Is it permissible for a traveler to perform Qiyam al-Layl while shortening other prayers and omitting the regular Sunnah prayers?
It is permissible to perform Qiyam al-Layl (night vigil prayer) while traveling, and it is even desirable. It is desirable whether one is traveling or at home. Qiyam al-Layl refers to night prayers performed in addition to Witr, while Witr itself is a confirmed Sunnah in both travel and residence. The disagreement among scholars only pertains to the supererogatory Rawatib prayers (Sunnah prayers associated with the obligatory ones). Scholars have agreed on the desirability of absolute supererogatory prayers while traveling, but they differed on the desirability of the regular supererogatory (Rawatib) prayers. Ibn 'Umar and others disliked them (in travel), while Al-Shafi'i and the majority of scholars found them desirable. Qiyam al-Layl is not included in the disagreement regarding the Rawatib, and most scholars consider the Rawatib desirable even when traveling.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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