- Secluding oneself to speak intimately with his Lord
According to Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy upon him, the causes of implanting love for Allaah The Exalted in the heart include, “Secluding oneself at the time when Allaah The Almighty descends to the first heaven to have an intimate conversation with Him, read His Speech, and make his heart stand humbly before Him. Then one should conclude with asking for forgiveness and repentance.”
This is one of the merits of the night voluntary prayer, when our Lord descends to ask His slaves about their needs to satisfy them. O Allaah, we only seek Your satisfaction, so provide us with Your love.
Al-Hasan, may Allaah have mercy upon him, was asked, “Why do people who observe the night prayer have the most cheerful faces?” He said, “They privately meet their Lord in the pre-dawn hours, so, He grants them some of His light.”
What would be the result if the sinners woke up in the pre-dawn hours, stood humbly before Allaah The Exalted, and said what the brothers of Yoosuf (Joseph), may Allaah exalt his mention, said to him (which means): {"O ‘Azeez, adversity has touched us and our family, and we have come with goods poor in quality, but give us full measure and be charitable to us. Indeed, Allaah rewards the charitable."} [Quran 12:88]
The answer would be: {"No blame will there be upon you today. Allaah will forgive you; and He is The Most Merciful of the merciful."} [Quran 12:93]