PRACTICAL TIPS FOR
PRAYING QIYAAM AL-LAYL
ASSEMBLED BY MALLAM ABBA ABANA, KUBWA,
ABUJA, NIGERIA
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TUESDAY 28 DHUL HAJJ 1438 AH- 19 SEPTEMBER
2017 CE
Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was
Salaam 'ala Rasulillah. As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu.
Praise be to Allaah; we seek His help and
His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and
from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and
whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is
no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (Sallalhu alaihi Wasalam)
is His slave and Messenger.
PREAMBLE
What
is Qiyaam al-Layl?
Qiyaam' means
'standing' and 'Qiyaam al-Layl' means 'standing in night.' In the Islamic
terminology, both terms refer to, 'the voluntary night prayer, whose time
extends from after Isha prayer until dawn.' Other common names for Qiyaam
al-Layl are, Salaat ul-Layl (the night prayer), Tahajjud (from hajada meaning
remained awake at night), Witr (odd-numbered this term is also used to refer to
the last one or three Raka'ah of Qiyaam) and Taraweeh (resting).
A widespread misconception is that Tahajjud is a different night prayer than Qiyaam or Taraweeh. It is important to clarify this misunderstanding and to make clear that there is only one nafl night prayer known by different names. Even though the term Taraweeh is more commonly used to describe the night prayer in Ramadan, it is not different from Tahajjud. Thus, the practice of praying Taraweeh in the earlier part of the night and Tahajjud in the later part should be stopped.
A widespread misconception is that Tahajjud is a different night prayer than Qiyaam or Taraweeh. It is important to clarify this misunderstanding and to make clear that there is only one nafl night prayer known by different names. Even though the term Taraweeh is more commonly used to describe the night prayer in Ramadan, it is not different from Tahajjud. Thus, the practice of praying Taraweeh in the earlier part of the night and Tahajjud in the later part should be stopped.
The
Excellence of Qiyaam al-Layl
Numerous Ahaadeeth and
Qur'aanic verses mention the excellence of Qiyaam al-Layl and the merit of
those who perform it regularly. Umm al-Mumineen, Aa'ishah (radhi allahu anha)
reported that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The most
beloved deeds to Allah are the most constant, even if they were little.”
[Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim] and she said in another narration: “Do
not ever stop praying Qiyaam. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) never
ceased praying it. When he was sick or weak, he prayed sitting.” [Saheeh
al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslims] He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “You
should pray Qiyaam al-Layl, for it is the habit of the righteous people who
came before you, and it will bring you closer to your Lord, expiate for bad
deeds, prevent sin, and expel disease from the body.” [At-Tirmidhee and
Musnad Ahmad]
Narrated Mu'adh Ibn Jabal (radhi allahu anhu): 'The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said to him: “May I show you the gates of goodness?' (they are), “(a) Fasting is screen from Hell, (b) As-Sadaqah extinguishes the sins, as water extinguishes fire, (c) Standing in Salaat (prayer) by a slave of Allah during the last third part of a night.” Then the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) recited the verse: “Their (believer's) sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope; and they spend out of what We have bestowed on them.”' [Abu Dawood and at-Tirmidhee]
Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The best of prayer after those prescribed (i.e. obligatory prayer) is that in the depth of night.” [Saheeh Muslims]
Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “May Allah have mercy on a man who wakes up at night, prays, and wakes his wife to pray; and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face. And may Allah have mercy on a woman who wakes up at night, prays, and wakes her husband to pray; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face.” [(Hasan) Abu Dawood ]
Abdullah Ibn Bashr (radhi allahu anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) saying: “Whoever prays Qiyaam reciting ten verses, he will not be recorded among the negligent. Whoever prays Qiyaam reciting one hundred verses, he will be recorded among the devout. And whoever prays Qiyaam reciting one thousand verses, he will be recorded among those with a multitude of good deeds.” [(Hasan) Abu Dawood]
Narrated Mu'adh Ibn Jabal (radhi allahu anhu): 'The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said to him: “May I show you the gates of goodness?' (they are), “(a) Fasting is screen from Hell, (b) As-Sadaqah extinguishes the sins, as water extinguishes fire, (c) Standing in Salaat (prayer) by a slave of Allah during the last third part of a night.” Then the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) recited the verse: “Their (believer's) sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope; and they spend out of what We have bestowed on them.”' [Abu Dawood and at-Tirmidhee]
Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The best of prayer after those prescribed (i.e. obligatory prayer) is that in the depth of night.” [Saheeh Muslims]
Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “May Allah have mercy on a man who wakes up at night, prays, and wakes his wife to pray; and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face. And may Allah have mercy on a woman who wakes up at night, prays, and wakes her husband to pray; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face.” [(Hasan) Abu Dawood ]
Abdullah Ibn Bashr (radhi allahu anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) saying: “Whoever prays Qiyaam reciting ten verses, he will not be recorded among the negligent. Whoever prays Qiyaam reciting one hundred verses, he will be recorded among the devout. And whoever prays Qiyaam reciting one thousand verses, he will be recorded among those with a multitude of good deeds.” [(Hasan) Abu Dawood]
SEVEN
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR PRAYING QIYAAM AL-LAYL
1:
IKHLAS (SINCERITY) - THE KEY TO ALLAH'S HELP AND BLESSINGS
Help of Allah is
needed to accomplish and achieve success in all our affairs. And Allah only
helps those who are sincere in their hearts. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu
alaihi wa-sallam) said: “If you are truthful with Allah, then Allah will
deliver to you what you wish for.” [An-Nasa'ee, al-Hakim and Saheeh
al-Jamee] Therefore, one should have a sincere intention to pray Qiyaam
al-Layl; seek the Pleasure of Allah Alone and avoid the desire of praise or
fame. Allah says: “And they were commanded not, but that they should worship
Allah, and worship none but Him Alone…” [(98): 5]
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim said: “The degree to which a person is helped and aided by Allah depends on the degree of his intention, drive, aim and hopes. Help from Allah comes to people in proportion to their drive, intention, hopes and fears, and failure comes to them in like manner.”
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim said: “The degree to which a person is helped and aided by Allah depends on the degree of his intention, drive, aim and hopes. Help from Allah comes to people in proportion to their drive, intention, hopes and fears, and failure comes to them in like manner.”
2: KNOWING
THE VIRTUES OF QIYAAM AL-LAYL
Knowing the virtues
and rewards of performing worship produces willingness and desire to perform
the worship. We have previously mentioned numerous virtues of regularly praying
Qiyaam al-Layl, here we mention the excellence of praying Qiyaam al-Layl
particularly in the great month of Ramadan. Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu)
reported: “Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) encouraged the
people, without making it an absolute command, to perform Qiyaam during
Ramadan. He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) used to say: “Whoever stands (in
Qiyaam) in Ramadan out of faith and expectation (of Allah's reward), all his
previous sins will be forgiven.” [Saheeh Muslim]
3:
TAKING A NAP IN THE DAYTIME
Taking a nap before or
after Dhur Salaat will dismiss the stress and thus enable one to get up in the
night and stand in front of his Lord. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi
wa-sallam) said: “Take a nap, for the Shayateen (pl. of Shaytan) do not take
naps.” [Reported by at-Tabaranee. Al-Saheehah (2647)]
4: SLEEPING
ACCORDING TO THE SUNNAH OF ALLAH'S MESSENGER
(a) Sleep early: Sleeping early is a healthy habit and it was the
practice of Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) to sleep directly
after performing the Isha prayer. Abu Barzah al-Aslami (radhi allahu anhu) said
that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) used to prefer to delay Isha,
and he did not like to sleep before it or talk after it.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]
(b) Sleep in a state of taharah (purity): Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) reported that
Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Purify these bodies
and Allah will purify you, for there is no slave who goes to sleep in a state
of purity but an Angel spends the night with him, and every time he turns over,
[the Angel] says, 'O Allah! Forgive Your slave, for he went to bed in a state
of purity.'” [Reported by at-Tabaranee. See Saheeh al-Jamee (3831)]
(c) Choose a suitable bed: Excessive luxurious or soft bed provokes
laziness and makes one sleep more and become negligent. Aa'ishah (radhi allahu
anha) narrates that the pillow of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) on
which he slept at night was made of leather stuffed with palm fibers.” [Abu
Dawood and Musnad Ahmad. Saheeh al-Jamee (4714)]
Once Umar Ibn al-Khattab (radhi allahu anhu) entered upon the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) when he was lying on a mat of palm fibers that had left marks on his side. Umar (radhi allahu anhu) said: “O Messenger of Allah, why do you not get something more comfortable than this?” He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “What do I have to do with this world? My relationship with this world is like that of a traveler on a hot summer's day, who seeks shade under a tree for an hour, then moves on.” [Musnad Ahmad and al-Hakim. Saheeh al-Jamee (5545)]
(d) Cleaning the bed and lying on the right side
Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported: “The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “When any one of you goes to bed, let him clear his bed by hitting it with his garment, for he does not know what may have come onto it. Then let him lie down on his right side…” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
(e) Reciting the Adhkaar (supplications) mentioned in the Sunnah before sleeping
There are a number of Adhkaar prescribed in the Sunnah before going to bed, amongst them are reciting the last verses of Soorah al-Baqarah, reciting Soorah al-Falaq and Soorah al-Nas and Soorah Ikhlas blow in the palms and wipe as much of the body possible, starting from the head, face and then the front of the body doing it three times. [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
Ali Ibn Abi Talib (radhi allahu anhu) reported that when the Prophet's daughter, Fatima (radhi allahu anha) came to him and asked him for a servant, he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said to her and Ali: “Shall I not teach you something that will be better for you than a servant? When you go to bed, say 'SubhanAllah' thirty-three times, 'Al-hamdulillah' thirty-three times, and 'Allahu Akbar' thirty-four times. This is better for you than a servant.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
Once Umar Ibn al-Khattab (radhi allahu anhu) entered upon the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) when he was lying on a mat of palm fibers that had left marks on his side. Umar (radhi allahu anhu) said: “O Messenger of Allah, why do you not get something more comfortable than this?” He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “What do I have to do with this world? My relationship with this world is like that of a traveler on a hot summer's day, who seeks shade under a tree for an hour, then moves on.” [Musnad Ahmad and al-Hakim. Saheeh al-Jamee (5545)]
(d) Cleaning the bed and lying on the right side
Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported: “The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “When any one of you goes to bed, let him clear his bed by hitting it with his garment, for he does not know what may have come onto it. Then let him lie down on his right side…” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
(e) Reciting the Adhkaar (supplications) mentioned in the Sunnah before sleeping
There are a number of Adhkaar prescribed in the Sunnah before going to bed, amongst them are reciting the last verses of Soorah al-Baqarah, reciting Soorah al-Falaq and Soorah al-Nas and Soorah Ikhlas blow in the palms and wipe as much of the body possible, starting from the head, face and then the front of the body doing it three times. [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
Ali Ibn Abi Talib (radhi allahu anhu) reported that when the Prophet's daughter, Fatima (radhi allahu anha) came to him and asked him for a servant, he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said to her and Ali: “Shall I not teach you something that will be better for you than a servant? When you go to bed, say 'SubhanAllah' thirty-three times, 'Al-hamdulillah' thirty-three times, and 'Allahu Akbar' thirty-four times. This is better for you than a servant.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
5: AVOID
TOO MUCH FOOD AND DRINK
Too much food or drink
is one of the main obstacles that make one lazy and negligent of Qiyaam
al-Layl. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Man
fills no vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to
have a few mouthfuls to give him the strength he needs. If he has to fill his
stomach, then let him leave one-third for food, one-third for drink and
one-third for air.” [Reported by at-Tirmidhee and Ibn Majah. Saheeh
al-Jamee (5674)]
Abu Juhayfah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said to a man who burped in his presence: “Stop your burping, for the people who eat the most in this life will be the most hungry on the Day of Resurrection.” [Reported by al-Hakim. Saheeh al-Jamee (1190)]
Abu Juhayfah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said to a man who burped in his presence: “Stop your burping, for the people who eat the most in this life will be the most hungry on the Day of Resurrection.” [Reported by al-Hakim. Saheeh al-Jamee (1190)]
6: STRIVING
AGAINST ONESELF:
Striving against
oneself to get up and pray and suppressing one's desires bring about Allah's
help and His Pleasure for the slave. Allah says in the Qur'aan: “Strive in
Allah's Cause as you ought to strive…” [Soorah al-Hajj (25): 78] “And as
for those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will surely guide them to Our Paths.
And verily, Allah is with the Muhsinoon (good-doers).” [ (29): 69]
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The Mujahid (one who strives in way of Allah) is the one who strives against his own self for the sake of Allah.” [Reported by al-Tirmidhee. See al-Saheehah (549)]
He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) also said: “When a man from my Ummah gets up to pray at night, striving against his own self to get up and purify himself, there are knots on him. When he washes his hands in wudhu, one knot is undone. When he washes his face, another knot is undone. When he wipes his head another knot is undone. When he washes his feet, another knot is undone. Then Allah says to those who are veiled (in the Unseen): 'Look at this slave of Mine, he is striving against his own self and asking of Me. Whatever My slave asks of Me shall be his.” [Musnad Ahmad. See Saheeh al-Targheeb (627)]
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The Mujahid (one who strives in way of Allah) is the one who strives against his own self for the sake of Allah.” [Reported by al-Tirmidhee. See al-Saheehah (549)]
He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) also said: “When a man from my Ummah gets up to pray at night, striving against his own self to get up and purify himself, there are knots on him. When he washes his hands in wudhu, one knot is undone. When he washes his face, another knot is undone. When he wipes his head another knot is undone. When he washes his feet, another knot is undone. Then Allah says to those who are veiled (in the Unseen): 'Look at this slave of Mine, he is striving against his own self and asking of Me. Whatever My slave asks of Me shall be his.” [Musnad Ahmad. See Saheeh al-Targheeb (627)]
7: REBUKING
ONE'S SELF FOR NOT PRAYING QIYAAM AL-LAYL
Qiyaam al-Layl is a great blessing from
Allah, the Exalted, and He has placed in it numerous spiritual benefits and
rewards for the believer. Therefore, one should rebuke one's self, if he misses
this great opportunity of achieving rewards and Pleasure of Allah. Allah says
in the Qur'aan: “O you who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him.
And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear
Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” [(59): 18]
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) said: “If the slave is responsible and accountable for everything, even his hearing, sight and innermost thoughts, as Allah says, “…Verily, hearing, sight, and the heart of each of you will be questioned by Allah.” [Soorah al-Isra (17): 36], then he should check on himself before he is brought to account.”
"O Allah! I seek refuge with you from helplessness, laziness, cowardice and senile old age: I seek refuge with You from fitan (trials & afflictions) of life and death and seek refuge with You from punishment in the grave." Sahih Al-Bukhari vol 4, hadith no. 77
"O Allah, I hope for Your mercy. Do not leave me to myself even for the blinking of an eye. Correct all of my affairs for me. There is none worthy of worship but You." Hadith Abu Dawud Volume 4 hadith no 324
"Say: O Allah! I have wronged my soul very much (oppressed myself), and none forgives the sins but You; so please bestow Your Forgiveness upon me. No doubt, You are the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."Sahih Bukhari: Volume 9, Book 93, Number 485
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) said: “If the slave is responsible and accountable for everything, even his hearing, sight and innermost thoughts, as Allah says, “…Verily, hearing, sight, and the heart of each of you will be questioned by Allah.” [Soorah al-Isra (17): 36], then he should check on himself before he is brought to account.”
"O Allah! I seek refuge with you from helplessness, laziness, cowardice and senile old age: I seek refuge with You from fitan (trials & afflictions) of life and death and seek refuge with You from punishment in the grave." Sahih Al-Bukhari vol 4, hadith no. 77
"O Allah, I hope for Your mercy. Do not leave me to myself even for the blinking of an eye. Correct all of my affairs for me. There is none worthy of worship but You." Hadith Abu Dawud Volume 4 hadith no 324
"Say: O Allah! I have wronged my soul very much (oppressed myself), and none forgives the sins but You; so please bestow Your Forgiveness upon me. No doubt, You are the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."Sahih Bukhari: Volume 9, Book 93, Number 485
References
‘The Night Prayers’ by Muhammad Nasir ud-Deen al-Albanee (rahimahullah),
answers by Shaikh Salih al-Munajjad (hafizahullah) and others
‘The Night Prayers’ by Muhammad Nasir ud-Deen al-Albanee (rahimahullah),
answers by Shaikh Salih al-Munajjad (hafizahullah) and others
As-Sunnah Islamic
Newsletter Issue 15
https://web.facebook.com/Imam-Nasiruddeen-al-Albanee-Rahimuhulla-261838140597699/?_rdc=1&_rdr
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