وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَٱسْجُدْ لَهُۥ وَسَبِّحْهُ لَيْلًا طَوِيلًا 26
Translations
And during the night prostrate to Him and exalt [i.e., praise] Him a long [part of the] night.
Transliteration
Wa mina al-layli fa-asjud lahu wa sabbihhu laylan tawilan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to dedicate a portion of the night to prostration and glorification of Allah. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this refers to the night prayers (Tahajjud), emphasizing the spiritual discipline and devotion expected of the believers, particularly the Prophet. Al-Qurtubi notes that 'tayilan' (lengthy) indicates prolonged, sincere worship rather than hasty observance, highlighting the quality and consciousness required in worship.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Insan (Chapter 76) is Medinan and addresses the qualities of righteous servants and the rewards awaiting them in Paradise. This specific ayah appears in the context of describing the noble characteristics of the believers, particularly their dedication to night prayers. The surah emphasizes gratitude and remembrance of Allah as responses to His blessings.
Related Hadiths
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet would stand in night prayer until his feet became swollen, and when asked why he did this despite Allah forgiving his sins, he replied: 'Should I not be a grateful servant?' (Sahih Bukhari 4836). Also relevant is the hadith about the Prophet's night prayer routine in Sahih Muslim, emphasizing the importance of Tahajjud as a means of spiritual elevation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true devotion to Allah involves both consistent and sincere worship, particularly during times when one's commitment is tested—the night hours when rest is natural. For modern believers, it reminds us that spiritual growth requires dedicated effort and sacrifice, and that quality of worship (consciousness and presence of heart) matters more than mere physical performance.