TLDR;
This video discusses the virtues of night prayer (qiyamulail) in Islam, emphasizing its importance for spiritual growth, sincerity, and closeness to Allah. It highlights that night prayer was a practice of the pious people before us, brings one closer to Allah, erases sins, and keeps one away from immoral acts. The video also provides practical tips on how to cultivate the habit of night prayer, including avoiding late nights, not overeating, setting alarms, and making a sincere intention before sleeping.
- Night prayer is a characteristic of pious people.
- It brings you closer to Allah and erases sins.
- Sincerity is key; avoid pride and showing off your worship.
- Practical tips for establishing the habit include sleeping early and setting multiple alarms.
Virtues of Seclusion with Allah [0:07]
The speaker emphasizes the importance of seclusion with Allah, highlighting that Allah praises those who are in seclusion to glorify Him. The Prophet Muhammad mentioned that among those who will be shaded by Allah on the Day of Judgment is someone who remembers Allah alone and cries. Iktikaf at the end of Ramadan is encouraged to spend more time in seclusion with Allah, cutting off relationships with creatures and connecting with the Creator.
Gathering and Separating for the Sake of Allah [3:47]
The speaker explains that people who love each other for the sake of Allah come together and separate for His sake. Gathering for the sake of Allah includes attending Koranic gatherings and helping those in need. Separating for the sake of Allah means dedicating time to personal worship, such as reciting the Koran and praying alone, to strengthen one's connection with Allah.
Importance of Evening Prayers [4:56]
The speaker highlights the significance of evening prayers (qiyamulail), noting that when the Prophet first preached in Medina, he emphasized praying at night when everyone is asleep to enter heaven safely. This time is ideal for seeking seclusion with Allah, drawing closer to Him while others are occupied with worldly matters. The speaker reminds that life on earth is short, and after death, individuals will be alone, emphasizing the need to accustom oneself to being happy in solitude through worship.
Companionship in the Grave [7:00]
The speaker explains that only one's pious deeds accompany them in the grave, so it's crucial to get used to being happy when alone by worshiping Allah. Feeling pleasure when reading the Koran or praying at night without anyone watching helps one face the realm of Barzakh (the time between death and resurrection) more easily. The speaker advises against being distracted by cellphones at night, which can lead to sins, and encourages embracing the Koran, night prayer, and remembrance of Allah as the best companions.
Qiyamulail as a Characteristic of Pious People [10:40]
The speaker emphasizes that qiyamulail (night prayer) is a characteristic of pious people, as it requires overcoming the comfort of sleep. He shares a hadith where the Prophet Muhammad said, "You should pray the night prayer, for it was the habit of the righteous people before you. It brings you closer to your Lord, erases sins, and keeps you away from sins." The speaker questions the piety of those who rarely or never pray at night, highlighting that night prayer is a custom of the pious.
Night Prayers Bring You Closer to Your Rabb [13:37]
The speaker emphasizes that night prayers bring you closer to your Rabb (Lord) and erase your sins, keeping you away from immoral acts. He mentions that Imam Ahmad considered someone who deliberately doesn't pray witr (part of the evening prayer) a bad person whose testimony is not accepted. The speaker notes that the law on night prayers was among the first laws prescribed to the Prophet Muhammad, with Surah Al-Muzammil being among the first revealed surahs commanding night prayer.
Surah Al-Muzammil and the Obligation of Night Prayers [15:14]
The speaker explains that Surah Al-Muzammil was revealed in the early days of Islam, initially making night prayers obligatory for a year. Aisha mentioned that Allah made night prayer obligatory based on the first verses of Surah Al-Muzammil, and the Prophet and his companions prayed at night for a year. Later, the obligation was lifted, and night prayer became sunnah (voluntary). Surah Al-Muzammil is considered the provision of a preacher, helping them recharge their faith to face trials during the day.
Evening Prayer as the Most Important Provision [21:32]
The speaker emphasizes that evening prayer is the most important provision for a Muslim, helping them recharge their faith to face daily trials. He explains that in night prayer, one wakes up against sleepiness, gets closer to Allah, and reads the Koran more solemnly and sincerely.
Allah Praises People Who Pray at Night [22:40]
The speaker explains that Allah praises people who pray at night in the Qur'an, describing them as inhabitants of heaven. He cites verses from Surah Az-Zariyat, highlighting that the pious don't sleep much at night, wake up to pray, and seek forgiveness at dawn. These are characteristics of those who will enter heaven.
Characteristics of the Inhabitants of Heaven [25:50]
The speaker continues describing the inhabitants of heaven, referencing Surah Alif Lam Mim As-Sajdah, noting that they wake up at night to pray with anxiety and hope, give charity during the day, and maintain good relationships with both Allah and people. He emphasizes that no soul knows the blessings prepared for those who pray at night, as these blessings are a surprise from Allah for their secretive worship. Sincerity is crucial in night prayers, avoiding pride and boasting.
Sincerity in Night Prayers [28:03]
The speaker stresses the importance of sincerity in night prayers, advising against arrogance and showing off one's worship. He suggests that one way to be sincere is to ignore people's comments, focusing instead on seeking Allah's attention. The speaker references verses from Surah Az-Zariyat and Surah Alif Lam Mim Sajdah, highlighting that night prayers are a main reason for entering heaven, provided they are sincere and free from pride.
Night Prayers as Proof of a Knowledgeable Person [30:28]
The speaker explains that night prayers are proof of a knowledgeable person, as knowledge leads to good deeds. He cites a verse from Surah Az-Zumar, questioning whether those who pray at night, fearing the punishment of hell and hoping for the mercy of their Lord, are the same as those without knowledge. The speaker emphasizes that knowledge should motivate one to do good deeds, including praying at night.
Virtues of Night Prayers in Surah Al-Furqan [32:35]
The speaker discusses the virtues of night prayers, referencing the end of Surah Al-Furqan, which mentions the characteristics of Ibadurrahman (servants of Allah) who will enter heaven. He explains that these individuals are rewarded for their patience, which includes patience in avoiding immorality and patience in carrying out obedience, such as night prayer. The speaker emphasizes that worshippers of Allah must pray at night, as it requires patience and leads to paradise.
Hadiths on the Virtues of Night Prayers [35:37]
The speaker shares hadiths that explain the virtues of night prayers, including the hadith "Alaikum biqiyamil" (You should pray at night), which highlights that night prayer is a custom of the pious, brings one closer to Allah, erases sins, and prevents one from committing sins. He also mentions a hadith where the Prophet Muhammad praised Abdullah bin Umar for praying at night, emphasizing that paying attention to night prayers makes one the best man in the sight of Allah.
The Glory of a Believer is His Night Prayer [39:27]
The speaker shares a hadith where Jibril (Gabriel) told the Prophet Muhammad that the glory of a believer is his night prayer and his pride is when he doesn't need other people. He emphasizes that night prayer is a very delicious time to pray to Allah, especially in the last third of the night when Allah descends to the sky of the world, asking if there is anyone who prays that He will grant their prayer, anyone who asks for forgiveness that He will forgive them, and anyone who asks that He will grant their request.
The Last Third of the Night [42:51]
The speaker emphasizes the significance of praying in the last third of the night, when Allah descends to the lowest heaven to answer prayers and forgive sins. He encourages listeners to wake up and seek Allah's face during this glorious time, rather than sleeping and dreaming of worldly desires. The speaker quotes Imam Syafi'i, who highlights the power of prayer, and encourages complaining to Allah about one's difficulties during night prayer.
Practical Tips for Night Prayers [49:10]
The speaker provides practical tips for establishing the habit of night prayer, including:
- Don't stay up late: Get enough sleep to wake up refreshed.
- Don't eat too much at night: Overeating can make it difficult to wake up.
- Set an alarm: Use multiple alarms to ensure you wake up.
- Intend to pray at night: Make a sincere intention before sleeping, which can help you wake up and earn reward even if you oversleep.
- Pray to wake up: Recite prayers for waking up and start with two light rakaats.
- Wake up your spouse: Encourage each other to pray at night.
- Don't force it: If you're too sleepy, sleep and set another alarm for later.
- Start in stages: Begin with a few rakaats and gradually increase.
- Increase Quran memorization: Memorizing more of the Quran can make night prayer more enjoyable.