companions—especially those who fought at Badr.

Some scholars have observed: “Know that one of the Prophet’s exclusive distinctions is that Allah has forgiven him all his earlier and later sins. Therefore, every hadith that states, ‘Whoever does such-and-such will have his past and future sins forgiven,’ is weak, for that promise is unique to the Prophet alone. The wording ‘his past sins are forgiven’ is common and sound, but the addition ‘and his future sins’ applies to no one but the Messenger ﷺ; it is one of his special privileges. This is a general, beneficial rule for every student of knowledge: whenever you encounter a hadith claiming that whoever performs a certain act will have both past and future sins forgiven, realize that the phrase ‘and future sins’ is weak and unsound, because it belongs solely to Muhammad—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him.”

This narration also demonstrates the virtue of the night prayer and of standing for long periods therein. Allah praises those who rise at night and lengthen their worship, saying: “Their sides forsake their beds” (al-Sajdah 16)—meaning they pull themselves away from their mattresses—“they call upon their Lord in fear,” that is, when they reflect on their sins they are afraid, “and in hope,” meaning that when they look to Allah’s grace they yearn for it, “and out of what We have provided them they spend. No soul knows what delights of the eye are hidden for them as a reward for what they used to do” (al-Sajdah 16-17). I ask Allah to make me and you among them.

‘Their sides forsake their beds’ is not about staying up late watching television, playing cards, gossiping about people’s honor, or similar distractions. Rather, they spend the night calling upon Allah and worshipping Him—fearing Him and hoping in Him—“and out of what We have provided them they spend. No soul knows what delights of the eye are hidden for them as a recompense for what they used to do.” Where is this