وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا 79
Translations
And from [part of] the night, pray with it [i.e., recitation of the Qur’ān] as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.
Transliteration
Wa mina al-layli fatahjad bihi nafilatan laka 'asa an yab'athaka rabbuka maqaman mahmuda
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to observe the night prayer (Tahajjud) as an additional voluntary act of worship, promising him that Allah will raise him to a praiseworthy station (Al-Maqam Al-Mahmud). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as specifically addressing the Prophet, though the virtue of Tahajjud is extended to the believers through the Prophet's example. The 'praiseworthy station' (Al-Maqam Al-Mahmud) is understood by most scholars as referring to the Prophet's intercession (Shafa'ah) on the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed during the Meccan period as part of Surah Al-Isra, which recounts the Night Journey (Isra' and Mi'raj). The command to perform Tahajjud came as spiritual strengthening for the Prophet during a period of intense opposition from the Quraysh, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual connection with Allah through night devotion.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer' (Sahih Muslim 1163). Additionally, 'Aishah reported that the Prophet would stand in prayer at night until his feet became swollen, and when asked why he did this despite his sins being forgiven, he replied: 'Should I not be a grateful servant?' (Sahih Bukhari 4836).
Themes
Key Lesson
For believers today, this ayah illustrates that spiritual excellence comes through consistent voluntary worship beyond obligatory duties, and that dedication to prayer—especially during quiet, reflective night hours—brings one closer to Allah's favor and eternal reward. The Prophet's example teaches us that seeking closeness to God should be driven by sincere gratitude and love, not merely obligation.