2 – The reward for standing in prayer during Ramadan is the forgiveness of sins and the removal of misdeeds. As stated earlier, however, this forgiveness is confined to minor sins that concern Allah’s rights. Although the term “sin” in its unqualified form covers both major and minor offenses, Imam al-Haramain categorically held that the promise here pertains only to minor sins, a view Qadi ‘Iyad attributed to Ahl al-Sunnah. Al-Nawawi said, “If a person has no minor sins, it is hoped that the major ones will at least be lightened.”

3 – For the night prayer to be accepted and for it to expiate sins, two conditions must be met:
a) The worshiper’s motive in standing to pray must be faith—believing in Allah and trusting in the reward He has promised.
b) He must seek the recompense for his deed from Allah alone and perform it purely for His sake. If these two essential conditions are absent and the act is tainted by ostentation or showing off, it is rendered null and void, bringing its doer blame and punishment.

4 – Al-Karmani reported unanimous agreement that “standing at night” refers to the tarawih prayer; the stated merit is attained by whatever amount of prayer truly constitutes standing.

5 – The hadith proves the virtue of the Ramadan night prayer, underscores its recommendation, and emphasizes observing tarawih in congregation at the mosque. Shaykh al-Islam and others said: During the Prophet’s lifetime (blessings and peace be upon him), the Companions used to pray it in the mosque in separate groups, with his knowledge and approval. The reports therefore indicate that performing tarawih in congregation is superior to praying it individually; this is the unanimous position of the Companions and of the people of all towns, and it is the view of the majority of scholars.

6 – Shaykh al-Islam further stated: Prayers for which a fixed congregational observance is not legislated—such as the night prayer, the regular sunnah prayers, the Duha prayer, the mosque-greeting prayer, and the like—may be offered in congregation on occasion; but establishing a regular, ongoing congregation for them is an objectionable innovation.