The Night Prayers Qiyam & Tarawih By Muhammad Al-Jibaly
” Qiyam ” Prayer in Islam is not just a ritual; it is a deep act of worship that makes a Muslim closer to his Creator. One of the most spiritually fulfilling prayers is the Night Prayers — Qiyam and Tarawih. These prayers are of great significance in Islamic worship, particularly during the blessed month of Ramadan. In his book The Night Prayers: Qiyam & Tarawih, Muhammad Al-Jibaly provides a comprehensive study of these acts of worship, providing clarity and guidance based on true sources.
About the Author
Muhammad Al-Jibaly is a highly respected Islamic author and scholar who has written widely on issues of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), aqeedah (creed), and worship. He is famous for his meticulousness, for drawing on authentic hadith, and for being able to clarify religious issues clearly. His books are highly regarded by English-speaking Muslims in need of credible Islamic information.
The Importance of Night Prayers
Qiyam al-Layl, or night prayer standing, is a practice highlighted in the Quran and Sunnah. It was a nightly practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions. Tarawih, one form of Qiyam done in congregation during Ramadan, is a favorite among the Muslim community.
The Night Prayers lift a believer spiritually, cleanse the soul, and calm the heart. They are acts of worship demonstrating one’s love and yearning for Allah, especially at night when distractions are minimal and sincerity is highest.
What the Book Covers
The Night Prayers: Qiyam & Tarawih gives a full preview of:
The merits of night prayers, Their historical evolution in the Prophet’s time, The righteous Salaf’s practices, In-depthulings derived from Quran and reliable Hadith, How many rak’ahs are there (of prayer) and the frequent fallacies thereabouts.
Imams’ role and that of the congregation, Procedure and appropriate du’as to be offered at Night Prayers and Tips for balancing Qiyam with other religious duties. Each section is well-researched and supported by textual evidence, making it easy for readers to follow the arguments and understand the correct Islamic practice.
Qiyam Al-Layl: A Personal Devotion
Qiyam is not confined to Ramadan. It is a year-round practice encouraged by the Prophet ﷺ. In fact, Allah praised the believers who rise at night in His remembrance:
“They forsake their beds to invoke their Lord in fear and hope…” (Quran 32:16). Al-Jibaly describes how Qiyam is a personal act of worship that deepens one’s relationship with Allah. It is especially stressed for those who want to advance in ranks spiritually and attain nearness to their Lord.
Tarawih: A Ramadan Tradition
Tarawih occupies a central position in the hearts of Muslims throughout Ramadan. The congregational night prayer unites communities together in the remembrance of Allah. Muhammad Al-Jibaly speaks about how Tarawih was prayed by the Prophet ﷺ and how it became an established congregational practice during the Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab’s time.
The publication covers issues common in these modern times including varying rak’ahs, rate of recitation, and how the Imam can fit in. Al-Jibaly offers tips that aim at dispelling misunderstanding and going back to good-old practices found within the Sunnah.
Clarifying Misconceptions
One of the book’s strengths is that it explains away common misconceptions. For instance, most Muslims hold the belief that Tarawih has to be prayed as 20 rak’ahs, while others are adamant on 8. The book elucidates the room for flexibility in Islamic jurisprudence and the evidence behind different practices, calling for respect and understanding among Muslims.
Al-Jibaly also addresses the question of pace in Tarawih prayers, where some mosques hasten over the recitation without due thought or respect for the principles of Tajweed. The book teaches the value of quality over quantity in worship.
A Practical Guide for Worshippers
This is not a theoretical book it is a practical one. Readers are walked through how to prepare for the night, do Witr prayer, do Du’a, and spiritually prepare for this act of worship. There are also explanations of the various opinions among scholars, providing readers with a balanced view that is respectful of all schools of thought.
Perfect for Individuals and Communities
Whether you are a layperson wanting to revitalize your own practice of Qiyam or a mosque imam intending to coordinate Tarawih, The Night Prayers is a trusted guide. Its usage is clear, and its format is straightforward. Featuring references to original sources and well-structured information, this book can be useful both for the layperson and for the student of knowledge.
Conclusion
The Night Prayers: Qiyam & Tarawih by Muhammad Al-Jibaly is a must-read for all Muslims desiring to grasp and perform these moving acts of worship properly. It presents a balanced, thoughtful, and true representation of Qiyam and Tarawih, making the reader feel more connected to the essence of night prayer such as it was practiced by the Prophet ﷺ and his followers. This is not just an academic book it is a devotional guidebook for those who want to cultivate a deeper bond with Allah in the holy hours of the night.
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