Is performing the night vigil prayer (Qiyam) on Laylat al-Shakk (the Night of Doubt) obligatory?
Chapter on the Times When Prayer is Prohibited
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The performance of the night vigil prayer on the Night of Doubt is affirmed based on the statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "Indeed, Allah has obligated fasting upon you, and I have established for you the standing (Qiyam) for it," implying the standing is linked to the fast. Both Al-Qadi and the Shaykh Abu Abdullah performed this standing prayer.
Supporting text
Abu Hafs al-'Ukbar and the Tamimi scholars hold the view that the night vigil prayer should be abandoned on that night. They base their position on the narration from Ibn Umar, and the practice of the Companions and Successors, from whom no standing prayer on that night has been transmitted. They argue that since the fast is observed only as a precaution for the obligatory Ramadan fast, and the prayer is not obligatory, one should adhere to the original state of non-obligation.