Hadith #5016

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Night vigil is the insignia of the pious and the quality of those who yearn.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the significance of engaging in night prayers and the spiritual state of those who long for closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word (sahar) "سَهَرُ" in Arabic refers to staying awake during the night. It signifies the act of dedicating a portion of the night to worship and remembrance of Allah. This act of devotion is described as the (shi'ar) "شِعَارُ" of the pious. The term (shi'ar) "شِعَارُ" can be understood as a symbol or emblem that represents a particular group or characteristic. In this context, it symbolizes the distinguishing mark of the pious individuals who engage in night prayers.

The Hadith also mentions that night vigil is the (shimah) "شِيمَةُ" of those who yearn. The word (shimah) "شِيمَةُ" refers to a quality or attribute that is inherent in someone. In this case, it represents the characteristic of yearning or longing for closeness to Allah. Those who engage in night prayers possess a deep desire to connect with their Creator and seek His pleasure.

The importance of night vigil can be found in various verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:2-4), Allah says,

Stand (to pray) all night, except for a little - Half of it - or subtract from it a little. Or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation.

This verse encourages the believers to spend a portion of the night in prayer, seeking closeness to Allah and reciting the Quran.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:79), Allah says,

And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud beyond what is incumbent on you; maybe your Lord will raise you to a praised position.

This verse emphasizes the additional voluntary prayers during the night, known as Tahajjud, which hold great rewards and elevate the status of the believers in the sight of Allah.

The act of engaging in night prayers has numerous benefits and profound consequences. Firstly, it allows the individual to establish a deep connection with Allah, as the night is a time of tranquility and solitude. It provides an opportunity for introspection, self-reflection, and seeking forgiveness for one's sins. By dedicating this time to worship, the believer demonstrates their sincerity and devotion to Allah.

Secondly, night vigil helps in purifying the soul and strengthening one's faith. It is a means of spiritual growth and self-discipline. The act of waking up from sleep and sacrificing comfort for the sake of Allah demonstrates a high level of commitment and determination. This dedication strengthens the believer's resolve to overcome worldly distractions and focus on their ultimate purpose in life.

Moreover, engaging in night prayers instills a sense of humility and gratitude within the individual. It reminds them of their dependence on Allah and their need for His guidance and mercy. By seeking closeness to Allah during the night, the believer acknowledges their weaknesses and recognizes that true success lies in the worship of the Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of night vigil as a distinguishing characteristic of the pious and those who yearn for closeness to Allah. By engaging in night prayers, the believers demonstrate their devotion, seek spiritual growth, and strengthen their connection with the Creator. The Quranic verses mentioned further emphasize the importance of dedicating a portion of the night to worship and remembrance of Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to engage in night vigil and attain the qualities of the pious.