Qiyaamul-Lail : The night prayers.

" (Such was Our) method in the case of those whom We sent before you (to mankind), and you will not find change in Our method ;

"Establish worship at the sun's decline until the dark of night, and (the recital of) the Qur-aan at dawn. Indeed (the recital of) the Qur-aan at dawn is ever witnessed.

"And some part of the night awake for it, additional for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised state. 17:77 to 17:79

In the above verses, Allaah the exalted, has said that swalaah (prayers) - the explanation of which we have read and which the imaam (leader) of the prayer recites upon those led in the prayers - as the tradition of all the messengers, including our prophet (peace upon them). Swalaah has been made obligatory upon us believers, each in its time. Allaah calls this prayer as the tradition of all the messengers. Beside the obligatory swalaah prayers, the other prayer mentioned in the verse is tahajjud, which is defined as nafil (additional, extra).

In verse No.1 to 4 and in verse No. 20, of Surah Muzammil, Allaah rabbul-izzah, details the night prayer Qiyaamul-lail.

" O you wrapped up in your garments!

Stand (to prayer) by night, but not all night,

Half of it, or a little less,

Or a little more; and recite the Qur-aan in slow, measured rhythmic tones." 73:1 to 73:4

" Your Lord does know that you stand forth (to prayer) nearly two-thirds of the night, or half the night, or a third of the night, and so does a party of those with you. Allaah does determine night and day. He knows that you are unable to keep count thereof. So He has turned to you (in mercy); So read you, therefore, of the Qur-aan as much as is easy for you. He knows that there may be (some) among you in ill-health; others travelling through the land, seeking of Allaah's bounty; yet others fighting in Allaah's cause. Read you, therefore, as much of the Qur-aan as may be easy (for you); " 73:20 part

The details of the Qiyaamul-lail prayer has been given in the above verses. It is note-worthy that there is no restriction as to the month/s in which it should be prayed, which we have restricted to Ramadwan. It is hoped that Allaah will soon give us favourable conditions to establish Qiyaamul-Lail in all the months.

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