The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) Himself would pray in the night and would exhort the Companions also to do the same. As has been related that Hadhrat ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (May Allah be well pleased with them) saw a dream and related that to Hadhrat Hafsa (May Allah be well pleased with him) and requested her to relate the dream to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). When she did so, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) remarked:
Translation: What a good man is ‘Abdullah! I wish he would offer Salaat in the night. After this, Hadhrat ‘Abdullah would rest only for a short space of time in the night. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 1122)
Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center 