Both the daytime and nighttime during Ramadan are abundantly blessed. While the daytime is marked by abstaining from food, drink, and sexual activity, the nighttime, though allowing for sexual relations with spouses, is also encouraged for engaging in supplication.
In Quran 73 verses 1-6, Allah instructs His Messenger to rise and stand in prayer before Him. The Prophet followed this command by performing night prayers. It is narrated in an authentic hadith that the best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer (Sahih Muslim). ‘Qiyamulayli’, meaning ‘standing during the night’ in its most literal sense, is a voluntary prayer offered between Isha prayer and Fajr prayer (before dawn).
The most preferred time for this prayer is said to be during the last third of the night, also known as ‘tahajjud’. Qiyamulayli is more comprehensive as it includes other aspects of worship such as remembrance and praises, while tahajjud focuses solely on prayers, voluntary (Nafil). Both hold significant rewards and blessings for Muslims who sacrifice their sleep to pray to Allah.
Read also: Ramadan Talk: Renewal of devotional life, contacts with Quran
This act of worship serves as a means to connect the heart with its Creator, enabling Muslims to resist worldly temptations and draw closer to Allah. The benefits of night prayer extend into daily life, often unnoticed.
According to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), “You should pray Qiyamulayli, for it is the practice of the righteous before you, drawing you nearer to your Lord, expiating sins, and preventing wrongdoing.” – Al Tirmidhi (3549)
Here are the Iftar and Sahoor timings:
Ramadan
Lagos: Iftar at 6:55pm, Sahoor ends at 5:15am
Abuja: Iftar at 6:50pm, Sahoor ends at 5:00am
Kano: Iftar at 6:50pm, Sahoor ends at 4:55am
