Is it permissible to perform the night vigil (Qiyam al-Layl) as fulfillment of a vow, even if one is not inclined to do so, and does the intention of fulfilling the vow affect the validity of the prayer?
If the intention behind this prayer is devotion to Allah, and the motivation for it is fulfilling a promise, then there is no harm in it, with attention to four matters:
- Do not specify Monday and Thursday nights for Qiyam (night prayer) unless the opportunity arises on those nights, and not because of a belief in their superiority.
- The fiancée is a stranger (non-mahram) before the marriage contract, so it is not permissible to be alone with her or to excessively look at her.
- If you lead her in prayer before the marriage contract, a mahram (unmarriageable kin) or another woman must be present to remove the seclusion (khalwa).
- If the agreement on Qiyam al-Layl (night vigil) is a way of encouraging good without being obligatory, then it is recommended. However, if it is in the form of a vow (nadhr), then it must be fulfilled.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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