The Virtue of Night Prayer: Seeking Allah’s Pleasure When Others Sleep

The Spiritual Benefits and Rewards of Night Prayer in Islam

The Virtue of Night Prayer: Seeking Divine Pleasure When Others Sleep

In Islam, the night prayer (Qiyām al-Layl) is one of the most significant acts of worship, and its merits are immense. It is a practice that draws the believer closer to Allah, serves as a purification of the soul, and brings immense rewards both in this world and the hereafter. One of the most profound narrations on the virtue of night prayer is found in a report from ‘Abdullāh b. Masʿūd, where he relates that Allah the Mighty and Sublime is pleased with two individuals: a man who stands in the middle of the night while his family sleeps, purifies himself, and prays; and a man who, in the midst of battle, stands his ground even when his comrades have been defeated until Allah grants him martyrdom.

This narration, reported in the works of scholars like Abū Bakr Al-Ājurrī in his Faḍl Qiyām Al-Layl (The Virtue of Night Prayer), highlights two deeply significant aspects of a believer’s life: devotion to worship during the quiet moments of the night and standing firm in the face of adversity for the sake of Allah. Both of these actions, though different in context, demonstrate a profound level of commitment, courage, and sincerity before Allah. The fact that Allah Himself is pleased with these actions and “laughs” at the individuals performing them is a powerful reminder of the special place these acts hold in the sight of the Almighty.

The Night Prayer: A Sacred Act of Worship

The concept of Qiyām al-Layl, or standing in prayer during the night, is rooted in the Qur’an and the Sunnah (traditions) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah says in the Qur’an:

"And during the night, prostrate to Him and exalt Him a long night."
(Surah Al-Insān, 76:26)

This verse emphasizes the importance of turning to Allah during the night, when the world is quiet and distractions are minimal. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said:

“The most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of Dawood, and the most beloved fast to Allah is the fast of Dawood. He used to sleep half the night, stand in prayer for a third, and then sleep for a sixth of the night.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This narration highlights the balance of worship and rest, demonstrating that the night prayer is not only a means of seeking closeness to Allah but also a practice that cultivates discipline, self-restraint, and a connection with the Divine during the most serene moments of the day.

Allah’s Special Love for Those Who Pray at Night

The hadith reported by ‘Abdullāh b. Masʿūd speaks of Allah’s special pleasure with the one who prays in the night while others are asleep. When the believer rises from his bed, leaves the warmth of sleep, and performs wudu (ablution), standing in prayer with a sincere heart, this act is beloved to Allah. The act of waking up in the middle of the night, leaving comfort behind, and standing in devotion to the Creator shows a high level of commitment, faith, and love for Allah.

In fact, the night prayer is a means of purification for the soul. Allah says:

"Indeed, the Qur’an is a guide and a healing for what is in the hearts."
(Surah Yunus, 10:57)

The tranquility that comes with night worship helps the believer reflect on their actions, purify their heart, and re-establish their focus on the purpose of their existence: worshiping Allah. As Allah says in the Qur’an:

"Indeed, your ally is none but Allah and His Messenger and those who have believed — those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship]."
(Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:55)

The act of worshipping Allah alone, seeking His pleasure in the solitude of the night, earns the believer a reward unlike any other. It is in the stillness of the night that the heart can truly find peace, the soul can repent sincerely, and the believer can feel the closeness to their Creator in ways that the daytime struggles and distractions do not allow.

The Reward: Allah’s Pleasure and Divine Mercy

The hadith from ‘Abdullāh b. Masʿūd mentions that Allah “laughs” at the man who prays while his family sleeps. The concept of Allah laughing at His servant is a metaphorical expression of His pleasure and immense love for the believer. It indicates that such an act is so cherished by Allah that He is pleased with it beyond comprehension. While it is important to understand that Allah’s pleasure is beyond the human experience, expressions like these in the Hadith serve to illustrate how deeply Allah values the devotion of His servants.

The reward for this night prayer is not just a spiritual elevation but also a source of divine mercy and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever prays during the night in the month of Ramadan with faith and seeking reward from Allah, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This general principle of forgiveness applies to the night prayer outside Ramadan as well. Allah, in His infinite mercy, grants the opportunity for believers to wipe away their sins and start anew, purifying themselves through the devotion of night worship.

Night Prayer and Its Link to Patience and Perseverance

The second part of the narration speaks of the individual who, in the heat of battle, stands firm while his comrades retreat. This part of the hadith emphasizes the concept of perseverance, sacrifice, and bravery for the sake of Allah. It teaches that standing firm in moments of hardship, even when all others may falter, is highly commendable in Islam. Such steadfastness is rewarded with the ultimate reward: martyrdom.

While the contexts of standing firm in prayer and standing firm in battle may seem different, they share the same underlying theme: devotion to Allah above all else. Whether in the stillness of the night or the chaos of a battlefield, the true believer does not waver in their commitment to Allah’s commands. In both cases, the individual’s faith is put to the test, and their courage is grounded in the love and trust they have in Allah.

The Spiritual Benefits of Night Prayer

Beyond the divine reward and closeness to Allah, the night prayer brings several spiritual benefits to the believer. Among these are:

1. Increased Mindfulness and Reflection: The quiet of the night gives the believer a chance to reflect on their actions, seek forgiveness for past mistakes, and plan for a better future.
2. Strengthened Faith: The act of worship during the night strengthens the believer’s faith, as it requires dedication and effort to wake up during the darkest hours of the day, leaving behind the comfort of sleep.
3. Cleansing of the Heart: The night prayer is a time to ask for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, to purify one’s heart from the stains of sin, and to seek guidance.
4. A Source of Peace and Comfort: Engaging in worship during the night is a time of spiritual solace. The heart finds peace in the remembrance of Allah and in offering gratitude for His blessings.
5. Increase in Blessings: Allah promises that those who engage in night worship will see their efforts rewarded with increased blessings in their lives, including peace of mind and success in both this world and the Hereafter.

Conclusion

The night prayer is a beautiful practice that holds great spiritual significance in Islam. Whether standing in prayer alone at night or remaining steadfast in moments of adversity, the believer’s commitment to Allah is highly cherished. As Allah is pleased with the man who rises at night while others sleep and with the warrior who stands firm until martyrdom, the night prayer is a means to attain the divine mercy, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of sincerity, patience, and devotion in all aspects of life.

May Allah grant us the strength and dedication to perform Qiyām al-Layl and accept it from us as a means to purify our hearts, seek His forgiveness, and draw nearer to Him. Ameen.

Author: IslamicHelper