Knowing when the middle of the night occurs (جوف الليل) helps Muslims maximize their worship during one of the most spiritually rewarding times. Let’s break it down simply — timing, significance, calculation, and what to do during these precious hours.
The Timing of Jauf al-Layl
It was narrated that ʿAmr ibn ʿAbasah (رضي الله عنه) said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«أقرَبُ ما يَكونُ الرَّبُّ منَ العبدِ في جوفِ اللَّيلِ الآخرِ، فإن استَطعتَ أن تَكونَ مِمَّن يذكرُ اللَّهَ في تلكَ السَّاعةِ فَكُن»
“The closest that the Lord is to the servant is during the last part of the night, so if you are able to be among those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.”
(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3579 – authentic)
The phrase “Jauf al-Layl” means the middle of the night. If it says “Jauf al-Layl al-Akhir”, it means the middle of the second half of the night — the fifth sixth of the night (as mentioned by Ibn al-Athir and Ibn Manzur).
To calculate it, you divide the night (from Maghrib adhan to Fajr adhan) into three equal thirds or six equal sixths:
- If divided into three: Jauf al-Layl = the last third.
- If divided into six: Jauf al-Layl = the fifth sixth.
The exact time varies by country and season, so you can’t fix it to one specific hour for the whole year.
The Virtue of Jauf al-Layl
Night prayer (قيام الليل) holds a special place because it is a private act of worship between the servant and Allah. It requires effort — leaving sleep for prayer — which gives it a unique honor.
1. Duʿa is Answered
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«إنَّ في اللَّيْلِ لَسَاعَةً لا يُوَافِقُهَا رَجُلٌ مُسْلِمٌ، يَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ خَيْرًا مِن أَمْرِ الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ، إلَّا أَعْطَاهُ إيَّاهُ، وَذلكَ كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ»
“Indeed, in the night there is a time when if a Muslim asks Allah for any good of this world or the Hereafter, He grants it to him — and that happens every night.”
(Sahih Muslim, 757)
2. The Best Prayer After Obligatory Salah
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«أَفْضَلُ الصَّلَاةِ، بَعْدَ الصَّلَاةِ المَكْتُوبَةِ، الصَّلَاةُ في جَوْفِ اللَّيْلِ»
“The best prayer after the obligatory prayer is the prayer in the middle of the night.”
(Sahih Muslim, 1163)
How to Calculate the Middle of the Night
For example:
- If the night is 10 hours long (from Maghrib to Fajr)
- You sleep the first 5 hours
- Then wake for 3.5 hours to worship
- Then rest for the last 1.5 hours
This way, you are praying in the last half and even catching part of the last third — the most blessed portion.
Recommended Acts During Jauf al-Layl
Being awake at this time is an opportunity to connect with Allah deeply. It’s not just about prayer — here’s what you can do:
- Prayer (Tahajjud): The best voluntary prayer.
- Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness):
Allah says:
﴿وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ﴾
“And in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness.”
(Surah adh-Dhariyat, 51:18) - Quran Recitation: Reflecting on its meanings brings tranquility.
- Dhikr (Remembrance): Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, and praising Allah by His beautiful names.
- Duʿa:
The Prophet ﷺ said: «إذا مَضَى شَطْرُ اللَّيْلِ، أوْ ثُلُثاهُ، يَنْزِلُ اللَّهُ تَبارَكَ وتَعالَى إلى السَّماءِ الدُّنْيا، فيَقولُ: هلْ مِن سائِلٍ يُعْطَى؟ هلْ مِن داعٍ يُسْتَجابُ له؟ هلْ مِن مُسْتَغْفِرٍ يُغْفَرُ له؟ حتَّى يَنْفَجِرَ الصُّبْحُ»
“When half of the night or two-thirds of it has passed, Allah, Blessed and Exalted, descends to the lowest heaven and says: ‘Who is asking so that I may give? Who is supplicating so that I may answer? Who is seeking forgiveness so that I may forgive?’ — until dawn breaks.”
(Sahih Muslim, 758)
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What is Jauf al-Layl?
It refers to the middle or last part of the night, calculated between Maghrib and Fajr.
Why is Jauf al-Layl special?
It’s when Allah is closest to His servants and when duʿa is most likely to be answered.
How can I calculate Jauf al-Layl?
Divide the night into three parts or six parts — the last third or fifth sixth is Jauf al-Layl.
What can I do during this time?
Tahajjud, Quran recitation, dhikr, istighfar, and heartfelt duʿa.