TARAWEEH 8 or 20 ? Excellent & Knowledgable Explaination by Shiekh Mumtaz Ul Haq : Kindly watch - Understand - Practise it & Convey it to your loved ones . Abu Hurairah (ra) reported: The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, He who observes optional prayer (Tarawih prayers) throughout Ramadan, out of sincerity of Faith and in the hope of earning reward will have his past sins pardoned. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Abu Hurairah (ra) reported: The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to urge (the people) to perform (optional Tarawih) prayer at night during the month of Ramadan. He did not order them or make it obligatory on them. He (saw) said, Whosoever performs (optional Tarawih) prayers at night during the month of Ramadan, with Faith and in the hope of receiving Allahs reward, will have his past sins forgiven. [Muslim] Taraweeh consist of 20 rakats done in sets of 2, with a short break after every four. It is performed after Isha, before the Witr, in the month of Ramadaan. Maulana Jameel Ahmed Sakrodhwi, in “Ashraful Hidayah sharh Al-Hidayah” v.2 p.202, explains: “Taraweeh is Sunnah Mu’akkadah for both men and women and this is the correct opinion. Imam Abu Hanifa is also of the opinion that taraweeh is Sunnah Mu’akkadah.” Abdullah Ibn Abbas (ra) reported that: “During Ramadan, the Messenger (saw) performed 20 rak’ah salah as well as the witr salah without the congregation.” This hadith has been recorded by the following: * Ibn Abi Shaybah (rh) in his Musannaf * Imam Bayhaqi (rh) in his Sunan * Tabraani (rh) in his Kabeer * Ibn Adi (rh) in his Musnad * Baghawi (rh) in his Majma Sahabah Al-Bayhaqi has related in al-Marifa (The full title is al-Marifatus-Sunan wal athar): In the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab (radiallahu anhu) the people used to observe 20 rakahs and the witr. Al-Nawawi said in al-Khulasa: Its Isnad is Sahih. (Bayhaqi) has related in al-Sunan [2/496] - In the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab, radiallahu anhu, they would perform 20 rakats in the month of Ramadan. He said (also): And they would recite the Miin (A group of medium sized chapters from the Quran), and they would lean on their sticks in the time of Uthman ibn Affan, radiallahu anhu, from the discomfort of standing. All the men in the (above) isnad are trustworthy, as mentioned by the Indian research scholar, Shaykh al-Nimawi, in Athar al-Sunan [2/54]. The evidence which proves that Umar (radiallahu anhu) ordered the practise of 20 rakahs has been recorded by Shaykh Ali al-Muttaqi al-Hindi in the largest collection of Hadith available today: Kanz al-Ummal fi Sunan al-aqwal wal Afal (4/284, no. 5787 (8 vols. 1st edn; Hyderabad, India, 1312-14 AH), reported by him on the authority of the Muhaddith, Ibn Mani), as follows from Ubayy ibn Kab (radiallahu anhu): Umar (radiallahu anhu) ordered him (Ubayy) to lead the people in prayer at night in Ramadan, because the people fast during the day and can not recite (the Quran) well, therefore it is better that you should recite (the Quran) during the night. I (Ubayy) asked: O commander of the believers, this thing was not done before. He said: I know, but it is a good practise, and so (Ubayy) led (the Companions) for 20 rakahs. In “Fatawa Rahimiyyah”, v.2 p.253 to 258, Mufti Abdul Raheem Lajpuri gives overwhelming evidence making it clear without a doubt that twenty rak’ah taraweeh salah was accepted by everyone. This is reproduced below: “Here we will cite a few excerpts making it clear that twenty Rakaahs Taraweeh salah has been accepted by the Ummah throughout the ages: 1. Imam Tirmidhi (rh) [passed away 279 AH] states that ‘Umar (ra), ‘Ali (ra), Sufyan Thawri (rh) and Imam Shafi’i (rh) all accept the taraweeh salah as being twenty Rakaahs. He quoted Imam Shafi’i (ra) as saying that he saw the people of Makkah performing twenty Rakaahs. (Tirmidhi, v.1 p.99) 2. The famous compilation of Ahadith Kanzul Ummaal (v.2 p.284) reports that after ‘Umar (ra) instructed Ubay bin Ka’b (ra) to lead the people in twenty rak’ah of taraweeh salah, Ubay (ra) then led the Sahabah (raa) and Tabi’een in twenty rak’ah. 3. Bayhaqi (v.1 p.492; Nasbur Ra’yah, v.1 p.294) reports a narration in which Sa’ib bin Yazid (ra) states that they performed twenty rak’ah taraweeh during the periods of ‘Umar (ra), ‘Uthman (ra) and ‘Ali (ra). 4. The other narration of Yazid bin Rooman (rh) in the Muwatta of Imam Malik (p.40) states that during the Khilafah of ‘Umar (ra), people performed 23 rak’ah of taraweeh together with the Witr salah. 5. Ma’rifatus Sitta quotes an authentic narration from Imam Bayhaqi (v.1 p.477; his Sunan Kubra, v.2 p.496) stating that ‘Ali (ra) summoned the Qurra in Ramadan and appointed someone to lead the people in the twenty rak’ah of taraweeh salah. ‘Ali (ra) then himself led the witr salah. 6. The Muhaddith ibn Qudaamah (rh) writes in his al-Mughni (v.1 p.803) that the Sahabah (raa) were unanimous about performing twenty rak’ah taraweeh. 7. The research of the Muhaddith Ibn Hajar Haythami (rh) also reveals that the Sahabah (raa) were unanimous about performing twenty rak’ah taraweeh. (Tuhfatul Akhyaar, p.197) 8.The famous Hafidh of Hadith Allama Abdul Birr (rh) says that it is a fact that the Sahabah performed twenty rak’ah taraweeh during Khilafah of ‘Umar (ra). (Mirqaat, v.2 p.174) 9. Allama ibn Taymiyyah (rh) writes that Ubay bin Ka’b (ra) led the Sahabah (raa) in twenty rak’ah taraweeh during the Khilafah of ‘Umar (ra). (Fatawa Ibn Taymiyyah, v.1 p.148). He further writes (v.1 p.191) that because Ubay led the Sahabah (raa) in twenty rak’ah taraweeh and three rak’ah witr during Ramadan, most ‘Ulema regard this to be a Sunnah because all of the Muhajireen and Ansaar performed the salah without an objection from any of them. 10. Imam Sharaani (rh) writes, “’Umar (ra) then gave the instruction for 23 rak’ah to be performed, three being the witr salah. This was then practiced in all the cities.” (Kashful Ghumma, v.1 p.167) 11. The famous scholar of Ahl al-Hadith Nawab Siddique Hasan believes that “’Ulema regard as ijma the twenty rak’ah taraweeh salah that was performed during the Khilafah of ‘Umar (ra). (Awnul Bari, v.4 p.307) 12. Allama Bahrul Uloom (rh) writes that twenty rak’ah taraweeh became a matter of consensus. (Rasaa’il al-Arkaan, p.138) 13. Allama Ibn al-Humam (rh) says that consensus was eventually reached that the taraweeh salah comprises of twenty rak’ah and this is what has been passed on from generation to generation. (Fathul Qadeer, v.1 p.407) 14. Allama Ayni (rh) says, “During the Khilafah of ‘Umar (ra), the Sahabah (raa) performed twenty rak’ah taraweeh and this continued during the Khilafah of ‘Uthman (ra) and ‘Ali (ra). (Ayni’s commentary of Bukhari, v.7 p.178) 15. When Imam Abu Yusuf (rh) asked Imam Abu Hanifa (rh) whether ‘Umar (ra) had any proof from Rasulallah (saw) to perform twenty rak’ah taraweeh, Imam Abu Hanifa (rh) replied, “’Umar (ra) was never one who perpetrated acts of bid’ah.” (Faydhul Bari, v.2 p.420; Maraaqil Falaah, p.81; Bahrur Raa’iq, v.2 p.66) 16. The Muwatta of Imam Muhammad (p.11-12) reads, “We go by this (twenty rak’ah taraweeh)…..because the Muslims (the Sahabah) were unanimous about it and saw it to be a good act. It has been reported that Rasulallah (saw) said, “Whatever the Muslim (the Sahabah) regard as good act, is indeed a good act in the sight of Allah as well.” 17. The following appears in the book Al-Mutaqaa min Akhbaaril Mustafa (p.78), “During the Khilafah of ‘Umar (ra), the Sahabah (raa) and others performed 23 rak’ah, which included the witr salah.” 18. Yahya bin Sa’eed Ansari (rh) who was the Qadhi of Madinah says that ‘Umar (ra) instructed someone to lead the people in twenty rak’ah taraweeh salah. The narration is authentic albeit mursal. (Ibn Abi Saybah, p.406; Aathaarus Sunan, v.2 p.55) 19. Abdul Aziz bin Rafi’ (rh) says that Ubay bin Ka’b (ra) led the people of Madinah in twenty rak’ah taraweeh and three rak’ah witr. This narration is also authentic albeit mursal. (Ibn Abi Saybah, p.406; Aathaarus Sunan, v.2 p.55) 20. Abul Khaseeb (rh) says, “Suwayd bin Ghafala (ra) used to lead us in Ramadan with five resting periods and twenty rak’ah.” The narration is authentic. (Bayhaqi, v.2 p.496; Aathaarus Sunan, v.2 p.55) 21. Shutayr bin Shakal (rh) who was the student of ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (ra) used to lead the people in twenty rak’ah taraweeh salah and three rak’ah witr. This narration is also authentic. (Bayhaqi, v.2 p.496; Qiyaamil Layl, p.91; Mirqaat, v.2 p.174) 22. The eminent Tabi’ee and Mufti of Makkah Ataa bin Abi Rabaah (rh) says that he found the Sahabah (raa) and others performing 23 rak’ah (taraweeh salah) together with the witr. (Ibn Ani Shaybah, v.1 p.406; Qiyaamul Layl, p.91, Fath al-Bari, v.4 p.219; Aathaarus Sunan, v.2 p.55) 23. Naafi (rh) who was the student of ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (ra) says that ibn Mulaykah (rh) used to lead them in twenty rak’ah taraweeh salah during Ramadan. The narration is authentic. (Aathaarus Sunan, v.2 p.56) 24. A’mash (rh) reports that ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (ra) used to perform twenty rak’ah taraweeh salah and three rak’ah witr. (Umdatul Qari, v.11 p.127; Qiyaamul Layl, p.91) 25. Abul Bakhtari (rh) also took five resting periods and performed three rak’ah witr. (Ibn Abi Shaybah, p.406) 26. Abul Hasana (rh) says, “’Ali (ra) instructed someone to lead us in twenty rak’ah taraweeh with five resting periods. (Sunan Kubra of Bayhaqi, v.2 p.496). This narration is authentic. (See Jawaahirun Naqi, v.1 p.208 and Umdatul Qari, v.11 p.127 for details on authenticity) 27. Muhammad bin Ka’b Qurazi (ra) also says that the Sahabah (raa) performed twenty rak’ah taraweeh during the time of ‘Umar (ra). (Qiyaamul Layl, p.91) 28. Sa’eed bin Ubayd (rh) reports that ‘Ali bin Rabee’ah (rh) took five resting periods and performed three rak’ah witr during Ramadan. This narration is authentic. (Aathaarus Sunan, v.2 p.56) 29. Allama Subki Shafi’i (rh) writes, “We believe that the taraweeh salah is twenty rak’ah, as proven by authentic narrations.” (Sharhul Minhaaj) 30. Abdul Qadir Jaylani (rh) says, “It comprises of twenty rak’ah with every two rak’ah ending with sitting and salam…..a person should make the intention of performing the taraweeh salah before every two rak’ah.” (Ghunyatut Talibeen, v.2 p.10-11) 31. Imam Ghazali (rh) writes, “The taraweeh salah comprises of twenty rak’ah and is Sunnah Mu’akkadah. The method of performing it is well known.” (Ihyaa’ul Uloom, v.1 p.208). He also writes, “Twenty rak’ah is the opinion of the consensus of ‘Ulema because of the narration of Yazid bin Rooman (rh) in the Muwatta of Imam Malik, stating that during the Khilafah of ‘Umar (ra), people performed 23 rak’ah of taraweeh together with witr salah. (Ihyaa’ul Uloom, v.2 p.66) 32. Ahmad Roomi (rh) says, “There were a great number of Sahabah (raa) present at the time (when ‘Umar (ra) instructed Ubay (ra) to lead them in twenty rak’ah taraweeh). Amongs them were ‘Uthman (ra), ‘Ali (ra), Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (ra), ‘Abbas (ra) and his son, Talha (ra), Zubayr (ra), Mu’aadh (ra) and many other Muhajireen and Ansar. None of them objected to ‘Umar (ra), but rather supported him and practiced accordingly with steadfastness. In fact, ‘Ali made du’a for ‘Umar saying, “May Allah illuminate his grave just as he illuminated our Masaajid.” Rasulallah (saw) also said, “Hold fast to my practices and the practices of the rightly guided Khalifahs after me.” The taraweeh salah comprises twenty rak’ah”. (Majaalisul Abrar, p.187) 33. Shah Waliullah Muhaddith Dehlawi (rh) also writes that the taraweeh salah during the times of the Sahabah (ra) and tabi’een comprised of twenty rak’ah. (Hujjatullahi Baaligha, v.2 p.67) 34. Shah Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Dehlawi (rh) also mentions that consensus was reached amongst the Sahabah (ra) to perform twenty rak’ah taraweeh and three rak’ah witr. (Majmoo’ah Fatawa Azizi, v.1 p.162) 35. Maulana Qutbud Deen Khan Muhaddith Dehlawi (rh) also mentions that consensus was reached amongst the Sahabah (raa) to perform twenty rak’ah taraweeh. (Mazaahirul Haqq, v.1 p.433) 36. Allama Shabbir Ahmed Uthmani (rh) writes that since none of the Sahabah (raa) ever differed about the twenty rak’ah, all scholars are unanimous about it. (Fathul Mulhim, v.2 p.320) Allama Nawawi (rh) writes in his commentary of Muslim that the twenty rak’ah taraweeh is a hallmark of Islam just like the Eid salahs (v.1 p.259). Therefore, the Ta’leeqaat of Hidayah (v.1 p.131) states that anyone performing only eight rak’ah of taraweeh will be guilty of forsaking the Sunnah.” There is an ocean of evidence proving the legitimacy of 20 rak’ah taraweeh salah. As seen from the quotes above, the Sahabah (raa) used to offer taraweeh in this manner. Not a single person from among the Sahabah (raa) ever stepped forward to say that the number of rak’ah are not 20 but are 8. Throughout the ages everyone agreed to the number being twenty, and now the ghair muqallideen all of a sudden claim that it is 8 rak’ah. They are going against practically all the Sahabah and the generations after them. While the four Imams (Abu Hanifa, Shafi’, Malik, Ahmed Ibn Hanbal - RA) disagree in the total number of raka’ah of taraweeh, none of them has given a figure below 20. Taraweeh being 8 rak’ah is not supported by any of them. The ‘ijma of the companions (raa) holds to be the last word on this subject, for the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said that after him we should hold fast to the practices of the Khulafa ar-Rashideen.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 14:31:22 +0000
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