Several Islamic fatwas and rulings have attracted widespread attention, addressing questions about raising the hands during the takbirs of the funeral prayer, buying and eating Mawlid al-Nabawi sweets, and the best time and method for performing Qiyam al-Layl.

What Is the Ruling on Raising the Hands With Every Takbir in the Funeral Prayer?

Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta explained that raising the hands with the first takbir of the funeral prayer is recommended, while scholars have differed over whether the hands should also be raised with the remaining takbirs.

According to the ruling cited in the source, a person performing the funeral prayer may either raise the hands during the subsequent takbirs or leave them down. Both practices are considered valid, and there is no blame on the person who follows either view.

The matter is therefore broad and should not become a source of disagreement among worshippers.

How Many Takbirs Are There in the Funeral Prayer?

The funeral prayer consists of four takbirs.

After the first takbir, the worshipper recites Al-Fatihah. After the second, prayers are offered upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Following the third takbir, the worshipper supplicates for the deceased, followed by the final takbir and the conclusion of the prayer.

Is Buying Mawlid Sweets Considered a Religious Innovation?

Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta stated, according to the ruling cited in the source, that expressing happiness over the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by buying sweets and exchanging them as gifts is permissible in Islam and is considered a recommended expression of joy.

The institution explained that commemorating the Prophet’s birth can be an expression of love and reverence for him ﷺ, and that buying and sharing sweets falls among permissible forms of expressing happiness on this occasion.

Is Buying Mawlid Sweets Considered Celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday?

Dar al-Ifta explained that commemorating the Prophet’s birth and expressing happiness over it can take various forms of permissible joy and acts of worship.

Among these practices is what people traditionally do by buying sweets, exchanging them with others and providing generously for their families, as an expression of happiness over the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The source also cited a narration from Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ loved sweets and honey.”

According to the cited ruling, describing Mawlid sweets as forbidden merely because they are associated with the occasion is not supported by the ruling presented in the source, as long as the sweets themselves are permissible.

What Is the Ruling on Buying and Eating Mawlid al-Nabawi Sweets?

According to the Dar al-Ifta ruling cited in the article, buying Mawlid sweets, exchanging them as gifts and providing generously for family members are permissible forms of worldly happiness associated with the Prophet’s birth.

Eating sweets is also permissible in itself, provided it is not accompanied by an independently prohibited act.

When Is the Best Time for Qiyam al-Layl?

Sheikh Awaida Othman, Secretary of Fatwa at Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta, stated that Qiyam al-Layl begins after the Isha prayer and continues until dawn, while the last third of the night is considered its best time.

He cited the saying of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

“The most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of David.”

The narration describes Prophet David’s practice of sleeping half the night, praying during one-third of it and sleeping during one-sixth.

Therefore, Qiyam al-Layl may be performed during the beginning, middle or end of the night, although the last third of the night has a special virtue.

Why Is the Last Third of the Night Considered the Best Time for Qiyam?

The last third of the night is a special time for prayer, supplication and seeking forgiveness.

The source cited the well-known hadith describing Allah’s descent to the lowest heaven during the night and the call to those who seek, supplicate and ask for forgiveness.

For this reason, many Muslims seek to make use of this period by performing prayer, reading the Quran, making supplications and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

How to Perform Qiyam al-Layl

Qiyam al-Layl is generally performed two rak‘ahs at a time, followed by the testimony and prayers upon the Prophet before concluding the prayer with salam.

A worshipper may recite whatever is easy from the Quran and may make personal supplications during the prayer.

There is no single fixed number of rak‘ahs that every Muslim must perform. A person may pray according to their ability and desire, with the Prophet ﷺ encouraging the performance of Witr after the night prayer.

Can Qiyam al-Layl Be Performed at the Beginning of the Night?

Yes. According to the material provided, the time for Qiyam al-Layl begins after Isha and continues until dawn.

Therefore, it can be performed during the beginning, middle or final part of the night.

However, the last third of the night is considered one of its most virtuous times.

The Virtues of Qiyam al-Layl

The material highlights several virtues associated with Qiyam al-Layl, including:

• The Prophet ﷺ regularly observed the night prayer and devoted himself to it.
• It is among the deeds that lead to Paradise.
• It is a means of attaining higher ranks in Paradise.
• Those who regularly perform it are described among the righteous and those deserving Allah’s mercy.
• Allah praised those who spend part of the night in worship.
• The people who perform Qiyam al-Layl are counted among the righteous servants of Allah.
• It is a means of expiating sins.
• It helps prevent sinful behavior.
• It is considered the best voluntary prayer after the obligatory prayers.
• It represents an honor for the believer.
• Its performer is envied in the positive sense because of its great reward.
• Its reward is better than the world and everything in it.

Qiyam al-Layl, Supplication and Seeking Forgiveness

Qiyam al-Layl is not limited to prayer alone. A Muslim can combine prayer, supplication, seeking forgiveness, Quran recitation and remembrance of Allah during the night.

The source also highlights the virtue of seeking forgiveness during the pre-dawn hours, citing the Quranic verse:

“They used to sleep but little of the night, and before dawn they would seek forgiveness.”

Night worship gives Muslims an opportunity to withdraw from worldly distractions, communicate with Allah through prayer and supplication, and ask Him for relief, mercy and the fulfillment of their needs.

Conclusion

The rulings discussed in the source explain that raising the hands during the additional takbirs of the funeral prayer is a matter of scholarly disagreement, and both raising the hands and leaving them down are valid according to the views cited.

Dar al-Ifta also states, according to the material provided, that buying Mawlid al-Nabawi sweets, exchanging them as gifts and providing for family members are permissible expressions of happiness associated with the Prophet’s birth.

As for Qiyam al-Layl, its time begins after Isha prayer and continues until dawn, with the last third of the night being among its most virtuous times. It provides an opportunity for prayer, Quran recitation, supplication, remembrance and seeking forgiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ruling on raising the hands during the funeral prayer?

Raising the hands with the first takbir is recommended, while raising them with the following takbirs is a matter of scholarly disagreement. Both practices are permissible according to the views cited.

How many takbirs are there in the funeral prayer?

The funeral prayer consists of four takbirs.

Is buying Mawlid sweets permissible?

According to the Dar al-Ifta ruling cited in the source, buying, eating and exchanging Mawlid sweets as gifts are permissible.

When does Qiyam al-Layl begin?

Qiyam al-Layl begins after the Isha prayer and continues until dawn.

What is the best time for Qiyam al-Layl?

The last third of the night is considered the best time, although Qiyam al-Layl may be performed at any time between Isha and dawn.