For Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan is a time of spiritual growth, self-reflection, and increased devotion through various acts of worship, including reading the Quran, giving to charity, and performing extra prayers such as the Taraweeh. This additional night prayer, known for its long and melodious recitations, has been a significant source of spiritual nourishment for the community. But a question often arises in the minds of the observers regarding the Taraweeh rakats: How many Rakats are in Taraweeh? It’s a topic of both historical significance and contemporary debate among Muslims community.
In this blog post, we will explore the origins, the scholarly views, and the diverse practices surrounding the number of Taraweeh rakats. From the Prophet’s guidance to the act of followers and today’s varied jurisprudential interpretations, prepare to deepen your understanding of one of Ramadan’s most spiritually invigorating traditions.
Historical Background of taraweeh rakats
The origins of Taraweeh can be traced back to the practice of the Prophet Muhammad, who occasionally performed it in congregation but usually prayed it individually. It was during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab that the prayer was formally established and led as a communal practice in a congregation and unite the Muslims on Taraweeh rakats as this was the way the Muslim community had grown, with members reaching far and wide.
Understanding the Taraweeh Rakats
The number of Taraweeh rakats is twenty, in accordance with the practice initiated by Prophet (peace be upon him) himself followed by His companions. According to some school of thought, there are 8 rakat Taraweeh. There are different scholarly interpretations.
20 Rakat Taraweeh Hadith
Examine the evidence behind 20 rakat Taraweeh from various hadiths and the life of followers:
Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to pray twenty rak’ahs in addition to witr in Ramadan [Narrated by Ibn Abi Shaybah, vol. 2, p. 294 | Bayhaqi, vol. 2, p. 496]
Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: One night in Ramadan, the Prophet (peace be upon him) came out and taught the Companions twenty-four rak’ahs (4 rak’ats of Isha and 20 Taraweeh) and three rak’ahs of witr. [Tarikh-e-Jarjan al-Salami, p. 270]
It is narrated from Yazid ibn Ruman (may Allah have mercy on him) that during the time of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), people used to recite twenty-three rak’ahs with witr in Ramadan. (Mu’ta’a Malik:2/158)
Variations Across Islamic Traditions
There is a difference of opinion in Taraweeh prayer rakats, due to a famous hadith of Abu Salamah bin Abdul Rahman bin Auf (may Allah be pleased with him). He asked Aisha, how was the prayer of Prophet (peace be upon him) in Ramadan?” She replied, “He did not pray more than eleven rak`at in Ramadan or in any other month.”
One thing should keep in mind that the prayer practice, mentioned in above hadith, was not specific for Ramadan. Some people believe that Taraweeh is not a separate prayer whereas, the name of Tahajjud prayer has been changed to Salat al-Taraweeh in Ramadan. That is why they interpreted the above-mentioned hadith as evidence of 8 rakat Taraweeh hadith.
This difference of opinion exists because of the understanding and interpretation of taraweeh and tahajjud. Some people believe, on the basis of above-mentioned hadith, that tahajjud and taraweeh are same. Whereas some arguments evidence that there is a difference between taraweeh and tahajjud:
Congregation by Prophet (PBUH)
The 11 rak’ats were prayed the whole life by Prophet by the name of Tahajjud, mentioned in Quran and Hadith. And these were never being performed with congregation throughout the life of Prophet and companions. Whereas taraweeh were prayed (for few days) by Prophet (peace be upon him) himself, with congregation and were not followed back due to the fear of being obligatory for Ummah.
Time for Taraweeh prayer
Prophet (peace be upon him) never prayed tahajjud after Isha prayer throughout his life, whereas He prayed taraweeh after Isha prayer and followed by companions too.
Virtue of Qiyam in Ramadan
If tahajjud prayer had been named taraweeh in Ramadan and it was not a separate prayer, but two names for the same prayer, then what would be the meaning of the virtue of Qiyam in Ramadan again and again apart from salat al-layl?
Separate chapter for Taraweeh in Sahih Al Bukhari
Why imam Al-Bukhaari has established a separate chapter on the virtue of Taraweeh, under the book Salat al-Taraweeh and has recorded sahih hadiths in it. While a separate book has also been established on “Tahajjud Prayer”. This proves that Tahajjud prayer and Ramadan prayer are two separate prayers, not two names for the same prayer.
Imam Muslim’s point of view
Imam Muslim did not record ‘the hadith of 11 rakats’ under “Kitab al-Siyaam”. From this, his point of view is clear that Imam Muslim has nothing to do with this hadith. If Imam Muslim had applied this hadith to Taraweeh prayer, he would have recorded it under kitab al-siyam or ramadan. So, his omission of this hadith from ‘Kitab al-Siyaam’ nor in Qiyam al Ramadan and its recording under “Bab Salat-ul-Layl is a clear and conclusive proof that he meant this Tahajjud prayer, not Salaat al-Taraweeh.”
Continuous act of companions
Continuity of 20 rakat taraweeh by companions after Prophet (peace be upon him) is also a reason.
Recommended Practices During Taraweeh
- Consistent attendance: Planning to pray Taraweeh every night to partake in the full blessings it offers.
- Consideration of others: Understanding and respecting the pace and physical capacity of fellow worshipers, as Taraweeh can be lengthy.
- Maintaining Wudu (ablution): Ensuring spiritual cleanliness before worship.
- Reflection during prayer: Focusing on the recitation, not on Taraweeh rakats and taking into heart the meanings of the verses being recited.
- Importance of Intention and Focus: Worshippers should perform Taraweeh with the sole intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah and growing closer to Him.
Conclusion
Observing Taraweeh rakats is not merely following a set number of rakats. Whereas it is significant to understand how many rakat taraweeh had been observed by Prophet and followers. It’s also about establishing a nightly connection with the divine and seeking guidance through the Quran.
Those who follow the 8 rakat Taraweeh also follows the sunnah as they interpreted both, Qiyam al Layl and Taraweeh, the same. Whereas those who follow the 20 rakat Taraweeh, interpreted both, Qiyam al Layl and Taraweeh, separate things The practice offers a multitude of spiritual and psychological benefits, including a sense of community, increased discipline, and a heightened spiritual experience. Muslims around the world come together during Ramadan, participating in this prayer, which has become a hallmark of the blessed month.