There is a unique silence that descends upon the world at night. The noise of the day fades away, distractions settle, and people rest after their struggles. Yet in those still hours, a special group of believers rises from their beds, leaving behind comfort and sleep, to stand in prayer before their Lord. This act is known as Qiyam al-Layl, or the night prayer, and it is one of the most powerful forms of worship a believer can experience.
A WORSHIP LOVED BY ALLAH
The Qur’an praises those who dedicate themselves to prayer at night:
“They arise from [their] beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend [in charity] from what We have provided them.”
(Qur’an 32:16)
This verse describes believers who willingly give up sleep, seeking closeness to Allah through prayer, dua, and remembrance. They do so not out of obligation, but out of love. While others rest, they stand before the One who never sleeps.
The Prophet ﷺ himself loved night prayer deeply. It is narrated that he would stand in prayer until his feet swelled. When asked why he exerted himself so much despite his guaranteed forgiveness, he replied:
“Should I not be a grateful servant?”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Night prayer, therefore, is not just about seeking forgiveness it is an expression of gratitude, humility, and intimacy with Allah.
THE SPECIAL MERCY OF TAHAJJUD
The Prophet ﷺ described the last part of the night as a time of divine mercy. He said:
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: ‘Who will call upon Me so that I may answer him? Who will ask Me so that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
These blessed moments are a direct invitation from Allah to His servants. It is a time when dua is most likely to be answered, sins are forgiven, and hearts are healed. The world may be asleep, but the gates of heaven are open for those who rise to pray.
A SOURCE OF LIGHT AND HONOR
Night prayer leaves an effect on the believer’s soul. It softens the heart, strengthens faith, and brings a unique tranquility that cannot be found elsewhere. The scholars of the past used to say that the light of night prayer shines on the faces of those who pray, reflecting their inner closeness to Allah.
In another hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Keep up the night prayer, for it was the practice of the righteous before you, it brings you closer to your Lord, it erases sins, prevents wrongdoing, and drives away disease from the body.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hasan)
Thus, night prayer is not only a spiritual gift but also a protection in both worlds.
HOW TO BEGIN NIGHT PRAYER
Many hesitate to start night prayers, thinking it requires long hours and great strength. Yet, the Prophet ﷺ reassured his companions that even a little is precious. Standing for just two rak‘ahs after Isha with sincerity is considered part of night prayer. Consistency matters more than length.
The best time is the last third of the night, but even praying before sleeping counts as part of Qiyam al-Layl. One can begin gradually, by praying two rak‘ahs, then adding more as the heart grows accustomed. The key is sincerity and consistency, not perfection.
SACRIFICING SLEEP FOR ETERNAL REST
When a believer leaves the comfort of bed to pray, it is a sacrifice that Allah values greatly. This sacrifice proves that their love for Allah outweighs the love of ease. In exchange, Allah grants them rest in the heart in this life and eternal rest in the Hereafter.
The Qur’an paints a beautiful picture of such people:
“Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and springs, receiving what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that doers of good. They used to sleep but little of the night, and in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness.”
(Qur’an 51:15–18)
This description links night prayer directly to the reward of Jannah.
CONCLUSION
Night prayer is more than a ritual; it is a conversation with Allah when the world is silent. It is a chance to pour out the heart, seek forgiveness, make dua, and feel the sweetness of faith. While most people sleep unaware, those who rise for Qiyam al-Layl are honored guests of Allah, wrapped in His mercy and tranquility.
