After faith (Iman), the most significant act in Islam is Salat (prayer). It is the lifeline of Islam and the key distinction between a believer (Mumin) and a disbeliever (Kafir). Besides the five obligatory prayers, Islam encourages believers to perform voluntary (Nafl) prayers as well.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “If there is any deficiency in the obligatory prayers, it will be compensated by the voluntary prayers. Therefore, perform more Nafl prayers.”
In obligatory prayers, both the number of units (rak’ah) and times are fixed, but Nafl prayers have no specific limit or time.
A common question arises among many: Is it permissible to pray in complete darkness?
According to Islamic jurisprudence, if the Qibla direction is correct, performing prayers in the dark is completely permissible and not even makruh (undesirable). Looking toward the place of prostration (sajdah) is Sunnah, but seeing it with the eyes is not obligatory.
Hazrat Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet (peace be upon him), narrated:
“I used to sleep in front of the Prophet (PBUH) while my legs were toward his Qibla. When he went to prostrate, he would touch my feet, and I would draw them up. When he stood up, I would stretch them out again. At that time, there were no lamps in the houses.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 382)
In another narration, Aisha (RA) said:
“One night I could not find the Prophet (PBUH) on the bed, so I searched for him with my hand and found his feet while he was in prostration. He was saying, ‘O Allah! I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your anger, in Your forgiveness from Your punishment, and I seek refuge in You from You. I cannot praise You enough; You are as You have praised Yourself.’”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i, Hadith No. 169)
These authentic narrations confirm that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself performed prayers in dark rooms.
However, when praying in congregation (Jamaat), light may be required to ensure the rows are straight. Once the lines are aligned, there is no need for light, and prayers may be performed even in darkness.
As stated in Fatawa-e-Shami (Vol. 1, p. 477) and Fatawa-e-Alamgiri (Vol. 1, p. 64):
“If there is no difficulty in maintaining straight rows, it is permissible to offer congregational prayers with the lights turned off.”
In summary:
Praying in darkness is completely valid in Islam as long as the Qibla direction is correct and the prayer rows are properly aligned during congregational prayers. The absence of light does not affect the validity of Salat in any way.
