𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 20 | 20 Sha’bān 1444H

After discussing the rulings related to fasting the month of Ramaḍhān, we will now move onto the next topic, which is related to the night prayer. In this lesson we will mention 9 important points related to the night prayer. POINT 1: Definitions After the two voluntary units (Rātibah) post ’Ishā', there is only one voluntary prayer that is offered at night. This voluntary prayer has various names, which all refer to the same thing. It is called: (1) Qiyām Al-Layl = Lit. to stand at night. And in this context it refers to standing in prayer at night. (2) Witr = Lit. An odd number. And in this context it refers to the total number of units offered during the night prayer, or the last odd unit specifically. (3) Tarāwīḥ = Taken from Rāḥah (rest); the relevance of this name comes from the fact that while offering the night prayer, a person takes short rests in between. Also, Tarāwīḥ is the name given to the night prayer offered in Ramaḍhān specifically. (4) Tahajjud = Lit. To abandon sleep; the relevance of this name comes from the fact that a person awakens at night to offer the night prayer. Thus, if a person offers the night prayer without having slept prior to it, it is not called Tahajjud. Summary: Every night prayer is called Qiyām Al-Layl and Witr. If the night prayer is offered during Ramaḍhān specifically, it is also called Tarāwīḥ. And if a person awakens from sleep partway through the night to offer the night prayer, it is also called Tahajjud. POINT 2: The ruling of offering the night prayer Most of the scholars have said that offering the night prayer is highly recommended (Sunnah Mu'akkadah). 🔺Note: Sheikhul Islām Ibn Taymiyyah raḥimahullāh mentioned in 'Al-Ikhtiyārāt' that: if someone offers the night prayer, it is WĀJIB to pray an odd number, based on the saying of the Prophet ﷺ: “Let the last of your prayers at night be Witr (an odd number).” [Bukhāri & Muslim] POINT 3: Virtues of offering the night prayer This prayer contains many virtues: (1) It is the best voluntary prayer. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best prayer after the obligatiory prayers is the night prayer.” [Muslim] (2) Offering the night prayer is a trait of excellence. The Prophet ﷺ said: “’Abdullāh (ibn ’Umar) is an excellent man - if only he prayed at night.” Sālim, the son of Abdullāh, reported that after the Prophet ﷺ said this, his father would not sleep at night except a little. [Bukhāri & Muslim] (3) The Prophet ﷺ used to observe the night prayer all year round; inside and outside Ramaḍhān, and even while travelling. In fact, if ever he missed the night prayer, he would make up for it the next day. (4) There is greater merit in offering the night prayer during Ramaḍhān. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever stands in prayer at night during Ramaḍhān out of faith and seeking [Allāh's] reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven” [Bukhāri & Muslim] (5) The merit of offering the night prayer is even greater during the last ten nights of Ramaḍhān due to Laylatul Qadr. ’Ā'ishah raḍhiyallāhu ’anhā said, “With the start of the last ten, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and keep his family awake for the prayers.” [Bukhāri & Muslim] Likewise, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever stands in prayer at night on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and seeking [Allāh's] reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Bukhāri & Muslim] POINT 4: The time to offer the night prayer The time to offer the night prayer begins once a person has prayed ’Ishā', and extends until dawn break. The evidence is the statement of the Prophet ﷺ: “Indeed Allāh has added a prayer for you; it is the Witr prayer, so observe it between ’Ishā' and Fajr.” [Aḥmad - graded 'Ṣaḥīḥ' by Sheikh Albāni in Irwā'] So, a Muslim is allowed to offer the night prayer at any point during the night, as ’Ā'ishah raḍhiyallāhu ’anhā said: “The Prophet ﷺ would observe Witr at different times of the night; the early part, its middle, and the latter part.” [Bukhāri & Muslim]