What is Qiyam al-Layl?
The broader term for standing in the night — how it relates to Tahajjud, Witr and Taraweeh.
Pending scholarly review · Last updated 31 August 2026
Qiyam al-Layl literally means "standing in the night". It is the broad term for spending part of the night in worship: prayer, Qur'an recitation, remembrance and dua.
Tahajjud is more specific: night prayer offered after sleeping.
Witr is the odd-numbered prayer that closes the night.
Taraweeh is the congregational night prayer of Ramadan.
All of them fall under the umbrella of Qiyam al-Layl.
"Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence of heart and tongue, and more suitable for words."
Qiyam does not require hours. A short prayer, a few verses, and a sincere dua is a night spent well.
References
Surah al-Muzzammil — 73:6quran
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