As the crescent moon ushers in the holy month of Ramadan, we Muslims around the world eagerly prepare to engage in a profound spiritual journey. Central to this sacred time is the Taraweeh prayer, an essential and revered tradition that illuminates the nights of Ramadan with unity, devotion, and the recitation of the Holy Quran.
A question that is often asked, and has also lead to some controversies, is “How many rakats is the Taraweeh Prayer?“.
This confusion is primarily due to the fact that Taraweeh is not an obligatory prayer. Thus, specific instructions for it were never explicitly defined by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). To help us discover the answer to this question, we will discuss the origins of Taraweeh in detail in this article, how it became an official congregational prayer, and what present-day scholars say about this matter.
Origins of Taraweeh with the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
The origins of Taraweeh can be traced back to the serene nights of Ramadan, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sought solace and communion with Allah through his private prayers. In the early days of Islam, during the blessed month of fasting, the Prophet would retreat to the privacy of his home and engage in nightly prayers known as Qiyam al-Layl or Tahajjud. These private prayers were a deeply personal expression of devotion, as the Prophet sought Allah’s guidance and forgiveness in the silence and stillness of the night.
It was during one such night that a few of the Prophet’s companions, drawn by his virtuous example, observed him in prayer. Inspired by the spiritual aura that surrounded the Prophet, they joined him in his nightly devotion. Witnessing the collective piety, the Prophet continued to pray with his companions for a few consecutive nights, nurturing the seeds of congregational worship.
How many Rakats of Taraweeh Prayer did the Prophet pray?
At this point in time, the Prophet was commonly observed to be praying 8 rakats of Taraweeh, after which he would pray 3 rakats of Witr (as a part of Isha prayer).
Narrated Abu Salama bin ‘Abdur Rahman that he asked Aishah:
“How was the Salat (prayer) of Allah’s Messenger in Ramadan?” She replied, “He did not perform Salat (prayer) more than eleven Rak’a in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to perform four Rak’a let alone their beauty and length – and then he would perform four Rak’a – let alone their beauty and length – and then he would perform three Rak’a (Witr).”
~ Bukhari Vol 3, Book 31, Hadith 2013.
Word of these extraordinary gatherings spread among the Muslim community, and more believers yearned to partake in the communal prayers led by the Prophet himself.
Sensing the gathering momentum and increasingly large number of believers, the Prophet made the decision to pray alone in the following nights. This was not out of any disapproval or rejection of their devotion but rather a measure to prevent the obligatory status of Taraweeh upon the entire Ummah.
Narrated ‘Urwa that he was informed by ‘Aishah:
“Allah’s Messenger went out in the middle of the night and performed Salat (prayer) in the mosque and some men performed Salat (prayer) behind him. In the morning, the people spoke about it and then a large number of them gathered and performed Salat (prayer) behind him (on the second night). In the next morning the people again talked about it and on the third night the mosque was full with a large number of people.
Allah’s Messenger came out and the people performed Salãt (prayer) behind him. On the fourth night the mosque was overwhelmed with people and could not accomodate them, but the Prophet came out (only) for the morning a1at (prayer). When the morning Salat (prayer) was finished, he recited Tashahud and (addressing the people) said, “Ammã ha ‘du, your presence was not hidden from me but I was afraid lest the night Salat (prayer) should be enjoined on you and you might not be able to carry it on.” So, Allah’s Messenger died and the situation remained like that (i.e., people offered the night prayers individually) .”
~ Bukhari Vol 3, Book 31, Hadith 2012.
Role of Hazrat Umar in making Taraweeh an Official Prayer
Hazrat Umar Ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam, was known for his profound love and dedication to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Recognizing the spiritual significance of congregational worship, he made a significant contribution to the institution of Taraweeh during the blessed month of Ramadan.
In the year 13 AH (after Hijra), during his Caliphate, Hazrat Umar noticed groups of Muslims praying separately during the nights of Ramadan. Inspired by the gatherings and seeking to strengthen the communal bond among the believers, he came up with the idea of congregating all the worshippers behind one Imam for the Taraweeh prayer.
Hazrat Umar, appointed Ubayy ibn Ka’b, a distinguished companion known for his beautiful recitation of the Quran, to lead the Taraweeh prayers in congregation. This decision served as a unifying force, bringing Muslims together to pray as one community during the nights of Ramadan.
Narrated Ibn Shihab:
Abdur Rahman bin ‘Abdul Qari said, “I went out in the company of ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people performing Salat (prayers) in different groups. A man performing Salat (prayers) alone, or a man performing Salat (prayers) with a little group behind him. So, ‘Umar said, ‘In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one Qari (reciter) [i.e., let them perform Salat (prayers) in congregation!’. So, he made up his mind and he congregated them behind Ubayy bin Ka’b.
~ Bukhari Vol 3, Book 31, Hadith 2010.
The introduction of congregational Taraweeh prayers under the leadership of a designated Imam was met with widespread acceptance and appreciation among the Muslim community. The practice of praying Taraweeh in congregation soon spread to other regions and became an established tradition, passed down through generations.
The concept of performing 20 Rakats of Taraweeh during Ramadan is attributed to the same period when Hazrat Umar introduced the congregational aspect of the prayer. In the absence of explicit instructions from the Prophet (pbuh), Hazrat Umar in consultation with the companions, decided on the number 20 as an appropriate and symbolic representation of devotion and spiritual fulfillment during this auspicious month.
11-Rakat Controversy regarding Taraweeh Prayer
The controversy surrounding the number of Rakats (units of prayer) in Taraweeh, a special night prayer observed during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, has been a topic of discussion among Muslims for centuries, and continues to this day.
The majority of Sunni scholars adhere to the belief that Taraweeh consists of 20 Rakats, performed in sets of two. This tradition is traced back to the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and has been widely followed by numerous Muslim communities worldwide. However, a minority of scholars argue that the original number of Rakats is 8, performed in sets of two, citing early Islamic historical sources as their evidence.
Those who support the 20 Rakats argue that it has become an established tradition within the Sunni community and has been practiced for centuries. In the absence of any explicit instruction from the Quran and Sunnah, they choose to following the Ijma of Hazrat Umar and the other companions of the Prophet. They believe that following the example of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions is crucial, and the consistency of this practice is an essential aspect of maintaining the unity of our Muslim ummah (community).
However, supporters of the 8 Rakats view contend that their position is based on authentic historical sources and that the increase to 20 Rakats was a later development that lacks a solid foundation in the early Islamic tradition.
Answer: How many Rakats is the Taraweeh Prayer?
The answer to this question is actually quite simple. Here are certain facts about the Taraweeh prayer that are undisputed:
- The term “Taraweeh” translates to “Night Prayer,” encompassing any optional prayer performed during the nighttime hours.
- Taraweeh Prayer is not obligatory, rather it counts as Sunnah (Nafl prayers).
- The Prophet never mentioned any restrictions on the length or duration of the Taraweeh prayer. However, he has been observed to pray 8 rakats between Isha and Witr.
- Taraweeh was not an official or congregational prayer until Hazrat Umar made it so in 13 AH.
- Hazrat Umar, with the support of scholars laid down guidelines for Taraweeh with 20 Rakats.
Given these undisputed facts, the number of Rakats in Taraweeh becomes a matter of personal and communal choice. Both the 20 Rakats and 8 Rakats positions have their respective evidence, and while the scholarly debate continues, it is essential to remember that the essence of Taraweeh lies in its voluntary nature and the devotion to seeking closeness to Allah during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Some scholars are also of the opinion that any number of Rakats can be prayed between 8 and 20. However, we believe that it is best to pray either 8 or 20 Rakats to prevent ambiguity.
There is one guideline which is universally accepted by everyone on how to pray the Taraweeh Prayer, that it should be prayed in sets of two. Another widely accepted guideline is that the number of prayers should always be an even number. There are many authentic Hadith that support these statements.
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to offer the night prayers two by two.”
~ Sunan Ibn Majah 1318
Conclusion
It is important to note that the 20 Rakats guidelines for Taraweeh are being widely followed by Muslim communities worldwide, and accepted by all major schools of thought. In fact, 20 Rakats of Taraweeh Prayer is also the tradition followed by the Imam of Mecca for generations. Thus, we would give precedence to the 20 Rakats tradition of Taraweeh.
However, it’s essential to remember that the essence of Taraweeh lies in its voluntary nature, and Muslims should approach the prayer with sincerity and devotion, regardless of the number of Rakats they choose to perform. Embracing the diversity of traditions, let us find unity in our shared love for Allah and His Messenger during this blessed month.