Salat al-Layl (Night Prayer)

Salat al-Layl (Arabic: صلاة الليل), also called Tahajjud or Namaz-e Shab, is a voluntary night prayer consisting of 11 rak'ah, which is one of the most recommended prayers in Shia Islam. It is prayed in the last third of the night, before the Fajr prayer time begins.

Salat al-Layl is divided into three parts: (1) Eight rak'ah nafilah (voluntary prayer), prayed two at a time, (2) Two rak'ah Shaf'a prayer, and (3) One rak'ah Witr prayer. During the Witr prayer, a long qunut is recited, in which the worshipper asks forgiveness for 40 believers by name, recites istighfar 70 times, and asks for Allah's mercy.

The Quran encourages night prayer: "And during a part of the night, keep vigil for prayer as an extra devotion for you" (Surah Al-Isra 17:79). Imam Ali (peace be upon him) was known for his dedication to the night prayer and said: "The night prayer illuminates the face, perfumes the soul and provides sustenance" (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 87). Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "Do not neglect the night prayer, for whoever neglects the night prayer is a loser" (Al-Kafi, vol. 3).

In Shia tradition, Salat al-Layl is attributed immense spiritual significance. It is considered the believer's honor (sharaf al-mu'min) and a source of Allah's special mercy. For those who have difficulty rising at night, it is recommended to pray it before sleeping, although the best time is the last third of the night.