The Night Prayers Qiyam & Tarawih By Muhammad Al-Jibaly

” Qiyam ” The night prayer, Qiyam al-Layl, is extremely dear to the heart of each devout Muslim. It is an act of worship that is supererogatory and performed at night, demonstrating one’s sincere love and obedience to Allah. During Ramadan, such worship is generally known as Tarawih, prayed after the obligatory `Isha prayer. The publication The Night Prayers: Qiyam & Tarawih by Muhammad Al-Jibaly delves deep into this sacred act of devotion, offering readers the spiritual background as well as the hands-on guide to practice it in a proper and consistent manner. 

Learning about Qiyam al-Layl

Qiyam al-Layl is any form of optional night prayer. It is not exclusive to Ramadan, although it is supplemented with more significance in the blessed month. The Prophet ﷺ would perform the night prayers regularly and requested the people to take him as a model. Indeed, the Qur’an praises the people who stay up praying in the night and seek forgiveness until dawn.

Muhammad Al-Jibaly’s work begins describing the virtues of Qiyam al-Layl. He cites authentic Hadith and Qur’anic passages that reflect how this practice brings one higher spiritually and ethically. The author explains that waking up at night at a time of silence to serve your Creator is a sign of sincere faith and inner strength.

The Practice of the Prophet ﷺ

The book details how the Prophet ﷺ would conduct his night prayers. He would normally wake up during the last third of the night and pray with long, measured recitation. At times, he prayed individually; at other times, he led others in prayer. Muhammad Al-Jibaly stresses that the night prayer is not exclusive to scholars or devout elders—it is an opportunity available to all Muslims, whether young or old, male or female.

With extensive explanations and descriptions, the book teaches readers how to replicate the Prophet’s ﷺ methodology in the modern era. From how many rakʿahs (prayer units) to recite to how long to take while reciting, readers are made conscious of what is Sunnah and what can be done. This prepares them to formulate their own nightly bond with Allah most authentically. 

Tarawih During Ramadan

Tarawih is the most popular form of night prayer among most Muslims. It is performed during Ramadan and is normally recited in congregation in mosques. In his book, Al-Jibaly provides a straightforward account of how Tarawih was performed during the Prophet ﷺ and his companions’ time. He writes:

The number of rakʿahs performed, Whether it is preferably performed in congregation or alone, The tradition of long recitations and The importance of consistency and balance. One of the strengths of Al-Jibaly’s work is that he backs up opposing arguments with evidence. He does not rely on cultural norms but rather follows what is actually proven.

For example, he explains that while some mosques hold Tarawih to be eight rakʿahs, others hold as many as twenty, such as during the time of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). It is not about numbers, but about sincerity, dedication, and following the Prophetic model.

The Role of the Qur’an in Night Prayer

One of the essential elements of Qiyam and Tarawih is recitation of the Qur’an. The Prophet ﷺ would recite long sections of the Qur’an in his night prayers, breaks and reflection or re-recitation between verses. Al-Jibaly encourages readers to develop a closer relationship to the Qur’an through these prayers. He teaches readers how to recite with understanding, feeling, and correct Tajweed.

For those who cannot recite lengthy chapters, he promises them that even small portions with honesty are of immense benefit. The book also gives suggestions on choosing which surahs to recite and how to gradually increase one’s ability.

Practical Tips for Establishing the Night Prayer

One of the most helpful parts of the book is the one that gives helpful tips on how to implement night prayers. The majority of Muslims are inspired to pray Qiyam but are not consistent, are exhausted, or do not know where to start. Muhammad Al-Jibaly dispels these concerns with empathy and wisdom. Some of the tips are:

Start with two short rakʿahs and build up, Set a designated time before Fajr to pray, Avoid eating late at night, Recite forgiveness and make du’a during the last third of the night and Invite the family members.

Say that night prayer is something very personal. Even if you can offer only a few rakʿahs, it is at least better than nothing. What you need is to be consistent and sincere.

Night Prayers and Forgiveness

Among the best qualities of Qiyam al-Layl is that it comes with forgiveness. In certain Hadiths, the Prophet ﷺ narrated that Allah descends in the last third of the night to the lowest heaven and asks: “Is there anyone seeking forgiveness, so I may forgive him?”

This strong declaration shows that night prayer is not only a way of achieving reward, but a way to cleanse the heart and soul. It is a way of drawing closer to Allah, seeking forgiveness from Him for wrongdoings done, and beginning the day with divine courage.

A Resource for Every Muslim

Whether you are a new Muslim who would like to make your first night prayer, or an individual who prays every day and would like to refine your practice, The Night Prayers: Qiyam & Tarawih is of immense value. The book is instructive and motivating. It interlaces careful Hadith and Fiqh judgments with heartfelt encouragement.

Muhammad Al-Jibaly is writing in straightforward, organized prose that is not difficult to read. He avoids unnecessary obscurity and attempts to make the information useful for the everyday Muslim. His goal is to revive the Sunnah of night prayers in a way that is practical and relevant.

Conclusion

Night prayers are Islam’s pearl—tranquil moment where believers get to partake in forgiveness, consolation, and closeness to Allah. Night Prayers: Qiyam & Tarawih by Muhammad Al-Jibaly is an empowering publication that brings this lofty practice into the reach of all Muslims. With sincerity, gravitas, and precision, the author enlivens one of the wealthiest Sunnahs of our much-loved religion.

This book belongs in every home as a reminder that the night is not just a time for sleep, but a time to wake up in worship. In a distracted world, Qiyam encourages us to return to what truly matters: our connection with the Creator.

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