To what extent is there compatibility between God Almighty's command to His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to perform Tahajjud in His saying: "And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud with it as an additional prayer for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praiseworthy station" and the hadith of Aisha, may God be pleased with her: "Should I not be a grateful servant?" And is it true that the hadith "The first to receive his book in his right hand is Omar ibn Al-Khattab" is invalid?
Allah Almighty commanded His Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, to perform the night vigil (qiyam al-layl) after the obligatory prayers. This was a duty upon him alone, not upon the Muslim community, according to the majority of scholars. "Tahajjud" is defined as prayer performed after sleeping. The phrase "a supererogatory act for you" (نافلةً لك) has been interpreted as a unique characteristic for the Prophet, peace be upon him, either because it was obligatory for him, or as a means of further elevating his ranks. While performing the night vigil expiates sins for others, the Prophet's past and future sins had already been forgiven. As for "a station of praise and glory" (مقامًا محمودًا), it refers to the station of the Grand Intercession on the Day of Judgment, which is exclusive to the Prophet, peace be upon him. The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to prolong his night prayers until his feet would swell.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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