Hidayah 3-2-1: The Power of Qiyam al-Layl (Night Prayer)

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Share November 9, 2025
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The power of Qiyam al-Layl lies in the quiet moments of the night, when the world sleeps and hearts awaken to remember their Creator.
It is the hour when tears fall softly, sins are forgiven, and wishes rise to the heavens.
In that stillness before dawn, the believer finds strength, forgiveness, and a light that no darkness can overcome

🌿 1️⃣ Qur’anic Verse & Tafsir

Verse:

“And during the night, prostrate to Him and exalt Him a long [part of the] night.” (Surah Al-Insan 76:26)

Tafsir Insight:
Ibn Kathir explains that this verse is a command to the Prophet ﷺ and his Ummah to perform Tahajjud — to stand in prayer at night for reward and elevation in ranks.
Qiyam al-Layl is the believer’s honour, a sign of sincerity and humility before Allah.
This verse beautifully reflects the power of Qiyam al-Layl as a source of peace and nearness.

Source: Tafsir Ibn Kathir – https://islamweb.com

🌸 2️⃣ Prophetic Hadith on the Power of Qiyam al-Layl (Sahih)

“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl).”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1163)

Narrated by Abu Hurairah and reported in Kitab Salat al-Musafirin.
This hadith reveals the power of Qiyam al-Layl — a gift that revives faith and brings the servant closest to his Lord.

Source: sunnah.com

⚖️ 3️⃣ Islamic Ruling (Fatwa Insight)

Question: Is it necessary to pray long raka‘ahs in Qiyam al-Layl, or can one pray short ones?

Answer:
Both are valid. It is Sunnah to lengthen the recitation if possible, but even two light raka‘ahs are accepted.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever stands in prayer with ten verses will not be recorded among the heedless…” (Sahih Abu Dawud).
The key is sincerity and consistency — this balance itself shows the power of Qiyam al-Layl in transforming hearts.

Source: IslamWeb Fatwa No. 12938

🌤 4️⃣ Practical Reflection

Start small: pray just 2 raka‘ahs before sleeping if waking later is difficult.
If you wish to rise before Fajr, set your alarm 15 minutes earlier — even one rak‘ah of Witr makes you among those who stood in the night.

Even a few moments of standing before Allah allow you to taste the power of Qiyam al-Layl — where forgiveness descends and the heart finds its light.

💭 5️⃣ Weekly Reflection Question

If Allah invited you to a private meeting in the stillness of the night, would you answer His call tonight?

Take a moment to reflect on the power of Qiyam al-Layl and how it can fill your nights with mercy, calm, and strength.

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