A famous statement attributed to Imam Shafi [204 AH] رَحِمَهُ اللهُ regarding Qiyām al-Layl [The Night Prayer] is ‘The Supplication made at night is like an arrow that does not miss its target’. Indeed this is true, as our beloved Prophet ﷺ said: ‘There is an hour during the night in which no Muslim asks Allah for good in this world and the next without being granted it, and that applies every night’.
Most scholars are of the view that this is the latter part of the night as Imam Bukhari [256 AH] رَحِمَهُ اللهُ suggests in the chapter ‘الدُّعَاءِ وَالصَّلاَةِ مِنْ آخِرِ اللَّيْلِ’, which will be mentioned shortly Insha Allah.
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The following will be discussed Insha-Allah:
Introduction
The beautiful description regarding those who offer Qiyam al-Layl
Difference between Qiyamul Layl and Tahajjud
Virtues of Tahajjud/Qiyamul Layl
Inspiring Quotes
Events from the Salaf [pious predecessors] regarding Qiyam al-Layl
Missing Tahajjud due to a reason
Poem on Tahajjud
Introduction
Imam Ājuri [360 AH] رَحِمَهُ اللهُ mentions in his masterpiece ‘Virtue of Qiyāmul al-Layl and al-Tahajjud’:
“Know that, may Allah have mercy on us and on you, Allah has praised those who pray at night and has bestowed upon them goodness, promising them the best of the beautiful promises. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged the night prayer and urged his community to observe it.’’
It is recorded in an authentic narration recorded by Imam Muslim رَحِمَهُ اللهُ [261 AH]:
أَفْضَلَ الصَّلاَةِ بَعْدَ الْمَفْرُوضَةِ صَلاَةٌ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ
[سنن أبي داود,باب فِي صَوْمِ الْمُحَرَّمِ ٢٤٢٩]
The most virtuous prayer after the obligatory prayers is the prayer performed during the night.
[Sunan Abu Dawud: 2429]
Imam al-Ājuri رَحِمَهُ اللهُ further states:
‘A person who offers the night prayer is esteemed and has been praised by Almighty Allah.
We clarify to our brothers the great virtue and abundant blessings found in night prayer, so that those who wish to engage in it can do so with insight. They can trade with their Generous Lord based on knowledge and serve Him well, hoping to draw closer to Him.’
Consider the following Hadith:
عَنْ أَبِي أُمَامَةَ عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ ” عَلَيْكُمْ بِقِيَامِ اللَّيْلِ فَإِنَّهُ دَأْبُ الصَّالِحِينَ قَبْلَكُمْ وَهُوَ قُرْبَةٌ إِلَى رَبِّكُمْ وَمَكْفَرَةٌ لِلسَّيِّئَاتِ وَمَنْهَاةٌ لِلإِثْمِ وَمَطْرَدَةٌ لِلدَّاءِ عَنِ الْجَسَدِ.
[جامع الترمذي ,كتاب الدعوات عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم]
Abu Umamah رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ narrates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Hold fast to Qiyam al-Lail, for it is the practice of the righteous before you, and indeed Qiyam al-Lail is a means of nearness to Allah, a means of prevention from sin, an expiation for bad deeds, and a barrier for the body against disease.”
[Sunan al-Tirmidhi]
The beautiful description regarding those who offer Qiyam al-Layl
Imam al-Ajuri رَحِمَهُ اللهُ states:
“As for what Allah has described the righteous with in terms of their noble qualities in this world, which have granted them honor in the Hereafter at His presence in the abode of peace, He has praised them for what He has bestowed upon them and guided them towards it. To Him belongs all praise for that.”
Almighty Allah says:
إِنَّ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ فِى جَنَّـٰتٍۢ وَعُيُونٍ [١٥] ءَاخِذِينَ مَآ ءَاتَىٰهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ قَبْلَ ذَٰلِكَ مُحْسِنِينَ [١٦] كَانُوا۟ قَلِيلًۭا مِّنَ ٱلَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَ [١٧] وَبِٱلْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ [١٨]
“Indeed, the righteous are in gardens and springs, receiving what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were previously doers of good. They used to sleep little of the night, and in the early dawn, they would seek forgiveness.” [51:15-18]
He has described them, glorified is His mention, as those who sleep little at night, spending most of their time in prayer until dawn. Then, at dawn, they engage in seeking forgiveness for what they have done that displeases Him, and they express their concern that their good deeds may not be pleasing to Him.
“Do you not see that the Generous respond’s to them? Indeed, He answers them, and He is more generous than that. Then He, Almighty Allah, describes His servants with the noble qualities that He has honored them with, saying:
وَعِبَادُ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَمْشُونَ عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ هَوْنًۭا وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ ٱلْجَـٰهِلُونَ قَالُوا۟ سَلَـٰمًۭا ٦٣ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَبِيتُونَ لِرَبِّهِمْ سُجَّدًۭا وَقِيَـٰمًۭا ٦٤
‘And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth with humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say [words of] peace. And those who spend the night before their Lord prostrating and standing.'”
“He, glorified is His mention, describes them as being different in their night time worship compared to others. While most people indulge in sleep, these individuals have devoted themselves to serving their Generous Lord. He further describes them in another verse, saying:
تَتَجَافَىٰ جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفًۭا وَطَمَعًۭا وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ ١٦
‘Their sides forsake their beds to invoke their Lord in fear and aspiration, and from what We have provided them, they spend.'” [Surah al-Sajdah:16]
“And Almighty Allah says:
أَمَّنْ هُوَ قَـٰنِتٌ ءَانَآءَ ٱلَّيْلِ سَاجِدًۭا وَقَآئِمًۭا يَحْذَرُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ وَيَرْجُوا۟ رَحْمَةَ رَبِّهِۦ ۗ قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِى ٱلَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ٩
‘Is one who is devoutly obedient during the night, prostrating and standing, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who is not]? Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only they will remember who are people of understanding.‘”
(39:9)
Muhammad ibn al-Husayn رَحِمَهُ اللهُ said: “Reflect, may Allah have mercy on you, on what you hear from your Generous Lord regarding the abundance of their prostrations, the length of their standing, and the excellence of their service. Then He informs us that, despite this intense effort, they remain cautious about the significant matters of the Hereafter and the severity of its terrors. The predominant feeling in their hearts is one of great fear and apprehension, coupled with a rush to do what pleases Him.”
He also described them in another part of His Book, saying:
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ هُم مِّنْ خَشْيَةِ رَبِّهِم مُّشْفِقُونَ ٥٧ وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ يُؤْمِنُونَ ٥٨ وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ يُؤْمِنُونَ ٥٨ وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِرَبِّهِمْ لَا يُشْرِكُونَ ٥٩ وَٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْتُونَ مَآ ءَاتَوا۟ وَّقُلُوبُهُمْ وَجِلَةٌ أَنَّهُمْ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ رَٰجِعُونَ ٦٠ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ وَهُمْ لَهَا سَـٰبِقُونَ ٦١
‘Indeed, those who are in awe of their Lord are fearful. And those who believe in the signs of their Lord. And those who do not associate anything with their Lord. And those who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord. It is they who hasten to good deeds, and they are the foremost in them.’
لَيْسُوا۟ سَوَآءًۭ ۗ مِّنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ أُمَّةٌۭ قَآئِمَةٌۭ يَتْلُونَ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ ءَانَآءَ ٱلَّيْلِ وَهُمْ يَسْجُدُونَ ١١٣
And He said: ‘Not equal are the people of the Scripture, a community standing [in prayer] during the hours of the night, reciting the verses of Allah while they prostrate.’
Thus, He informs us about their recitation of the Quran at night, sometimes standing and sometimes prostrating to Allah.”
[End Quote]
To summarise, Allah describes those who offer the night prayer with the following:
- The servants of Allah [This is arabic is known as Tashrif li-idafah, which simply means it’s a means of honour for the one offering Qiyam al-Layl.]
- He or She remembers Allah at a time when people are indulging in their sleep, therefore they have devoted themselves to Allah.
- The one offering Qiyam al-Layl has a higher status than the one who doesn’t. Allah says they are not equal [in status]. This is because whilst one is asleep the other is remembering Allah, standing in prayer, weeping over the verses of Allah and seeking his forgiveness.
- They are always the first to do righteous actions.
Difference between Qiyamul Layl and Tahajjud
Qiyamul Layl and Tahajjud are both forms of night prayers in Islam, but they have slight differences:
- Qiyamul Layl:
- General meaning: It refers to any voluntary prayers performed during the night, after Isha and before Fajr.
- It includes any act of worship like prayer, reading the Quran, making du’a, or engaging in dhikr.
- It can be done at any time during the night.
- Tahajjud:
- Specific type: Tahajjud is a special form of Qiyamul Layl performed after one has slept for a part of the night.
- It is more specific because it involves waking up after sleeping and then praying.
- The Quran encourages Tahajjud as a highly virtuous and recommended act, though not obligatory.
In summary, all Tahajjud is considered Qiyamul Layl, but not all Qiyamul Layl is Tahajjud since Qiyamul Layl can be done without having slept first.
Virtues and benefits of Qiyam al-Layl
They are many virtues and benefits for Qiyam al-Layl, some are enumerated here:
- A time when supplications are answered
- Forgiveness of sins
- A cause of entering paradise
- An act of worship the salaf were punctual and eager upon
- Drawing close to Allah
One of the well-known hadiths about the virtues of Qiyam al-Layl is reported by Abu Huraira رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ, in which the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
يَنْزِلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الآخِرُ يَقُولُ مَنْ يَدْعُونِي فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ مَنْ يَسْأَلُنِي فَأُعْطِيَهُ مَنْ يَسْتَغْفِرُنِي فَأَغْفِرَ لَهُ ”.
[صحيح البخاري, كتاب التهجد, باب الدُّعَاءِ وَالصَّلاَةِ مِنْ آخِرِ اللَّيْلِ]
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains, and He says: ‘Who is calling upon Me so that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me so that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?'”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1145, Sahih Muslim 758)
This hadith emphasizes the special mercy and closeness of Allah during the last third of the night, making it a time for supplication, forgiveness, and seeking divine blessings through Tahajjud prayer.
One of the first statements mentioned by the Noble Prophet [ﷺ] when he arrived in al-Madinah was:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ أَفْشُوا السَّلاَمَ وَأَطْعِمُوا الطَّعَامَ وَصَلُّوا بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّاسُ نِيَامٌ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ بِسَلاَمٍ
[جامع الترمذي, كتاب صفة القيامة والرقائق والورع عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم]
Abdullah ibn Salam رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ narrated:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“O people, spread the greeting of peace, feed others, uphold the ties of kinship, and pray at night when people are asleep, and you will enter Paradise in peace.
(Jami al-Tirmidhi: 2485, Sunan Ibn Majah 1334)
Offering the Night Prayer is a means of entering paradise as mentioned above.
It is a time when supplications are surely answered:
عَنْ جَابِرٍ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ “ إِنَّ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ سَاعَةً لاَ يُوَافِقُهَا عَبْدٌ مُسْلِمٌ يَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ خَيْرًا إِلاَّ أَعْطَاهُ إِيَّاهُ وَذَلِكَ كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ ” .
[صحيح مسلم, كتاب صلاة المسافرين وقصرها, باب فِي اللَّيْلِ سَاعَةٌ مُسْتَجَابٌ فِيهَا الدُّعَاءُ ]
Jabir ibn Abdullah رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ reported:
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“There is an hour during the night in which no Muslim asks Allah for good in this world and the next without being granted it, and that applies every night.”
(Sahih Muslim 757)
A similar hadith located in Jami al-Tirmidhi: 3499 concurs with the same meaning:
The Prophet [صلى الله عليه وسلم] said:
“جوف الليل الآخر ودبر الصلوات المكتوبات”.حديث حسن.
‘What is offered in the latter part of the depth of the night and after the prescribed prayers.’
These hadiths underscore the immense spiritual benefits of Tahajjud, linking it to divine mercy, forgiveness, and entry into Paradise. It is a way to earn closeness to Allah and purify one’s heart and soul.
Inspiring quotes regarding Qiyam al-Layl
Here are a few inspiring quotes regarding Qiyam al-Layl:
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
“The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is during the last part of the night. So, if you can be among those who remember Allah in this hour, then do so.“
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
Ibn Abbas رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ:
“Whoever wants to be among those who remember Allah while others are heedless, then let them perform Tahajjud.”
Ibn Mas’ud رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ:
“The virtue of standing in prayer at night compared to prayer during the day is like the virtue of a secret charity compared to charity given publicly.’
Imam al-Shafi’i رَحِمَهُ اللهُ:
“The supplication made at night is like an arrow that does not miss its target.”
Imam al-Hasan al-Basri رَحِمَهُ اللهُ:
“I do not know anything that is more beneficial for the heart than the night prayer.”
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim رَحِمَهُ اللهُ said:
‘The early hours of the morning have a secret influence on the heart and soul that only those who experience it can comprehend.’
Tahajjud is deeply emphasized as a special time for spiritual connection and reflection, offering rewards and closeness to Allah. Now Insha Allah we will cover some events from the salaf regarding Qiyam al-Layl.
Events from the Salaf [pious predecessors] regarding Qiyam al-Layl
Qiyam al-Layl of The Noble Messenger ﷺ
That which is a common practice amongst all the Salaf – who are the chosen servants of Allah – is Qiyam al-Layl.
A provoking quote from Imam al-Awzai رَحِمَهُ اللهُ regarding the importance of following the Salaf:
عليك بآثار من سلف وإن رفضك الناس، وإياك وآراء الرجال، وإن زخرفوه لك بالقول، فإن الأمر ينجلي وأنت على طريق مستقيم”. الإمام أوزاعي [حال السلف مع القرآن]
“Follow the guidance of those who preceded you, even if people abandon you. And beware of the opinions of men, even if they embellish them with words. For the truth will eventually become clear, and you will be on the straight path.”
— Imam al-Awza’i رَحِمَهُ اللهُ [The State of the Righteous Predecessors with the Quran]
For the path of the salaf leads to the way of The Prophet [ﷺ] and he is our perfect example.
We find a hadith found in Sahih Muslim, Sunan al-Nasai and Ibn Majah as follows:
قَامَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَتَّى أَصْبَحَ بِآيَةٍ وَالآيَةُ { إِنْ تُعَذِّبْهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ عِبَادُكَ وَإِنْ تَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ فَإِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ } .
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ:
He said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) recite (the following verse) during the night until morning while he was in prayer:
‘If You punish them, they are Your servants; but if You forgive them, You are the Almighty, the Wise.’ (Qur’an 5:118).”
[Sunan Nasai:1010, Ibn Majah:1350, Sahih Muslim 202]
The Prophet ﷺ recited one verse for an entire night, supplicating to Allah for his nation اللَّهُمَّ أُمَّتِي أُمَّتِي, this shows his love towards his nation.
صلى الله عليه وسلم
صلى الله عليه وسلم
صلى الله عليه وسلم
This also shows how Salah was a source of coolness for his eyes, and he ﷺ took great delight in prayer. Undoubtedly, Qiyam al-Layl provides a great opportunity to offer lengthy prayers, supplicating to Allah and seeking his forgiveness.
To understand the night prayer of the Prophet ﷺ we find in a hadith – Sahih Muslim 772 – which describes to us the Night prayer of The Prophet ﷺ in which he recited 3 of the largest chapters in the Quran, which are:
- Surah al-Baqarah.
- Surah al-Imran.
- Surah al-Nisa.
Also after each verse in which the praise of Allah is mentioned he would exalt Allah, after each verse in which Allah is to be sought, he would supplicate to Allah, and after each verse in which the protection of Allah is sought, he would ask for protection.
Along with that his bowing [Ruku] and prostration [Sajdah] would be the same length as his standing [Qiyam].
Such long was the length of The Prophet’s ﷺ Qiyam that his feet would swell due to the long Qiyam:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُومُ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ حَتَّى تَتَفَطَّرَ قَدَمَاهُ، فَقُلْتُ لَهُ: لِمَ تَصْنَعُ هَذَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، وَقَدْ غَفَرَ اللَّهُ لَكَ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِكَ وَمَا تَأَخَّرَ؟ قَالَ: أَفَلَا أَكُونُ عَبْدًا شَكُورًا
Narrated by Aisha رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا: The Prophet ﷺ would stand in prayer at night until his feet became swollen. So, I asked him, “O Messenger of Allah, why do you do this when Allah has forgiven your past and future sins?” He replied, “Should I not be a grateful servant?”
— [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 4837; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2820]
We find this practice of Qiyam al-Layl also amongst the Sahabah [Allah bless them all].
[The following events are taken from the book: ‘حال سلف مع القران]
Qiyam al-Layl of Tamim al-Dari رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ
It is narrated that Tamim al-Dari رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ when he approached the Maqam al-Ibrahim by the Kabah, he stood for Salah – Qiyam al-Layl – and started reciting from Surah al-Jathiyah. When he came to the verse:
أَمْ حَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱجْتَرَحُوا۟ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن نَّجْعَلَهُمْ كَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ سَوَآءًۭ مَّحْيَاهُمْ وَمَمَاتُهُمْ ۚ سَآءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ ٢١
Or do those who commit evil deeds ˹simply˺ think that We will make them equal—in their life and after their death—to those who believe and do good? How wrong is their judgment!
[Surah al-Jathiyah:21]
He continued reciting this same verse, repeating it continuosly again and again until morning – Fajr – approached. SubhanAllah!
Qiyam al-Layl of Aamir Ibn Abdul al-Qais [Allah bless him]
A similar event also occurred with the esteem companion [Allah bless him], Aamir Ibn Abdul al-Qais [Allah bless him] started reciting from Surah al-Ghafir and when he came to the verse:
وَأَنذِرْهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْـَٔازِفَةِ إِذِ ٱلْقُلُوبُ لَدَى ٱلْحَنَاجِرِ كَـٰظِمِينَ ۚ مَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ مِنْ حَمِيمٍۢ وَلَا شَفِيعٍۢ يُطَاعُ ١٨
And warn them of the Day of approaching horror, when hearts will jump up into the throats, (and they will be) choked. There will be neither a friend for the unjust, nor an intercessor to be listened to. [Surah al-Ghafir:18]
He continued reciting this same verse, repeating it continuosly again and again until morning – Fajr – approached. SubhanAllah!
Qiyam al-Layl of Amir al-Mumineen Umar [Allah bless him]
It is narrated regarding Amir al-Mumineen Umar [Allah bless him] that whilst he recited the verse:
فَإِذَا نُقِرَ فِى ٱلنَّاقُورِ ٨ فَذَٰلِكَ يَوْمَئِذٍۢ يَوْمٌ عَسِيرٌ ٩
For˺ when the Trumpet will be sounded, that will ˹truly˺ be a difficult Day.
He wept profusely and remained in his house due to it. The people [Allah bless them all] thought this was due to an illness, and it was due to his excessive weeping that he [Allah bless him] had on his noble face, two black (faint) lines. رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ [May Allah bless him].
Qiyam al-Layl of Saeed Ibn Jubair رَحِمَهُ اللهُ
It is narrated regarding Saeed Ibn Jubair [95 AH] رَحِمَهُ اللهُ that he continuously repeated the verse over 23 times in Salah:
وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ
“And fear the Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.”
[2:281]
Qiyam al-Layl of Imam Abu al-Hanifah رَحِمَهُ اللهُ
Once Imam Abu Hanifah [150 AH] رَحِمَهُ اللهُ constantly repeated the verse in the Night Prayer [Tahajud], weeping profusely:
بَلِ ٱلسَّاعَةُ مَوْعِدُهُمْ وَٱلسَّاعَةُ أَدْهَىٰ وَأَمَرُّ ٤٦
But the Hour is their appointed time- the Hour is more severe and bitter: [54:46]
He رَحِمَهُ اللهُ continued in this state [weeping and showing humility] until Fajr Salah.
Missing Tahajjud due to a reason
A person who misses Tahajjud due to a reason such as overpowered by sleep or illness which stops him from performing Tahajjud will get the reward. Consider the following Hadith:
مَنْ أَتَى فِرَاشَهُ وَهُوَ يَنْوِي أَنْ يَقُومَ فَيُصَلِّيَ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَغَلَبَتْهُ عَيْنُهُ حَتَّى يُصْبِحَ كُتِبَ لَهُ مَا نَوَى وَكَانَ نَوْمُهُ صَدَقَةً عَلَيْهِ مِنْ رَبِّهِ
[باب مَا جَاءَ فِيمَنْ نَامَ عَنْ جُزْئِهِ، مِنَ اللَّيْلِ]
It was narrated that Abu Darda’ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ conveyed that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever goes to bed intending to wake up and pray during the night, but is overwhelmed by sleep until morning comes, what he intended will be recorded for him, and his sleep is a charity given to him by his Lord.”
[Ibn Majah: 1344 and Sunan Abu Dawud:1314 with slightly different wording]
However this reward is only for the one who deeply regrets he missed Qiyam al-Layl, as mentioned by Muhammad Ibn Hussain رَحِمَهُ اللهُ:
قَالَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحُسَيْنِ هَذَا وَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ عَلَى قَدْرِ شِدَّةِ الأَسَفِ عَلَى مَا فَاتَهُ مِنْ لَيْلَتِهِ كيف شغل عنه حَتَّى فَاتَهُ الْقِيَامُ فَقَدْ أَخَذَ نَفْسَهُ بِالتَّحَرُّزِ فِيمَا يَسْتَقْبِلُ خَوْفًا أَنْ يَفُوتَهُ وِرْدُهُ ثَانِيَةً.
Muhammad ibn al-Husayn رَحِمَهُ اللهُ said: “And Allah knows best the extent of the intensity of regret for what he missed of his night. How he was preoccupied to the point that he missed the opportunity to stand in prayer. He has taken precautions for what lies ahead, fearing that he might miss his nightly recitation again.”
We understand from the above the reward seems to be for the one who deeply regrets and then takes precautions for not missing it a second time. This also indicates the reward is for the one who is punctual on Tahajjud or Qiyam al-Layl.
Now Imam Ajuri رَحِمَهُ اللهُ mentions a few anecdotes of the salaf missing Qiyam al-Layl
حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ مَخْلَدٍ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يُونُسُ بْنُ يَحْيَى الْمَدَنِيُّ عَنِ الْمُنْكَدِرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ ⦗١٢٩⦘ بْنِ الْمُنْكَدِرِ عَنْ أَبِيهِ أَنَّ تَمِيمًا الدَّارِيَّ نَامَ لَيْلَةً لَمْ يقم يتهجد فيها فقام لَمْ يَنَمْ فِيهَا وَلَمْ يَغْمُضْ لِلَّذِي صَنَعَ.
That Tamim al-Dari slept one night without standing for night prayers (Tahajjud). So, he stood the next night without sleeping and without closing his eyes, because of what he had done (the previous night).
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْفَضْلِ الشِّكْلِيُّ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عَلِيَّ بْنَ مُوَفَّقٍ يَقُولُ قَالَ دَاوُدُ بْنُ رُشَيْدٍ: كَانَ فَتًى مِنَ الْمُتَعَبِّدِينَ لَهُ وِرْدٌ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَأَجْنَبَ ذَاتَ لَيْلَةٍ فَقَامَ وَاغْتَسَلَ وَالْمَاءُ بَارِدٌ فَاشْتَدَّ عَلَيْهِ فَبَكَى، فَنُودِيَ: أَنَمْنَاهُمْ فَأَقَمْنَاكَ وَتَتَبَاكَى عَلَيْنَا، أَوْ كَمَا قَالَ أَبُو الْفَضْلِ.
“There was a young man رَحِمَهُ اللهُ among the worshipers who had a regular portion of night prayers. One night, he became in a state of major ritual impurity (requiring Ghusl), so he stood up, washed himself (performed Ghusl), and the water was cold. It became difficult for him, and he cried. Then a voice called out: ‘We put them (others) to sleep, but kept you awake, and you are crying to Us?'”
Recommended acts to perform during Qiyam al-Layl
Here are some recommended acts to perform during Tahajjud (the night prayer):
- Intention (Niyyah): Start with a sincere intention to pray and seek closeness to Allah.
- Miswak: It is narrated that our beloved Prophet SW would engage in Miswak before performing ablution.
- Pray Two Rakat: Begin with two rakat’s of prayer. You can offer more rakat’s in sets of two.
- Recitation of Quran: During the prayer, recite portions of the Quran. Choose verses that inspire you or focus on seeking forgiveness and guidance.
- Supplication (Dua): After your prayer, engage in heartfelt supplication. This is a special time for personal prayers, asking Allah for your needs, forgiveness, and guidance.
- Seek Forgiveness: Spend time asking for Allah’s forgiveness, reflecting on your actions, and repenting sincerely.
- Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Engage in the remembrance of Allah through phrases like “Subhanallah” (Glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah), and “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
These acts can help enhance your Tahajjud experience and deepen your connection with Allah.
Finally we will conclude with a poem.
Tahajjud: A Night’s Whisper
In the stillness of the quiet night,
When the world sleeps, hidden from sight,
A call arises, soft and clear,
For the faithful heart to draw near.
The stars bear witness, a silent crowd,
As shadows bow their heads unbowed.
The soul awakens, seeking light,
In the sacred depths of the quiet night.
No eyes to see, no ears to hear,
But Allah’s presence, ever near.
Each whispered word, each tearful plea,
Is carried on wings of sincerity.
The heart finds peace, the spirit strong,
In Tahajjud’s soft, melodious song.
A time of mercy, a time of grace,
To meet our Lord, face to face.
Rise, O seeker, in the night so deep,
For those who pray, their reward they keep.
In the hours of darkness, find your way,
To the dawn of mercy, where blessings lay.
Note: In this article we have used Qiyam al-Layl more often as this covers both Qiyam al-Layl and Tahajjud.
References
- فضل قيام الليل والتهجد
- تقريب التهذيب
- حال السلف مع القرآن
- صحيح البخاري
- صحيح مسلم
- سنن النسائي
- جامع الترمذي
- سنن أبي داود
- سنن ابن ماجه
End of Risalah, All praise is due to Allah and abundant blessings for our beloved Prophet ﷺ.
