Observing the Supererogatory Night Prayer (Qiyam)

The Messenger of Allah (sallAllaahu ‘aIaihi wasallam) said: "Whoever, with faith and the intention to earn the reward,  observes  the  fast  of  Ramadan and spends some  part   of the night in remembrance   of Allah,  is forgiven  for all the sins he has committed  so far." [1]

The Prophet (sallAllhu ‘aIaihi wa sallam) and his companions were in the habit of practising Qiyam at night. Aisha, (may Allah be pleased with her), said:

"Do not miss the Qiyam, for the Prophet (sallAllhu ‘aIaihi wa sallam)   had never missed it.  Even when he was sick or tired, he would pray at night in a sitting position."

Narrated   by  Alkama  Ibn  Qais, "I stayed overnight with Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud who prayed at night reciting  the  Qur'an  till it was near to the end of the night;  and  then  he ended  with  "Witr"  (a single prostration).

Narrated by Al Safib Ibn Zaid:  The Imam used to read hundreds of Ayaat (verses of the Qur'an); thus we had to lean on sticks. They never left before it was nearly dawn.

Muslims have to perform "Taraweeh" prayers, (i.e. prayers, performed at night after Al-Isha in Ramadan) with the Imam. The Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:

"Whoever prays at night with his Imam till the latter leaves, will be rewarded as if he prayed the whole night."[2]