What is the ruling on a preacher staying up until midnight for reading and worship, while maintaining his daily portion of Qur'an recitation, and claiming that this is better than sitting after Fajr due to his engagements in the morning?

Scholars have stipulated that engaging in knowledge is better than voluntary physical acts of worship. And for whoever prays Fajr in congregation and then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, then prays two rak'ahs, there is the reward of a complete Hajj and Umrah. It is valid for one who moves from his prayer place to his home while continuing remembrance until sunrise to attain this reward. And if combining the two is difficult, then prioritizing staying up for seeking knowledge is more appropriate, because the benefit of knowledge extends to others. And we recommend being diligent in performing night prayers (Qiyam al-Layl).