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Many Muslims strive to perform night prayer due to its immense reward, yet other righteous acts can match its merit according to the Prophet ﷺ:
4 Key Acts of Worship Equivalent to Night Prayer:
Congregational Isha and Fajr: Uthman ibn Affan reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever prays Isha in congregation, it is as if he prayed half the night; and whoever prays Isha and Fajr in congregation, it is as if he prayed the whole night" (Abu Dawood).
Four Sunnah Rak‘ahs Before Dhuhr: Abu Salih reported the Prophet ﷺ said: "Four rak‘ahs before Dhuhr equal the prayer of the pre-dawn (Suhur)" (Sahih al-Jami‘).
Reciting 100 Verses at Night: Tamim al-Dari reported: "Whoever recites 100 verses at night is recorded as if he prayed Qunoot of a night" (Al-Tirmidhi).
Good Character: Aisha reported: "The believer reaches the ranks of a night-prayer and daytime fast through good character" (Al-Albani).
Shaf‘ and Witr as Part of Night Prayer:
Night prayer includes Isha, Shaf‘ and Witr, Tahajjud, Taraweeh, Quran recitation, and night supplication—any act of devotion after Isha until Fajr counts.
Night Prayer Before Fajr Adhan:
Praying even ten minutes before the Fajr adhan counts as night prayer since night ends at Fajr.
After Fajr:
It is permissible to perform missed rak‘ahs after Fajr for Qada purposes, but Witr is exclusive to night; daytime prayers can include only Shaf‘ (two rak‘ahs).
