As everything requires warm up, Qiyamullail also. It is not just because we are recommending having a warm up Qiyamullail, but it is evident from the Sunnah and the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAWW to be warm up Qiyamullail before having full-fledged Qiyamullail.
 

Warm-Up in Sunnah

As for the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad SAWW, Abu Hurairah R.A narrated a Haith, which was authenticated by Imam Muslim, in which Prophet Muhammad SAWW said,

"When one of you gets up at night to perform (Tahajjud) prayer, let him start his Solat with two short Raka’ahs.”

This hadith which is narrated Abu Hurairah R.A clearly indicates the advice toward having a warm up prayer for Qiyamul lail. So this is not just a rational matter of fact, but also authenticated from the Sunnah of the Rasool Allah SAWW.
 

Preparing for Qiyamullail

Thus, if you have never performed any prayer as Qiyamullail, or you are not now in habit, doesn’t matter a lot. Just have an intention of praying at midnight and when the 1^st time your woke up, only offer two Raka’ahs i.e. take a start with two Raka’ahs or as many as you feel easy. This way will be the best way for you to start with Qiyamullail (Night Prayer) and increase the numbers of Raka’ahs day by day. I’m sure one day offering long and lot of numbers of Raka’ahs at midnight will become easy job for you.

Remember, don’t forget to prayer of having a habit of standing at night before attempt, because it is only Allah SWT who can give you the power to be blessed with the habit of performing Qiyamullail. Allah give us all the Hidaya (Right Path) to stand at night to pray in front of you. Amen!

Last Updated: 21/7/2015