In the name of Allah who does not sleep.
". . . the most excellent prayer after the obligatory prayers (Subuh, Zuhur, 'Asr, Maghrib and 'Isyak) is the night prayer."
[Narrated by Muslim]
I was reading a book titled "More than 1000 Sunan (Sayings & Acts of the Prophet) Every Day & Night" compiled by Shaykh Khaalid al-Husaynaan when I came across some useful tips to help us perform Qiyaamullayl (waking up at one-third of night to perform night prayers). Here are the tips suggested by the Shaykh, based from the Prophet's tradition:
1) Supplication (make du'a to Allah asking Him to assist us and make it easy for us)
2) Avoid staying up late
3) Rest between Zuhur and 'Asr prayers.
4) Refrain from all forms of disobedience
5) Strive against your desires (to fall back to sleep etc.)
It is difficult indeed to wake up at night and stay up performing night prayers. But has not Allah told us that He purposely made the path to Jannah a thorny one? That is why, my dear brothers and sisters, let us sacrifice a bit of our pleasures in this world for our eternal happiness in the Hereafter.
This is a reminder and hopeful wish especially for me, and to all my brothers and sisters in Islam. May Allah help us all in seeking His Pleasure and avoid His Wrath. Ameen. :')
It is not easy to wake up for night prayer but with Jannah as reward, isn't it worth trying?"O Allah! I beseech Thee, make it easy for me (and other Mukmineen) to wake up at night and serve Thee with night prayers in our effort to seek Thy Pleasure."
Reference:
Khaalid al-Husaynaan (2006). More than 1000 Sunan every day and night (2nd ed.). Riyadh: Maktaba Darussalam.
