There’s something special about praying when the world is asleep. The quiet. The stillness. The feeling that it’s just you and your Creator. That’s the essence of Qiyam, the night prayer that brings both tranquility and spiritual strength.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your connection with Allah, find solace in difficult times, or simply build a habit of nightly worship, this guide will walk you through how to pray Qiyam in a way that feels natural and fulfilling.
How Many Rakats Are There in Qiyam?
Here’s the good news—there’s no strict number of rakats (prayer units) for Qiyam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) often prayed eight rakats, followed by three rakats of Witr. But you can pray as many or as few as you’re comfortable with. Even if you start with just two rakats, that’s a beautiful step forward.
If you’re feeling ambitious, go for more! Some people pray 11, some 13, and during Ramadan, the famous Taraweeh prayer is an extended form of Qiyam that can go up to 20 rakats in congregation.
Are Tahajjud and Qiyam the Same?
Not exactly, but they’re closely related. Qiyam simply means “standing in prayer at night,” which covers any voluntary night prayer after Isha (the night prayer). Tahajjud, on the other hand, is a more specific form of Qiyam—it’s prayed after waking up from sleep.
So, all Tahajjud is Qiyam, but not all Qiyam is Tahajjud. If you can wake up before Fajr and pray, amazing! If not, don’t worry—praying before bed still counts as Qiyam and brings immense rewards.
How to Pray Qiyam at Home
One of the best things about Qiyam is that you don’t need a mosque, an imam, or even an audience. You can pray comfortably at home, in your room, or even on your balcony under the stars.
- Make an intention – Just a simple thought: “I’m praying Qiyam for the sake of Allah.”
- Start with two rakats – If you’re feeling energized, pray more, but two is a great start.
- Recite from the Quran – Even if it’s just a short surah like Al-Ikhlas, it’s powerful.
- Take your time in sujood (prostration) – This is when you’re closest to Allah. Pour your heart out in dua.
- Finish with Witr (optional but recommended) – Witr is an odd-numbered prayer (1, 3, or 5 rakats) that rounds off your night prayer beautifully.
What to Say in Qiyam?
You don’t need to memorize long passages to pray Qiyam. Keep it simple! Recite what you know from the Quran. If you want to challenge yourself, try learning a new short surah each week.
And dua—oh, dua! This is your golden opportunity to ask for anything. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that the last third of the night is when Allah descends to the lowest heaven, listening to His servants. So go ahead—ask for guidance, healing, success, or just a heart at peace.
The Best Time to Pray Qiyam
If you can wake up in the last third of the night (right before Fajr), that’s peak Qiyam time! But let’s be real—not everyone can do that. If you’re like me and struggle to wake up before dawn, don’t sweat it. Praying before bed still counts. The key is consistency, even if it’s just two rakats every night.
Qiyam in Today’s World: A Modern Challenge
Let’s be honest—our sleep schedules are a mess. With social media, Netflix, and late-night scrolling, staying up for prayer feels harder than ever. But imagine replacing just 10 minutes of screen time with Qiyam. The spiritual recharge is worth it.
And with Ramadan 2025 going on right now, it’s the perfect time to build the habit. Start now, and by the time the holy month arrives, you’ll be in full Qiyam mode.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Consistent
Qiyam isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up. Even if it’s just two rakats tonight, that’s progress. Keep going, keep praying, and watch how it transforms your life.
What’s your biggest struggle with praying at night? Let’s talk in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!