The Meaning of the Excellence in Praying 'Isha' and Fajr in Congregation

Question:
How do we reconcile the fact that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) used to stand in night prayer and commanded it, with what was reported from him (peace and blessings be upon him): ?

Answer:
There is no contradiction. This indicates the excellence of praying 'Isha' and Fajr in congregation, but whoever stands in night prayer is more complete and greater. Combining them, , meaning: 'Isha' and Fajr together, is an encouragement to hasten to the congregation and to be diligent in performing these two prayers in congregation. However, if one combines this with standing in night prayer, he gathers much good.
This indicates that tahajjud (the late-night voluntary prayer) is not obligatory, but rather a recommended practice and a means of drawing near to Allah, not an obligation. Just as he (peace and blessings be upon him) said in that it is equivalent to a third of the Qur'an, meaning: in terms of excellence. But if one reads the third, it becomes more complete; due to the good that comes from reading the Qur'an and reflecting upon it. And if he completes the whole of it, it becomes better and better, even if it is equivalent in reward, because he obtains other rewards through the reflection and understanding he gains, and the many verses he reads, among other things. This clarifies the excellence of it, and the excellence of praying Fajr and 'Isha' in congregation, but whoever combines them is better and more complete.