Is performing the night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl) in congregation in homes (other than mosques) considered an innovation (bid'ah)?
Praying in congregation is not an innovation (bid'ah) because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did it and continued it for two or three nights, then he stopped it fearing that it would be made obligatory upon his Ummah. It is narrated in the Sahihayn that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, prayed one night with some of his Companions, and he prayed with them Surah Al-Baqarah, then An-Nisa, then Al-Imran. If this congregational prayer teaches young people how the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, used to perform the night prayer (qiyam), then this is a commendable act. However, they should not single out a specific night, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade singling out the night of Friday for prayer among other nights.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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