The holy month of Ramadan has gone by, and it seems as if maybe our enthusiasm to meet our nightly companion (that is Qiyam al Layl – Night Prayer) has been declining. The importance of this prayer has been emphasized in many sayings and verses of the Quran. One important question that arises is how do we stay consistent with this beautiful prayer? Let us first remind our self with some of the sayings of the Prophet PBUH, and Allah’s words to us about the night prayer.
A) Among the reports that describe the virtues of this act of worship is the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him), in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of prayers after the prescribed prayers is prayer in the depths of the night, and the best of fasting after the month of Ramadan is fasting the month of Allaah, Muharram.” (reported by Muslim).
B) And, ‘Amr ibn ‘Absah reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The closest that the Lord is to His slave is in the later part of the night, so if you can be one of those who remember Allaah at that time, then do so.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi and al-Nisaa'i).
C) Allah swt also says “Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend (charity in Allaah’s Cause) out of what We have bestowed on them” [al-Sajdah 32:16]
Right after this verse Allah swt describes the reward for the people mentioned above (including the ones who perform Qiyam) by saying “Now no person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for them - as a reward for their (good) deeds.” It’s amazing how Allah swt describes in the Quran how other acts have specific rewards, but for Qiyam the reward is hidden and it will be an amazing surprise for the worshipper in the day of judgment for what they used to sacrifice for Allah.
That being said, here are some steps that can help us inshaAllah obtain Qiyam Al Layl, and most importantly gain the pleasure of Allah swt.
* Duaa: Supplications and speaking directly to Allah swt is one of the best weapons given to you by your creator. Use it in this matter by asking Allah swt to help you get-up for Qiyam Al Layl. Allah swt says “And as for those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will surely guide them to Our Paths. And verily, Allaah is with the muhsinoon (good-doers).” [al-‘Ankaboot 29:69]
* Fajr: Prior to performing any voluntary acts of worship we must make sure that all of our obligatory requirements are met, and this includes praying Fajr on time. If you don’t pray Fajr on time, work on doing so; one of the best ways to accomplish this is to set up an alarm.
* Train yourself by gradually increasing your time: Sometimes we can overwhelm ourselves into doing acts of worship (which is great) but that can get us tired and thus we end up completely leaving the voluntary act of worship. A strategy that might be helpful is that one should perhaps ease him/her self into these acts (Qiyam al layl), even if the act looks small in your eyes. Remember that Allah loves the slave who performs constant deeds, even if they are small! Narrated Hazrat 'Aisha (Radi Allah Anha): The Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam was asked, "What deeds are loved most by Allah?" He said, "The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few."Sahih Bukhari: Volume 8, Book 76, Number 472
This “gradual easing” can be whatever makes it easy for the slave of Allah. For example, you can try to wake up 10, 15, or 30 minutes before Fajr and perform one rakah of witr or three. As you increase your time you can also increase your number or rakahs and recitations of the Quran. In Contrast, you can choose to perform Witr right after Salatul Isha, or before you go to sleep as a preparation for future “last 1/3 of the night” Qiyam.
* Allah is calling you: The person who wants to pray Qiyaam al-layl should realize that Allah is calling him to qiyaam. When the slave realizes that his Master, Who has no need of people’s worship, is calling him to do this, he will respond. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you wrapped in your garments (i.e., Prophet Muhammad)! Stand (to pray) all night, except a little. Half of it, or a little less than that, or a little more; and recite the Qur’aan (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style.” [al-Muzzammil 73:1-4]. From:http://islamqa.com/en/ref/3749/Qiyam
This means that you should remember Allah swt right as you hear your alarm. It will help you fight your self desire to go back to sleep, and fight the whispering of shaytan. Reassert to yourself that you have a meeting with your creator, and remember that Allah swt listens to your thoughts and is with you all of the time.
May Allah help us all swt Allah clean our intentions, Pray Salatul Fajr, and meet our night prayer prior to Fajr prayer.
http://islamqa.com/en/ref/3749/Qiyam
