Is the reward for praying the night vigil (qiyam al-layl) at midnight the same as praying it in the last third of the night?
The best time for Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer) is the last half of the night, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of David. He used to sleep for half the night, stand (in prayer) for one-third of it, and sleep for one-sixth of it."
Nevertheless, if one fears not waking up in the last part of the night, it is better to pray Witr before sleeping, so as not to miss Qiyam al-Layl entirely. In any case, one will be rewarded. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised that whoever fears not being able to wake up in the last part of the night should pray Witr in the early part of it.
And if a person prays at any hour of the night, he will receive reward, for the matter of Qiyam al-Layl is broad.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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