Qiyam Al-Layl, or the voluntary night prayer, is one of the important acts of worship encouraged by the Quran and Sunnah. It gives Muslims an opportunity to pray, recite the Quran, remember Allah and make supplications during the night.
The Quran refers to night prayer in Surat Al-Muzzammil: “O you who wraps himself [in clothing], arise [to pray] the night, except for a little.” [Quran 73:1-2]
The same surah also mentions those who spend part of the night in prayer and worship.
When Is Qiyam Al-Layl Performed?
The time for Qiyam Al-Layl begins after Isha prayer and continues until the beginning of Fajr.
The final third of the night is considered a particularly virtuous time for prayer, remembrance, supplication and seeking forgiveness.
The Prophet Muhammad said: “The closest that the Lord is to the servant is during the middle of the latter part of the night.”
A Muslim may therefore perform Qiyam Al-Layl at any point between Isha and Fajr, according to their circumstances.
The Virtue of Qiyam Al-Layl
Night prayer is described as one of the great voluntary acts of worship. Allah praises those who leave their beds to call upon Him in hope and fear.
The Quran says: “Their sides forsake their beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and aspiration, and from what We have provided them, they spend.” [Quran 32:16]
The Sunnah also highlights the spiritual value of night prayer and describes it as a practice associated with righteous people and a means of drawing closer to Allah.
During Qiyam Al-Layl, Muslims can combine prayer with Quran recitation, remembrance and supplication, particularly during the final part of the night.
How Many Rak’ahs Is Qiyam Al-Layl?
The Prophet Muhammad said: “The night prayer is two by two.”
This means that the prayer is generally performed in sets of two rak’ahs. The worshipper may then conclude the night prayer with Witr.
There is no single mandatory number of rak’ahs for Qiyam Al-Layl. A person may pray according to their ability and available time.
For example, someone may pray four rak’ahs after Isha, sleep, and then pray four more after waking. The rak’ahs may also be performed in separate sets according to the worshipper’s circumstances.
Is the Last Third of the Night the Best Time?
The final third of the night is among the most virtuous times for Qiyam Al-Layl, particularly for supplication, remembrance and seeking forgiveness.
Those who are able to wake during this period may delay their night prayer until then. Anyone who fears that they may not wake up can pray before going to sleep.
The Prophetic Supplication for Qiyam Al-Layl
Abdullah ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that when the Prophet Muhammad rose at night to perform voluntary prayer, he would say:
“O Allah, to You belongs all praise. You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and everyone in them. To You belongs all praise. You are the Light of the heavens and the earth and everyone in them. To You belongs all praise. You are the King of the heavens and the earth and everyone in them. To You belongs all praise. You are the Truth, Your promise is true, Your meeting is true, Your word is true, Paradise is true, Hellfire is true, the prophets are true, Muhammad is true, and the Hour is true.”
The supplication continues with a declaration of faith, reliance upon Allah, repentance and a request for forgiveness for past and future shortcomings, both public and private.
A Muslim may also make other personal supplications during the night prayer, asking Allah for what is good in this life and the Hereafter.
When does Qiyam Al-Layl begin?
Its time begins after Isha prayer and continues until Fajr begins.
How many rak’ahs are required for Qiyam Al-Layl?
There is no single required number. The night prayer is performed two rak’ahs at a time and may be followed by Witr.
Can Qiyam Al-Layl be prayed before going to sleep?
Yes. A person who fears they may not wake later at night may pray before sleeping.
What is the best time for Qiyam Al-Layl?
The final third of the night is among the most virtuous times for night prayer, supplication and seeking forgiveness.
What is the prophetic supplication for Qiyam Al-Layl?
A well-known supplication reported from the Prophet begins with: “O Allah, to You belongs all praise. You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and everyone in them.”
