importance and great status in Islam, most notably that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to perform it regularly. Below, we review the virtues of Qiyam al-Layl:
- It brings the Muslim closer to Allah Almighty and increases the strength of faith.
- Forgiveness of sins and expiation of bad deeds, especially if done with sincerity and seeking reward (from Allah).
- Answering of supplications (Dua), as the last third of the night is considered one of the best times for Dua to be answered, because Allah Almighty descends to the lowest heaven and responds to His servants.
- Consistency in Qiyam al-Layl raises the Muslim’s ranks in Paradise and causes them to be written among the righteous.
How to Perform Qiyam al-Layl?
As we mentioned previously, Qiyam al-Layl includes prayer (Salah), supplication, and reading the Quran, and it can be performed easily.
Evoking the intention of drawing closer to Allah, then after that, praying two rak’a by two rak’a, prolonging the recitation as much as possible, and concluding the prayer with one unit of Witr. After that, you supplicate after the prayer and read what is easy from the Quran.
Conclusion
Qiyam al-Layl is a great act of worship that brings the servant closer to his Lord, and it is a daily opportunity for whoever wants to increase faith and obtain a great reward in this world and the Hereafter.
