Was night vigil (Qiyam al-Layl) previously obligatory?
Chapter on the Times When Prayer is Prohibited
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The night vigil was previously obligatory, evidenced by the divine command to the Prophet: "O you wrapped in garments [in slumber], stand [in prayer] the night, except a little, half of it, or a little less than half of it" (Quran 73:1-3).
Supporting text
This obligation was later abrogated (naskh) by the following verse: "Indeed, your Lord knows that you stand slightly less than two-thirds of the night..." (Quran 73:20).