The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) Himself praying in the night and exhorting the Companions to do the same obviates its excellence and importance. For this reason, the Companions would spend the night standing before Allah and worshipping Him. The Commander of the Faithful, the first caliph of Islam, Hadhrat Abu Bakr (May Allah be well pleased with him) would offer supererogatory Salaat in units of 2 (i.e. 2 Raka’at). As mentioned in this Hadith of Kanz Ul ‘Ummaal:
Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Yahya bin Sa’eed (May Allah be well pleased with him) that Hadhrat Abu Bakr (May Allah be well pleased with him) would offer Salaat Ul Witr in the early part of the night and when he would stand for Salaat, he would offer it as units of 2 Raka’at. (Kanz Ul ‘Ummaal, Hadith No. 23389)
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