Detailed Account of Taraweeh Prayers (8 or 20)?

By Shaykh Ayman Bin Khaled

http://www.ahlalhdeeth.com/vbe/showpost.php?s=64457705628791cba36b897942875788&p=10717&postcount=1

This topic has been stretched more than it is needed so I will, Inshallah write now a proper response to clarify this confusion resulting from Shaikh Al-Albani ( may Allah forgive him) book " Salatu al-taraweeh ".

You aught to know my beloved brother and my respectable sister - May Allah have His Mercy on you- that:

Imam Ibn al-Qaiym ( Rahimu Allah ) said in Zaad Al-Ma'aad: " anticipate then conclude and believe". therefore concluding then reading will make you fall into the trap of explaining everything you read in the context of what you have already concluded. So think and be careful. Ibrahim Al-Taimi said: " If you follow every scholar mistake then you are ruined, so be careful.

Before I start, I want to clarify the following points:

1. Shaikh Al-Albani (Rahimu Allah) had his own Ijtehad on this matter YET he was mistaken.

2. This mistake does not underestimate his rank as a Shaikh and he will always have the respect in our hearts as a one revived the Sunnah.

3. Shaikh Al-Albani (Rahimu Allah) opinion about Night prayer is odd and opposes what the whole Ummah agreed on in general and scholars who are more knowledgeable than him in the field of Hadeeth and Fiqh like Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi'e, Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, Ibn Taymmya, Ibn Al-Qaiym, Al-Shawkani, Ibn hajar, Al-Nawawi and many others ( rahimahum Allah).

I will list the main argument of Shaikh Al-Albani (Rahimu Allah) then reply to it then follow it with supportive Hadeeths:

1. The main core argument on which Shaikh Al-Albani (Rahimu Allah) based that Taraweeh or Night prayer must not exceed 13 Raka'a is because:

a. He argues: It is a night prayer that always been performed by the Prophet (Sallah Allahu Alihi Wa Sallam) therefore it became a regular Sunnah.

b. This regular Sunnah was prayed not more than 13 Raka'a therefore it takes as similar rulings to Sunan Rawatib ( Sunan before and after Fard Prayers) which are prayed in specific Numbers that no one can exceed.

This argument is refuted by the fact that such prayer is not linked to any prayer. So, it is separate prayer that performed at specific time i.e. night. In addition, the Shaikh argument is too weak because:

A. The Hadeeths in which the Prophet ( Salla Allahu Alihi Wa Sallam) encouraging night prayer always mentioned night prayer virtue in general without mentioning a set of Number.

B. The Hadeeths in which the prophet (Salla Allahu Alihi Wa Sallam) replying to inquiries about Night prayer is left either unlimited ( as soon will be proven) or left it to the choice of the person ( as soon will be proven).

Based on the above, If Night prayers has a specific set of Numbers as the Shaikh argued then the Prophet would not advise us to pray as much as we want at night.

That's said, we realize that we are surrounded by three facts concluded from authentic Hadeeths:

1) Actions of the Prophet: praying 11 or 13

2. Advices said by the Prophet about the virtue of Night prayer

3) Advices given by the Prophet to pray as much as we wish.

Pouring the above into one argument will make us realize that: Night prayer set of Number is open matter since the Prophet himself said pray as much as you wish. So, saying No, we are obligated to pray only 13 or any other specific number is an obvious contradiction to what the Prophet (Salla allahu Alihi wa sallam) said.

Hadeeths that support the above argument:

1. Abdullah Bin Umar (Radi Allahu Anhu) related: A man asked the Prophet (Sallah Allahu Alihi Wa Sallam) about Night Prayers. He replied: " Night prayer are two by two, and when you are afraid that dawn is approaching then pray one Raka'a to make what you have prayed odd" [ Malik's Muwatta: Hadeeth 267]

This hadeeth proves the generality of night prayer as a prayer with no limitation because at the time the Prophet ( Sallah Alahu Alihi Wa Sallam) was asked he had not mention numbers at all. It is established in Usool that delaying a needed information or clarification at time of inquiry is not accepted. So, if the number is needed then it would be mentioned especially noting that the question the man asked is general so he was asking about all information he can get about Night prayer.

If it argued that he has not asked about the number and the question seemed to be in regards the description, then we reply saying: If this is true then the prophet would not have mentioned the Witr issue and only answered how the night prayer should be prayed. In addition, it is noted that it is the Manhaj of the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alihi wa sallam) to answer with additional information if it is needed or considered beneficial. Therefore, if the number was needed he would have mentioned it. that is why we find him mentioning the Witr prayer only as additional information although the man did not ask about it.

2. A'mro Bin A'bsa reported: I asked the Prophet: what is the best time of the night? He [ the prophet- replied: " the last part of the night. PRAY AS MUCH AS YOU WISH because Salah at that time is witnessed and written ( by angles) and do so until you pray Subh ( Fajir)...." [ Sahih Ibn Khuzaima: 260 and Mustadrak: 584]

This Hadeeth is too obvious to be explained and is clearly proves that the Prophet NEVER wished to limit night prayer to the set of numbers of raka'aat he prays. Thus, he said it clearly: Pray as much as you wish. So, limiting night prayer to 11 or 13 is an obvious contradiction to the conformed Sunnah.

Hadeeths that Prove that the Prophet ( Salla Allahu Alihi Wa Sallam) prayed more than what Aisha ( radi Allahu Anha) reported:

Ibn Abbas reported: "Once I passed the night in the house of my aunt Maimuna ( radi Allahu A'nha). Allah's Messenger ( Salla Allahu Alihi Wa sallam) offered the I'shaa prayer and then came to the house and offered Four Raka'aat and slept. Later on, he woke up and stood for the prayer and I stood on his left side. He drew me to his right side and prayed [ two by two until he prayed Eight Raka'aat] then he prayed Five raka'aat and then Two raka'aat. He then slept till I heard his breath sound. Afterwards, he went out for Fajir Prayer. [ Sahih Bukhari: 117] [ what between the brackets is documented in Sunan Abi dawd: 1358].

The above authentic Hadeeth proves that the Prophet prayed 17 Raka'at as night prayer, which is backed up by the statement of Al-Hafith Al-Munthiri who said: " it is reported that most of what the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alihi Wa Sallam) offered as night prayer is Seventeen rakaat" [ Al-Talkhees: 2/14].

Yet, this Number seems to be more based on the following hadeeths. There is an addition, which is mentioned in Fathu Al-Bari that Ibn Abbas said: " He prayed Isha'aa prayer then offered Four Rakaat until everyone left the Masjid then he left" [ Al-Fath: 2/484].

Based on the above, the total Number of what the Prophet prayed is:

4 after Ishaa at the masjid + 4 at Maimuna house + 8 after he woke up from sleep + 5 after the 8 raka'aat + 2 rakaat. = 21 Rakaat of night prayer.

It might be argued that these Raka'aat includes: 2 Rakaat of Sunnah before Fajir and two Rakaat of Sunnah after Ishaaa!!

To assume the correctness of such argument, hypothetically, that would decresae the nighht prayer set of Rak'aat Number to 17 which still refute the argument of the shaikh ( ghafara Allahu Lah). In spite of this, the last two Rakaat offered after Witr is not the Sunnah before Fajir which is based on an authentic Hadeeth that shaikh Al-Albani himseld acknowledged.

Narrated by Anas Bin Malik: Once, the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alihi Wa Sallam) was offering night prayer - during Ramdan- at his Hujra. So some companions joined him and started praying with him. As a result, the prophet (sallah Allahu Alihi Üa Sallam) shortened the length of the Salah then entered his house and prayed long Salah then he came out and led his companion in a Salah but short one. Then he entered his house again and prayed long salah Then he went out and prayed with his companion short one then he went back to his house and prayed long salah. He kept doing so many times until fajir came they asked him: we came and you did such and such. He replied: I did so for you" [ Musnad Ahmad: 13236]

This is a Saheeh hadeeth that its Isnaad is on the condition of Imam Muslim ( Rahmahu Allah) as Shuab al-Ranouti commented.

Observe the words of this hadeeth:

1. First prayed with his companions short ones

2. Prayed alone at his house long ones

3. came out and prayed with his companions again short ones

4. Entered His house and prayed long ones

5. Did the above many times

If we to assume he prayed 2 rakaa at each time then that would result: 8 Rak'aat.

Then Anas bin Malik ( radi allahu A'nh) said: He did that many times so if we to assume the minimum then let's say he did it 3 times then that would make 8+8+8= 24 Rakaa't.

On other point, it shows how the Salah of the Prophet differed from how he prayed it while he is alone and how he prayed it when he is leading others.

Supportive Evidences prove praying more than 13 by Salaf:

Yazeed bin Rouman reported: People used to pray 23 raka'aa during Ramdan, as a night prayer. [ Malik's Muwatta]

Yahya bin Sa'ed reported: "Umar bin l-Khattab ordered a man to lead ( Taraweeh) with 20 rakaa. [Sunan Al-Bayaqi]

Abdulaziz bin rafie reported: " Ubai Bin Ka'b used to lead people at taraweeh with 20 Raka'a then pray 3 raka'a as witr" [Sunan Al-Bayhaqi]

The above are authentic Mursal athaar that supports that praying 20 existed at time of Umar bin alkhattab. In addition, there are more supportive evidences:

Nafi' Bin Umar reported: "Ibn Abi malika used to pray with us 20 Raka'a at time he leads us during Ramadn. [Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaiba]

A'taa reported: "I witnessed people praying 23 Rakaa including witr" [ Musanaf Ibn Abi shaiba]

Abu Al-Khusaib reported: " Swaid bin Ghaflah used to lead us during Ramadn. He would pray 5 Taraweeh; 20 Rakaa'a in total. [ Sunan Aal-Bayhaqi]

Description of the Prophet (Sallah Allahu Alihi Wa Sallam) at Night prayer:

It was mostly performed between 11-13 Rakaa and they are too lengthy ones.

The Sunnah here is not just the number but most important is the lentgh of the Salah which is , as proven, are too long more than normal that even the companions thought of as too difficult.

The lentgh of Salah is based from a directive Quranic Aya that advises the Prophet to offer prayers during most of the night. So, the concern here is about the length rather than the number of Raka'aat.

In conclusion,

It has been proven that the Prophet prayed more than 11 which is the number Aisha (radi Allahu Anha) said that the Prophet never exceeded. as a matter of fact she is the one who reported that he prayed 13 Raka'aa as well. Scholars said: " She narrated what she witnessed and others reported what they witnessed".

In addition, we have clearly found that the Prophet has prayed more than 13 Rakaa as above authentic Hadeeths shows. in addition to all other supportive evidences we transmitted. I would have mentioned the scholars statements by it is enough to know that all our great scholars understood Night prayer as unlimited and this is the sound understanding of the Salaf and Khlalaf ( Rahimuhum Allah) like: Four Imams, Ibn Hajar, Alhaithami, alnawawi, Ibn taymyya, Ibn Al-Qaiym, Almunthiri, al-Iraqi, Al-Qadi Iy'aad, Ibn Abdul Bir, and many many others.

It is true that the most prayed by the Prophet (Sallah Allahu A'lih wa Sallam) was 11 - 13 but that was for a reason: the lengthy prayer he offers that almost ends by dawn time. Thus, advocating the Sunnah as numbers is wrong since the Sunnah is the description of it as well.

It is an open matter, whoever wished to pray 13 as most of the time the prophet prayed then he touched the Sunnah. And, whoever wish to pray more then he touched the Sunnah as well since he followed his advice when he said pray as much as you wish.

Thus, It is wise not to deny on others and if the companions, our preceded scholars have not disputed about it then would not be fair enough that we do the same and we claim to follow their steps.

Jazakom Allah kheir.

Wallahu A'lam

Written Today: 3rd of May 2008

By Ayman Bin Khaled

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/82152

Q) What is narrated from ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) is that he ordered that Taraweeh prayer should be twenty rak’ahs. Is that saheeh or da’eef? Or is there no basis for it?

Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:

The report that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab ordered that Taraweeh prayer should be twenty rak’ahs came from four of the Taabi’een. These are their reports:

1 – It was narrated that Saa’ib ibn Yazeed said: ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) gathered the people together in Ramadaan to be led by Ubayy ibn Ka’b and Tameem al-Daari in praying twenty-one rak’ahs, and they used to recite hundreds of verses, and they dispersed before dawn broke.

A number of narrators narrated it from al-Saa’ib, some of whom mentioned twenty rak’ahs or twenty-one or twenty-three. They were:

Muhammad ibn Yoosuf, the son of the sister of al-Saa’ib, from al-Saa’ib, as was narrated by ‘Abd al-Razzaaq in al-Musannaf (4/260) from the report of Dawood ibn Qays and others.

Yazeed ibn Khusayfah. This was narrated by Ibn al-Majd in al-Musnad (1/413), and via him by al-Bayhaqi in al-Sunan (2/496).

Al-Haarith ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Abi Dhubaab. This was narrated by ‘Abd al-Razzaaq in al-Musannaf (4/261).

These reports are saheeh reports narrated by trustworthy narrators from al-Saa’ib ibn Yazeed. They mention twenty rak’ahs at the time of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him). The extra amount mentioned – twenty-one or twenty-three, refers to Taraweeh plus Witr.

2 – It was narrated that Yazeed ibn Rumaan said: At the time of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab the people used to pray twenty-three rak’ahs of qiyaam in Ramadaan.

This was narrated from him by Maalik in al-Muwatta’ (1/115). Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (4/33: It is mursal, because Yazeed ibn Rumaan did not live at the same time as ‘Umar. End quote.

3 – It was narrated from Yahya ibn Sa’eed al-Qattaan that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) ordered a man to lead them in twenty rak’ahs of prayer. This was narrated by Ibn Abi Shaybah in al-Musannaaf (2/163) from Wakee’ from Maalik. But Yahya ibn Sa’eed did not live at the same time as ‘Umar.

4 – It was narrated that ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Rafee’ said: Ubayy ibn Ka’b used to lead the people in praying twenty rak’ahs during Ramadaan in Madeenah, and he would pray Witr with three rak’ahs.

This was narrated by Ibn Abi Shaybah in al-Musannaf (2/163).

From all these reports it is clear that twenty rak’ahs was the way that Taraweeh was usually done at the time of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him). A matter such as Taraweeh prayer is something that is well known among all people, and is transmitted from one generation to another. The report of Yazeed ibn Rumaan and Yahya al-Qattaan is to be taken into account even if they did not live at the same time as ‘Umar, because undoubtedly they learned it from a number of people who had been alive at the time of ‘Umar, and this is something that does not need and isnaad, rather all the people of Madeenah are its isnaad.

Imam al-Tirmidhi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his Sunan (3/169):

Most of the scholars are of the view that what is narrated from ‘Umar, ‘Ali and other companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is twenty rak’ahs. This is the view of al-Thawri, Ibn al-Mubaarak and al-Shaafa’i.

Al-Shaafa’i said: This is what I learned in our land, in Makkah they pray twenty rak’ahs.

Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said in al-Istidhkaar (2/69):

Twenty rak’ahs was narrated from ‘Ali, Shateer ibn Shakl, Ibn Abi Mulaykah, al-Haarith al-Hamadaani and Abu’l-Bakhtari. It is the view of the majority of scholars and it is the view of the Kufis, the Shaafa’is and most of the fuqaha’. It was narrated in saheeh reports from Ubayy ibn Ka’b, and there was no difference of opinion among the Sahaabah. ‘Ata’ said: I grew up at a time when the people prayed twenty-three rak’ahs including Witr.

See that in Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah (2/163).

Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (23/112):

It is proven that Ubayy ibn Ka’b used to lead the people in praying twenty rak’ahs in qiyaam in Ramadaan, and he used to pray Witr with three rak’ahs. Many scholars think that this is the Sunnah, because he established that among the Muhaajireen and Ansaar and no one objected to that. Others regarded it as mustahabb to pray thirty-nine rak’ahs, based on the fact that this was the practice of the people of Madeenah in the past. End quote.

With regard to what it says in the report of Imam Maalik, Yahya al-Qattaan and others from Muhammad ibn Yoosuf from al-Saa’ib ibn Yazeed in al-Muwatta’ (1/115) and in Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah (2/162) “eleven rak’ahs” – this is to be understood as referring to what was done at first, then it was reduced after that, then ‘Umar increased the number to twenty to make the recitation in qiyaam easier for the people.

Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said in al-Istidhkaar (2/68):

It may be understood as meaning that at first qiyaam at the time of ‘Umar was eleven rak’ahs, then he reduced the length of qiyaam for them and made it twenty-one rak’ahs, to make the recitation lighter for them and so that they would bow and prostrate more. But it seems most likely to me that the report about eleven rak’ahs is a mistake. And Allaah knows best. End quote.

Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (23/113):

When Ubayy ibn Ka’b led them in praying qiyaam in a single congregation, he could not make them stand for too long, so he increased the number of rak’ahs to make up for the long standing. So they doubled the number of rak’ahs. He used to pray eleven or thirteen rak’ahs of qiyaam al-layl, then it seems that after that the people of Madeenah found it difficult to stand for so long during the recitation, so they increased the number of rak’ahs until it reached thirty-nine. End quote.

Secondly:

Night prayers are broad in scope, and there is no set number. Whoever wants to pray eleven rak’ahs may do so, and whoever wants to pray more or less than that may do so. The same applies to Taraweeh prayers in Ramadaan.

Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (23/113):

One group said that it is proven in al-Saheeh from ‘Aa’ishah that the Prophet did not pray more than thirteen rak’ahs in Ramadaan or at any other time, and some people were uncertain about this report, because they thought that it contradicted the saheeh hadeeth and because of the practice of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs and the actions of the Muslims.

But the correct view is that all of that is good, as was stated by Imam Ahmad (may Allaah have mercy on him). There is no set number of rak’ahs for qiyaam during Ramadaan, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not set a number. End quote.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (11/322):

It is proven that ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) told the one whom he appointed among the Sahaabah to pray eleven rak’ahs, and it is proven that they prayed twenty-three rak’ahs based on his command. This indicates that the matter is broad in scope and that the matter was flexible according to the Sahaabah. That is also indicated by the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “The night prayers are two by two.” End quote.

See also the answer to question no. 9036 and 38021.

And Allaah knows best.


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