Taraweeh 8 or 20 Rakat,Truth in The Light of Qur'an o Hadith

Assalamualikum

 May Allah (swt) unite all of us on the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the examples set forth by his Sahaba (RA)

Performing 20 rakaats Taraweeh Salaah is Sunnat, and performing only 8 is contrary to it. InshaAllah,I will prove this from the setting of the Holy Quran, Sahih Hadith, rulings of the Ulama and even rationally.

The Holy Quran is made up of Ayaats, Surahs and Rukus. The article which has been given a name is known as a Surah, and sentences in the Quran which have no separate name are known as Ayats (verses). But what is a Ruku? Surah means something that surrounds (i.e. it surrounds one subject, e.g. Surah Balad), and Ayat means a sign (i.e. a sign of the power of Allah). Ruku, however, means to bend. Why have they been called so?

From the books of Qiraat (Quranic Recitation), it is known' that the amount of Quran recited before going into the Ruku position in Taraweeh by Hadrat Umar and Usman(RA) was called 1 Ruku. In other words, it was the amount they recited before going into that position. Based on Taraweeh being read as 20 rakaats, and the Holy Quran being completed on the 27th of Ramadaan, there should be 540 Rakaats Rukus to complete the Holy Quran ie 20*27=540. However, 557 were appointed because on the last day, many short Surahs are read in the final rakaats. If Taraweeh was 8 rakaats, there should only be a total of 216 Rukus. The amount of Rukus in the Holy Quran establishes that Taraweeh should be 20 rakaats. Can the Wahabies, after accepting Taraweeh to be 8 rakaats, explain the reasoning of the Quranic Rukus?

Also-Taraweeh is the plural of Tarweeha, which means giving the body a rest. After every 4 rakaats, we sit for recuperation and comfort. This sitting is called Tarweeha, and it is for this reason that this namaaz is called Taraweeh (i.e. the collection of comforts). Taraweeh is plural, and the plural form of a word is used (in Arabic) for a minimum of three. If Taraweeh was 8 rakaats, there should be only one Tarweeha between these 8 rakaats. So, it shouldn't even be called Taraweeh. For three Tarweehas, a minimum amount of 16 rakaats are needed. After every 4 rakaats, one Tarweeha will occur (and there is no Tarweeha before the Witr). Thus, the name "Taraweeh" itself refutes the 8 rakaats theory.

حَدَّثَنَا غُنْدَرٌ ، عَنْ شُعْبَةَ ، عَنْ خَلَفٍ ، عَنْ رَبِيعٍ وَأَثْنَى عَلَيْهِ خَيْرًا ، عَنْ أَبِي الْبَخْتَرِيِّ أَنَّهُ كَانَ يُصَلِّي خَمْسَ تَرْوِيحَاتٍ فِي رَمَضَانَ وَيُوتِرُ بِثَلاَثٍ

 It is narrated from Hadrat Abi Al-Bakhtari(RA) that he used to lead people in “5 Tarvihaat” (i.e 20 Rakat Taraweeh) in Ramadan and with 3 (Rakaah) Witr. [Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah Volume 005, Page No. 224, Hadith Number 7768]

الفضل بن دكين عن سعيد بن عبيد ان علي بن ربيعة كان يصلي بهم في رمضان خمس ترويحات ويوتر ثلاث.

Sa'eed bin Ubaid narrates that Ali bin Rabiyah (RA) used to lead them in 5 Tarwihaat (i.e 20 rakat taraweeh) and 3 Witr..[Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah Volume 005, Page No. 224, Hadith Number 7772]

In Bada’i Al-Sana’i it has been stated:

The number of rak’aats for the Taraweeh prayer is twenty; five tarweeha with one salam; every two salams is a tarweeha (i.e. one salaam made after every 2 rak’aats. Therefore, two salaams means after four rak’aats). This is the ruling of the scholars in general. [Vol. 1, Page 288]

Note: The Prayer of Taraweeh consists of 4 Tarveehs (resting period after every 4 rakahs) and 5 Tarvihaat which makes it 5*4=20 

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How Did Salat Al-Taraweeh Begin?

Once, in the Holy month of Ramadan, the Prophet (PBUH) came out of his home and led Salat Al-Taraweeh. The Sahabah (R A) who were present at the time, prayed behind him in congregation.

 The second and the third nights, a larger number of Sahabah (RA) came and performed Salat Al-Taraweeh behind the Prophet (PBUH). On the fourth night, an even larger number of Sahabah (R A) showed up in the Masjid expecting to pray this new Salat behind the Prophet (PBUH). But, he did not come out to lead Salat Al-Taraweeh that night.

The Sahabah (RA) waited all night. When the Prophet (PBUH) finally emerged for the Fajr prayer he told them: “I knew you were waiting for me, but I did not come out to lead Salat Al-Taraweeh last night because I was afraid it might become an obligation (Fard) on the Ummah which they might find difficult to fulfill.” (Bukhari,H872; Muslim,H1271; Abu Dawood, H1166)

In other words, if it were made obligatory like the rest of the five daily prayers, we would have to perform it even if we were traveling or ill. Since, then, Sahaba started to perform Salat Al-Taraweeh in small congregations in the Masjid or in their homes.

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How Many Raka’at Did The Prophet (PBUH) Perform on Those Three Nights????

عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يصلي في شهر رمضان في غير جماعة عشرين ركعة والوتر

Hazrat e Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Prophet Mohammad(Peace Be Upon Him) used to pray “twenty raka’at” by himself followed by Witr (every night) in the month of Ramadan.

[Musannaf Ibn Abi Shayba,Vol.2, Page 164, Hadith 7692]

[At-Tabarani, Mu’jam Al-Awsat, Vol. 1, Page 243, Hadith 798]

[At-Tabarani, Mu’jam Al-Awsat, Vol. 5, Page 324, Hadith 5440]

[At-Tabarani, Mu’jam Al-Kabir, Vol. 11, Page 393, Hadith 12102]

[Al-Bayhaqi, Sunan Al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Page 496, Hadith 4391]

[Abd bin Hamid, Musnad, Vol.1, Page 218, Hadith 653]

[Khatib Al-Baghdadi, Tarikh, Vol. 6, Page 113]

[Al-Haytami, Majma’ Az-Zawaid, Vol. 3, Page 172]

[Ibn Abd-Al Barr, Al-Tamhid, Vol. 8, Page 115]

[Al-Asqalani, Fath Al-Bari, Vol. 4, Page 254, Hadith 1908]

[Al-Asqalani, Al-Diraya, Vol. 1, Page 203, Hadith 257]

[As-Suyooti, Tanwir Al-Hawaliq, Vol. 1, Page 108, Hadith 263]

[Zahbi, Mizan Al-Ae’tidal, Vol. 1, Page 170]

[Al-San’ani, Subul Islam, Vol. 2, Page 10]

[Al-Mizzi, Tahzib Al-Kamal, Vol. 2, Page 149]

[Al-Zela’i, Nasb Al-Rayah, Vol. 2, Page 153]

[Zurqani, Sharh Alal Muwatta, Vol. 1, Page 342]

Hadrat Abu Huraira(RA) reported that Hazur(saw) said,

 من قام رمضان إيمانا واحتسابا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه

whoever prays during the night in Ramadhan sincerely; seeking his reward from Allah, his former sins are forgiven.” [Sahih Al-Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 259, Hadith 1815]

On the authority of Aisha (R.A) the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) performed “twenty raka’at on 2 nights with people but he did not come out on the 3rd night and said that I am afraid that it might become obligatory upon you (Sahaba) [Ibn Hajr, Al-Talkhees Al-Habeer, Volume 002, Hadith Number 540]

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حديث أنه صلى الله عليه وسلم صلى بالناس عشرين ركعة ليلتين فلما كان في الليلة الثالثة اجتمع الناس فلم يخرج إليهم ثم قال من الغد خشيت أن تفرض عليكم

Consensus (Ijma’) of Sahaba(RA) on Twenty Raka’at. During The Khilafat of ‘Umar (RA) once went to the masjid in the month of Ramadan and noticed that people were performing Salat (Al-Taraweeh) in small congregations. He said to the Sahabah(RA),“Now that we do not have the fear that Salat Al-Taraweeh will become Fard on us, we can start performing it in congregation.” He then asked Ubaiy Ibn Ka’ab (RA) to lead Salat Al-Taraweeh- Twenty Raka’at followed by 3 Raka’at Witr

أخبرنا أبو طاهر الفقية، قال: أخبرنا أبو عثمان البصري، قال: حدثنا أبو أحمد: محمد بن عبد الوهاب، قال: أخبرنا خالد بن مخلد، قال: حدثنا محمد بن جعفر، قال: حدثني يزيد بن خصيفة، عن السائب بن يزيد، قال: كنا نقوم في زمان عمر بن الخطاب بعشرين ركعة والوتر.

 Sa'eeb ibn Yazid: who said: 'In the time of Umar Ibn Al-Khattab(RA) the people used to observe “20 rak'ahs” (Taraweeh) and the witr.' [Marifat-us-Sunan wa'l Athar- Imam Bayhaqi, Volume 004, Page No. 42, Hadith Number 5409]

Imam al-Bayhaqi(ra) has also reported another version of the above narration through a different channel of transmission.

 وقد أخبرنا أبو عبد الله الحسين بن محمد بن الحسين بن فنجويه الدينوري بالدامغان ثنا أحمد بن محمد بن إسحاق السني أنبأ عبد الله بن محمد بن عبد العزيز البغوي ثنا علي بن الجعد أنبأ بن أبي ذئب عن يزيد بن خصيفة عن السائب بن يزيد قال كانوا يقومون على عهد عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه في شهر رمضان بعشرين ركعة قال وكانوا يقرؤون بالمئين وكانوا يتوكؤن على عصيهم في عهد عثمان بن عفان رضي الله عنه من شده القيام

Sa'eeb bin Yazeed (RA) who said: "In the time of Umar(RA), they would perform “20 rak'ahs” (Taraweeh) in the month of Ramadan." [Bayhaqi Sunan al-Kubra Volume 002, Page No. 698-9, Hadith Number 4617]

Imam Al-Nawawi said: 'Its Isnad is Sahih'. (بإسناد صحيح) [Al-Khulasa al-Ahkam, Hadith Number 1961] ***********

Hazrat Saib Ibn Yazid(RA) has stated that,

 كانوا يقومون على عهد عمر بن الخطاب رضى الله عنه فى شهر رمضان بعشرين ركعة

“We used to pray twenty rak’ats Taraweeh prayer in the era of the Khilafat of Umar(RA)” [Sunan al-Bayhaqi, Vol. 2, Page 224, Hadith 4801]

 It has been stated in Mirqat al-Mafatih:

 إسناده صحيح The chain of narration of this Hadith is sound (Sahih). [Mirqat Al-Mafatih – Vol. 2, Page 175]

Hazrat Yazid Ibn Ruman reports that

كان الناس يقومون فى زمان عمر بن الخطاب فى رمضان بثلاث وعشرين ركعة

During the time of Hadrat ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, people used to pray 23 Rak’ahs during Ramadhan (20 rak’ahs for Taraweeh prayer and 3 Rak’ats for witr.)” [Muwatta Imam Malik, Vol. 1, Page 115, Hadith 251]

 عَنِ الْحَسَنِ أَنَّ عُمَرَ بْنَ الْخَطَّابِ جَمَعَ النَّاسَ عَلَى أُبَيِّ بْنِ كَعْبٍ فِي قِيَامِ رَمَضَانَ، فَكَانَ يُصَلِّي بِهِمْ عِشْرِينَ رَكْعَةً

Hassan-Basri(ra) said: Umar Ibnul Khattab(RA) gathered people behind Ubay Ibn K'aab(RA) in the Qiyaam of Ramadan and he led them for“20 Rakat” [Siyar al A'lam wa al Nubalah Volume 001, Page No.400-1, Biography of 'Ubay Ibn K'aab']

Imam Al-Nawawi said: 'Its Isnad is Sahih'. (بإسناد صحيح) [Al-Khulasa Al-Ahkam, Hadith Number 1961]

A companion of  Hazrat Ali(RA), Sayyiduna Shutayr Bbin Shakil narrates that,

During the month of Ramadhan Sayyiduna Ali(RA) would read 20 rakaahs of Taraweeh and 3 Wit’r.

[Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf, Vol. 2, Page 163, Hadith 7680]

[Al-Bayhaqi, Sunan Al-Kubra, Vol.2, Page 496, Hadith 4395]

Abu Abd Ar- Rahman Sulami said,"

 In the month of Ramadhan, Hazrat e Ali(RA) sent for all the Qur’anic recitors, and instructed one of them to lead 20 Rak'aahs Taraweeh, and Sayyiduna Ali(RA) himself would lead the wit’r prayer. [Al-Bayhaqi, Sunan Al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Page 496, Hadith 4396]

Yahya bin Sa’id said that,"

 Hazrat e Umar(RA) ordered an individual that he lead them in the prayer of 20 rakaahs of Taraweeh." [Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf, Vol. 2, Page 163, Hadith 7682]

Sayyiduna Naf’i bin Umar  states that,"  

Ibn Abi Malkiya would lead us in the prayer of 20 rak'aahs of Taraweeh in the month of Ramadan. [Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf, Vol.2, Page 163, Hadith 7683]

Abdul Aziz bin Rafi’ states that,

 Abay Bin Ka’ab(RA) would lead the people of Madinah al-Munawwarah during the month of Ramadan in the praying of 20 rak'aahs of Taraweeh and 3 wit’r. [Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf, Vol. 2, Page 163, Hadith 7684]

 حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ ، عَنْ حَسَنِ بْنِ صَالِحٍ ، عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ قَيْسٍ ، عَنِ أَبِي الْحَسْنَاءِ أَنَّ عَلِيًّا أَمَرَ رَجُلاً يُصَلِّي بِهِمْ فِي رَمَضَانَ عِشْرِينَ رَكْعَةً

 Abu Al Hasna says that Ali (RA) order a person to lead “20 rakat (Tarawih)”  during Ramadan. [Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah Volume 005, Page No. 223, Hadith Number 7763]

حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ ، عَنْ نَافِعِ بْنِ عُمَرَ ، قَالَ كَانَ ابْنُ أَبِي مُلَيْكَةَ يُصَلِّي بِنَا فِي رَمَضَانَ عِشْرِينَ رَكْعَةً، وَيَقْرَأُ بِحَمْدِ الْمَلاَئِكَةِ فِي رَكْعَةٍ

Narrated by Waki’i from NaQWcVAfe bin Umar(RA) who said: Ibn Abi Mulaika (RA) used to lead us in Ramadan for “20 Rakaahs”. [Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah Volume 005, Page No. 223, Hadith Number 7765]

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ ، عَنْ حَجَّاجٍ ، عَنْ أَبِي إِسْحَاقَ ، عَنِ الْحَارِثِ أَنَّهُ كَانَ يَؤُمُّ النَّاسَ فِي رَمَضَانَ بِاللَّيْلِ بِعِشْرِينَ رَكْعَةً وَيُوتِرُ بِثَلاَثٍ وَيَقْنُتُ قَبْلَ الرُّكُوعِ

Al-Haris narrates that he used to offer “20 rakats” (taraweeh) in Ramadan and also used to lead 3 witr and used to offer Qunut before Ruku. [Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah Volume 005, Page No. 224, Hadith Number 7767]

 حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ نُمَيْرٍ ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الْمَلِكِ ، عَنْ عَطَاءٍ ، قَالَ أَدْرَكْت النَّاسَ وَهُمْ يُصَلُّونَ ثَلاَثًا وَعِشْرِينَ رَكْعَةً بِالْوِتْرِ

Ata Ibn Abi Rubah(RA) said: I have always seen people performing “Twenty Three Rakats” including witr. [Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah Volume 005, Page No. 224, Hadith Number 7770]

حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ ، عَنْ أَبِي إِسْحَاقَ ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ قَيْسٍ ، عَنْ شُتَيْرِ بْنِ شَكَلٍ أَنَّهُ كَانَ يُصَلِّي فِي رَمَضَانَ عِشْرِينَ رَكْعَةً وَالْوِتْرَ

It is proved from Shaytar Ibn Shakl that he used to lead “20 rakaat” Tarawih in Ramadan and also in witr. [Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah Volume 005, Page No. 222, Hadith Number 7762]

Malik Al-‘Ulama Hadrat ‘Allama ‘Ala Al-Din Abubakr ibn Mas’ud Al-Kasani states:

 It has been narrated that Hadrat ‘Umar(RA) assembled all the companions in the month of Ramadhan to perform Taraweeh behind  Ubay ibn Kaa’b(RA). so, He(Ubay ibn Kaa’b) lead them in the Taraweeh prayer performing twenty (20) Rak’ats every night. No one from them ever refuted or disapproved of this. Thus, the Ijma’ (consensus) of all the companions was on performing twenty rak’ats for the Taraweeh prayer.[Bada’i Al-Sana’i – Vol.1, Page 288]

Abi ‘Abdul Rahman Al-Salami (R A) narrated that ‘Ali (R A) called for the Huffaz Al-Qur’an in the month of Ramadan and asked one of them to lead people in offering twenty raka’at Salat (Al-Taraweeh) while he himself used to lead the Witr prayer. (Ma’rifat Al-Sunnah by Baihaqi, H-4396; Sunan Al-Baihaqi, v2, p496)

**

A great number of Islamic scholars have confirmed the Sahabah’s (R A) consensus of Salat Al-Taraweeh being twenty raka’at.

Imam Bukhari reported in his book Al-Kuna:

 عن ابي الخصيب قال كان سويد بن غفلة يؤمنا في رمضان عشرين ركعة

 Abu Al-Khusaib (ra) narrated that Suwaid bin Ghafalah (ra) always led us in offering "twenty raka’at Salat (Al-Taraweeh)" in the month of Ramadan. [Al-Kuna Volume 002, Hadith Number 234]

قال ابن تيمية: فانه قد ثبت ان ابي بن كعب كان يقوم بالناس بعشرين ركعة في رمضان و يوتر بثلاث

(فتاوى ابن تيميه ص191/1)

 Imam Ibn Taimiyah reported that it has been confirmed that Ubai bin Ka’ab (RA) used to lead people in offering twenty raka’at of Salat (Al-Taraweeh) followed by three raka’at Witr in the month of Ramadan.[Fataawa Ibn Taimiyah, v1, p191]

والتراويح سنة مؤكدة عشرون ركعة بما روى ابوبكر عبد العزيز الشافعي عن ابن عباس أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يصلي في شهر رمضان عشرين ركعة

 (روض الرياض)

Salat Al-Taraweeh is Sunnah Muakkadah and consists of twenty raka’at; based on the hadith narrated by Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH) used to offer twenty raka’at during the month of Ramadan. (Raudh Al-Riyadh)

قال الغزالي: التراويح و هي عشرون ركعة و كيفيتها مشهورة وهي سنة مؤكدة

(احياء العلوم ص208/1)

 Imam Ghazzali(ra) has also confirmed that Salat Al-Taraweeh is Sunnah Muakkadah and consists of Twenty Raka’at and the method of offering (this Salat) is well known. (IhyaAl-Uloom v1, p208)

Allama Abdul-Hayy Faranghi Mahalli states:

 It has been proven that the companions used to perform taraweeh twenty rak’aats in the blessed eras of Hadrat ‘Umar, Usman,Ali(RA) and all those who came after them. Such reports have been transmitted by Imam Malik Ibn Sa’d, Imam Baihaqi and others.[‘Umdah al-Ri’ayah hashiyah Sharh al-Waqayah – Vol. 1, Page 175]

 Mulla Ali al-Qari states:

 The companions all agree (it is their consensus) upon the fact that Taraweeh is twenty Rak’aats. [Mirqat Al-Mafatih – Vol.2  Pg.175]

 Mulla ‘Ali al-Qari has stated:

 It is the conformity of all the muslims upon the twenty rakaats for Taraweeh This is because Imam Baihaqi narrates with a sound chain of transmission that in the blessed era of Hadrat ‘Umar, Hadrat ‘Uthman and Hadrat ‘Ali, the companions and all those who followed them (Tabi’un) performed twenty rak’ats for the Taraweeh prayer. [Babu Fath al-‘Inayah Sharh al-Nuqayah]

Allama ibn ‘Abideen Al-Shami states:

Taraweeh is twenty rak’ats; this is the ruling of the majority of the scholars and the common practice of all Muslims from east till west. [Radd Al-Muhtar – Vol. 1, Page 195]

Shaykh Zain Al-Din ibn Nujaim Al-Misri states:

 Twenty rak’aats Taraweeh is the ruling of the majority of the scholars. This is because it has been reported in the Muwatta of Imam Malik on the authority of Hadrat Yazid ibn Ruman that in the blessed era of Hadrat ‘Umar al-Faruq the companions used to perform twenty-three rak’ats (twenty rak’ats for Tarawih and three rak’ats for the Witr.) [Al-Bahr Al-Ra’iq – Vol.2, Page 66]

In Sharh Al-Waqaya it has been stated:

 Twenty rak’aats for the Taraweeh is the Sunnah. [Vol. 1, Page 175]

In Fatawa-e-Alamgiri (also known as “Al-Fatawa Al-Hindiyyah”) it states:

 Taraweeh consists of five Tarweha; each Tarweha is four rak’aats with two salaams (made at the end of two rak’ats). This has also been stated in Al-Sirajiyyah. [Vol. 1. Page 108]

Shah Waliyullah Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi states:

 The number of rak’ats for the Tarawih is twenty. [Hujjatullahil Baligha – Vol. 2, Page 18]

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Shekh Abdul Qadir Jeelani(ra) Says Taraweeh Consistes of 20 Rakaat (Ganiyat u Talibeen,Page 391)

Imam Badr ud din Ayni (ra) states: 

 رواه البيهقي بإسناد صحيح عن السائب بن يزيد الصحابي، قال: كانوا يقومون على عهد عمر ، رضي الله تعالى عنه، بعشرين ركعة، وعلى عهد عثمان وعلي، رضي الله تعالى عنهما، مثله

 Imam al-Bayhaqi has narrated with “SAHIH CHAIN” from the companion Sai’b bin Yazid (RA) who said: During the tunure of Umar (RA) people used to stand for 20 Rakahs (of Tarawih), same was done in the time Uthman(RA) and Ali (RA) [Umdat ul Qari, Sharh Sahih ul Bukhari, Volume No. 5, Page No. 264, Published by Dar ul Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon]

GAIR-MUQALLID Al-Mubarakpuri the famous Salafi scholar also declared the Sanad of this hadith as “Sahih” and he cited Imam al-Nawawi (ra)’s authentication [Tuhfa Tul Ahwadhi, Volume No. 3, Page No. 453, Published by Dar ul Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon]

Imam Nimawi al Hanafi (ra) said

 رجال هذا الاسناد كلهم ثقات

   All the men in this Isnaad are “THIQA” [Athaar al-Sunnan (2/54)]

OBJECTIONS RAISED BY SOME GAIR MUQALLID SCHOLARS AND ANSWERS TO TARAWEEH BEING 20 RAKAATS ON

[Ibn Hajr, Al-Talkhees al-Habeer, Volume 002, Hadith Number 540]

   Note: After this hadith Imam Ibn Hajr al Asqalani(ra) said:

  متفق على صحته من حديث عائشة دون عدد الركعات

 Translation: "All the traditionalists (Muhaddithin) are unanimous about the soundness of this report from Ayesha(RA), but without the number of Rakaats.

The Gair-Muqallideen And Shia exclaim with joy saying: Look Imam Ibn Hajr al-Asqalani(ra) accepted the Hadith to be Sahih but only without the number of Rakaahs, therefore the number of Rakahs in Taraweeh are not established. 

Answer: First of all this saying of Imam Ibn Hajr(ra) goes against them not us because we have overwhelming other proofs which establish 20 Rakahs however they have only 2 proofs from which they hypocritically claim that Taraweeh consists of 8 Rakaahs 

 Their primary proof is the hadith in Sahih Bukhari which states:   

[Volume 2, Book 21, Number 248:  (Sahih Bukhari - Book of Tahajjud)]

Narrated Abu Salma bin 'Abdur Rahman: I asked Hazrat e'Aisha(RA), "How is the prayer of Hazur(saw) during the month of Ramadan." She said, "Rasoolullah(saw) never exceeded eleven Rakat in Ramadan or in other months; he used to offer four Rakat-- do not ask me about their beauty and length, then four Rakat, do not ask me about their beauty and length, and then three Rakat." Aisha further said, "I said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Do you sleep before offering the Witr prayer?' He replied, 'O 'Aisha! My eyes sleep but my heart remains awake'!"   

Even a layman can see that Aisha(RA) is talking about Tahajjud because she said "OR IN OTHER MONTHS" whereas Salaat ut-Taraweeh is only the prayer of Ramadan. Although we can go in length about this issue and decisively prove that the above hadith specifically refers to Tahhajud and not Tarawih, but we would like to concentrate on another point. This hadith also comes under the verdict of Imam Ibn Hajr al Asqalani(ra) i.e.  "All the traditionalists (Muhaddithin) are unanimous about the soundness of this report from Ayesha(RA), but without the number of Rakahs.

Let us see the proofs from Sahihayn (i.e. Bukhari and Muslim)

  Volume 2, Book 21, Number 261: (Sahih Bukhari)

  

Narrated 'Aisha(RA): Rasoolullah(saw) used to offer thirteen Rakat in the night prayer and on hearing the Adhan for the morning prayer, he used to offer two light Rakat.

This hadith proves Tahajjud to be atleast 10-12 Rakahs (without witr) whereas these people consider 8 Rakahs to be Sunnah of Prophet (Peace be upon him).. This is why Imam Ibn Hajr(ra) has also declared the hadith of 20 Rakahs from Sayyida Aisha(RA) as "SAHIH" but without the number of Rakahs.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 240: (Sahih Bukhari)

  

Narrated Masruq: I asked Aisha(RA) about the night prayer of Hazur(SAW) and she said, "It was seven, nine or eleven Rakat besides the two Rakat of the Fajr prayer (i.e. Sunnah). "

This also proves "IDHTIRAB" in the hadith of Aisha(RA) and Taraweeh could never be considered as 8 Rakahs because there is consensus on it being 20.[Book 004, Number 1611: (Sahih Muslim)]

 It is reported on the authority of 'A'isha(RA) that the prayer of Hazur(saw) in the night consisted of ten rak'ahs. He observed a Witr and two rak'ahs (of Sunan) of the dawn prayer, and thus the total comes to thirteen rak'ahs.[ Book 004, Number 1686: (Sahih Muslim)]

Abu Jamra reported: I heard Ibn 'Abbas(RA) saying that Hazur(saw) observed thirteen rak'ahs at night.

[Book 004, Number 1687: (Sahih Muslim)]

Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani said: I would definitely watch at night the prayer observed by Hazur(saw). He prayed two short rak'ahs, then two long, long, long rak'ahs, then he prayed two rak'ahs which were shorter than the two preceding rak'ahs, then he prayed two rak'ahs which were shorter than the two preceding, then he prayed two rak'ahs which were shorter than the two preceding, then observed a single one (Witr), making a total of thirteen rak'ahs

Now coming to the Proofs  which i have shown above i.e. the hadith from Ibn Abbas(RA) establishing 20 Rakahs directly from Hazur(saw), however both the hadith have a narrator called Abu Shaybah (i.e. grandfather of mighty Muhadith Ibn Abi Shaybah) who has difference of opinion over his reliability, most of the muhaditheen have considered him "WEAK" ... Now these people again jump with joy saying that Abu Shaybah is weak therefore 20 Rakahs is not established from Hazur(saw), in reply they show this following hadith

Jabir Bin ‘Abdillah(RA) reported:“Hazur (saw) led us (one night) during Ramadhan, praying Eight Rakaah and Witr. On the following night, we gathered in the Masjid hoping that he will come out again (to lead the prayer). We stayed there until the morning. Then we entered (to the centre of the Masjid) and said, `O Messenger of Allah” Last night we gathered in the Masjid hoping that you would lead us in prayer.’ To which he replied `Indeed I feared that it would become an obligation on you’” [Ibn Khuzaimah (2/138 Hadith #1070),  Mu’ajam as-Sagheer (1/190) of Tabaraanee and others]

Now these are the same people who declare every second hadith as Daeef which does not go in conformity to their agendas, now let us see Jirah on narrators of hadith from Jabir(RA)

The Hadith “ONLY” comes through the route of “Isa Ibn Jariyah” , Here is what mighty Muhaditheen and masters of Jirah wa Tadil said on this narrator

قال ابن أبـي خيثمة عن ابن معين: ليس بذاك ، لا أعلم أحداً روى عنه غير يعقوب

Yahya Bin Mu'een said: He is "NOTHING" and he does not know whether anyone other than Yaqub (Shia) has narrated from him[Tahdhib ut-Tahdhib (4/518)]

In Tahdhib ul Kamaal of Imam al-Mizzi (ra), the declaration of Imam Abu Dawud (ra) is also there who called him Munkar ul Hadith

.وقال أبو عُبـيد الآجُري ، عن أبـي داود: منكر الحديث

  Abu Ubaid al-Ajri narrates from Abu Dawud that (Isa bin Jariyah) is “MUNKAR UL HADITH” [Tahdhib ul Kamaal, Volume No. 14, Page No. 533]

Imam Nasai’i said in his “DU’AFA WAL MATROOKEEN” 

 عيسى ابن جارية: يروي عنه يعقوب القُمِّي، منكر

  Isa bin Jariyah narrated from Yaqub Al-Qummi (shia narrator) and he (Isa ibn Jariyah) is “MUNKAR” [Nasai’i in Duafa wal Matrooken (2/215)]

Hence 2 great Imams from Six most authentic books i.e. Imam Abu Dawud (ra) and Imam Nasai'i (ra) declared him "MUNKAR UL HADITH"

Here is what other great scholars said of him  

 قلت: وذكره الساجي، والعقيلي في الضعفاء. وقال ابن عدي: أحاديثه غير محفوظة

 Imam al Saaji (ra) and Imam al-Uqayli (ra) mentioned him in their “DUAFA (i.e. weak narrators)”

Imam Ibn Adi (ra) said: His ahadith are “NOT MAHFOOZ” [Tahdhib ut Tahdhib (4/518)]

Imam Ibn Hajr al-Asqalani (ra) himself said: فيه لين (i.e. he is Lain i.e. inclined towards weakness) [Taqrib ut Tahdhib (1/768)]

Even highest authorities of Gair-Muqallideen such as Nasir u Din Albani, Hussain Saleem Asad have declared the hadith itself as "Daeef"

Hussain Saleem Asad in his Tahqiq to Musnad Abu Ya’la said:  

 إسناده ضعيف

 It’s chain is “WEAK” [Musnad Abu Ya’la, with Tahqeeq of Hussain Saleem Asad (3/336), Published by Dar ul Ma’moon, Dimishq]

Hence The highest authorities in Jirah wa Tadil like Yahya bin Mu'een(ra) plus Imam Nasa’i and Abu Dawud (ra) declared Isa bin Jariyah as Munkar ul Hadith (Rejected in hadith) let alone Daeef, hence the narration which Gair-Muqallideen show becomes “Mawdo!” 

A famous subcontinental Gair-Muqallid scholar Moulana Abdur Rahman Mubarakpuri (1353 A.H.) has written that the hadîth of a narrator who is known as Munkarul hadîth, are worthy of being rejected.(Ibkarul Matn pg.191) 

Hence the hadith of Ibn Abbas(RA) and Jabir(RA) are both atleast weak (latter one being forged) so according to Usool of hadith which Imam Abu Dawud clarified the hadith of Ibn Abbas(RA) becomes Maqbool (accepted). Imam Abu Dawud (ra) said after narrating a hadith: 

  اذا تنازع الخبران عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ينظر بما اخذ به اصحابه

Translation: If there seems to be "contradiction" between 2 reports of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) then we take the practise which is “CONFIRMED BY SAHABA” [Sunnan Abu Dawud under Hadith No. 1577]  

Hence the hadith of Ibn Abbas(RA) is confirmed as it corresponds to the Ahadith from Umar(RA),Ali(RA),Ubay Ibn Kaa'b (RA) and many others.The Wahabis(Gair-Muqallids) have another hadith from Muwatta Imam Malik which they use to defend their stance, this hadith contradicts overwhelming ahadith regarding Practise of Ubay Ibn Kaa'b that he prayed 20 Rakahs.  

It is states in Muwatta: [Book 6, Number 6.2.4: (Muwatta Imam Malik)] 

Yahya related to me from Malik from Muhammad ibn Yusuf that As-Sa'ib ibn Yazid said, "Umar(RA) 0rdered Ubay ibn Kaa'b and Tamim Ad-Dari to watch the night in prayer with the people for eleven Rakaas.The reciterof the Qur'an would recite the Mi'in (a group of medium-sized suras) until we would be leaning on our staffs from having stood so long in prayer. And we would not leave until the approach of dawn."  

This is the second biggest proof which Gair-Muqallids use. Unfortunately the Salafis can only deceive innocent public who are not well-aware of sciences of Jarh wa Tadil, Asma Wa Rijaal etc... but the Ahlus Sunnah will teach Salafis some good lessons in these fields.   

In Muwatta this is the Isnaad

‏ ‏محمد بن يوسف ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏السائب بن يزيد ‏ ‏أنه قال ‏ ‏أمر ‏ ‏عمر بن الخطاب

Note at: "Muhammad bin Yusuf An Saib Ibn Yazid"

In Musannaf Abdur Razzaq the same hadith is present with same chain but it states:

محمد بن يوسف عن السائب بن يزيد أن عمر جمع الناس في رمضان على أبي بن كعب وعلى تميم الداري على إحدى وعشرين ركعة

  Narrated by Muhammad bin Yusuf from Saib bin Yazid that Umar (RA) gathered people in Ramadan behind Ubay Ibn Kaab(RA) and Tamim Dari (RA) and he made them lead people in "TWENTY-ONE" Rakahs [Musannaf Abdur Razzaq, Volume No. 4, Page No. 260, Hadith No. 7730]

Hence even the Hadith in Muwatta does not prove 8, rather 20 is decisively proven as proven from above hadith, now the Salafis have no hadith from Khulafa ar Rashideen in regards to 8 Rakah Tarawih, therefore the hadith in Muwatta is proven to be "MUDHTARIB" and cannot be used as proof. Please see the overwhelming proofs above, you will find many ahadith which prove that Ubai Ibn Ka'b prayed 20 Rakahs, even Ibn Taymiyyah Al-Mujasmi the sheikh ul Islam of Salafis said:   

ثبت أن أبي بن كعب كان يقوم بالناس عشرين ركعة في قيام رمضان، ويوتر بثلاث‏.‏ فرأي كثير من العلماء أن ذلك هو السنة؛ لأنه أقامه بين المهاجرين والأنصار، ولم ينكره منكر

 "It has been proven that Ubayy ibn Kaa'b(RA) used to lead the Companions, during Ramadan, for 20 rak'ahs and 3 rak'ahs of witr. Hence it is the principle (maslak) of most of the Ulama that this is the Sunnah, because Ubay ibn Kaa'b led 20 rak'ahs of prayer in the presence of the Muhajirin (the emigrants) and the Ansars (the helpers) and not a single Companion repudiated it!" [Ibn Taymiyyah: Majmua al Fatawa (1/191)]

Contradictions Among Gair-Muqallid Scholars
Hafiz Zubair Ali Zai says"  Tahajud, taraweeh,Qayamul lail,Qayam e Ramzan, vitr is one Salat with Different names(Tedad e Rakaat Qayam e ramzan Ka Tehqeqi Jaiza, Page 16)

Also  A  Gair-Muqallid Scholar Myan Nazeer Hussain Dehlvi says"The companions all agree (it is their consensus) upon the fact that Taraweeh is twenty Rak’aats(fatawah Nazeeriya,vol,1,Page 634)

*****************************************************

The Consensus of the Four Great Imams of Fiqh(Imam Abu-Hanifa,Imam-Shafi,Imam-Malik,Imam-Hambal)

 1. Hanafi Maslak

 Imam Badr ud din Ayni(ra) said:

رواه البيهقي بإسناد صحيح عن السائب بن يزيد الصحابي قال كانوا يقومون على عهد عمر رضي الله تعالى عنه بعشرين ركعة وعلى عهد عثمان وعلي رضي الله تعالى عنهما مثله وفي المغني عن علي أنه أمر رجلا أن يصلي بهم في رمضان بعشرين ركعة قال وهذا كالإجماع

   Imam Baihaqi(ra) narrated with “SAHIH” isnaad from Saib Ibn Yazid the Sahabi who said: I saw (people) standing for 20 Rakahs in the era of Umar (RA), also in Era of Uthman (RA) and Ali (RA), In Al-Mughni (the leading Hanbli manual of fiqh) It is narrated from Ali (RA) that he ordered one man to lead people in Ramadan for 20 Rakahs, “ON THIS IS TOTAL IJMA (وهذا كالإجماع)” [Umdat ul Qari Volume No.7, Page No. 177]

Imam Ibn Hammam(ra) said: It has been established with genuine proof that Sahaba and Tabiyeen used to pray 20 Rakahs of Tarawih during the era of Umar(RA), this authentic report is narrated from Yazid ibn Ruman that during the time of Umar(RA) they used to pray 20 Rakahs, Imam Nawawi has “AUTHENTED” this report too [Al-Fath al Qadeer, Volume No.1, Page No. 470]

Allama Mullah Ali Qari(ra) said:

أجمع الصحابة على أن التراويح عشرون ركعة

There is Consensus/Ijma of Sahaba that Tarawih consists of 20 Rakahs [Mirqaat Sharah Al Mishqaat, Volume No.2, Page No. 202, Published by Maktaba Al Mishkaat]

 -----------------------

 2. Hanbali Maslak

Imam Ibn Qudama writes:

كان الناس يقومون في زمن عمر في رمضان بثلاث وعشرين ركعة وعن علي‏,‏ أنه أمر رجلا يصلي بهم في رمضان عشرين ركعة وهذا كالإجماع

  The People stood for 23 Rakahs in Ramadan during the era of Umar (RA) , and It is narrated from Ali (RA) that he made a person to lead 20 Rakaahs and on this"CONSENSUS/IJMA" (وهذا كالإجماع) [Ibn Quduma al Hanbli in Al-Mughni, Volume No.1, Page No. 802, Under the chapter of Rakaat in Tarawih]

Sheikh Abdul Qadir al Jilani Al-Hanbli(ra) writes:

Taraweeh consists of) 20 Rakahs, in every second Rakaah one should sit and say the Salaam, thus they become 5 Tarwihaat out of which every 4 are called Tarvih (i.e. 5 times 4 = 20) [Al Ghuniya Tut Talibeen Volume 2, Page No. 25]

 --------------------

 3. The Shafi'i Maslak

Imam Tirimdhi (ra) said:

‏ ‏ ‏و قال ‏ ‏الشافعي ‏ ‏وهكذا أدركت ببلدنا ‏ ‏بمكة ‏ ‏يصلون عشرين ركعة

 Imam-Shaf'I (ra) said: that I have always found people in Makkah offering twenty raka’at. (Tirmidhi, under H-806)

 Imam Ghazzali (ra) said:

 التراويح وهي عشرون ركعةوكيفيتها مشهورة وهي سنة مؤكدة

 Taraweeh consists of “Twenty”Rakaahs, Its method is well known and it is Sunnat al Muakdah. (Al-Ghazzali in Ihya Uloom ud din, Volume No.1, Page No. 139)

-----------------

 4. Maliki Maslak

Imam Ibn Rushd al Qurtubi (ra) said: One Qawl of Imam Malik(ra), plus saying of Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi, Imam Ahmed and Dawud al Dhahiri prove 20 Rakahs of Tarawih , Imam Malik has also narrated from Yazid bin Ruman(RA) that during the Khilafat of Umar(RA) people used to do Qiyaam of 20 Rakahs (Taraweeh) [Ibn Rushd in Al-Bidayatul Mujtahid, Volume No. 1, Page No. 152]

The Qawl of 36 Rakaahs which some people misuse also proves 20 Rakaah Taraweeh because Imam Malik used to prescribe people to pray “EXTRA 4 RAKAHS” between every Tarvih (i.e. Resting period after every 4 rakahs), so It is not part of Tarawih, hence there is is absolute Ijma on Tarawih being 20, secondly 36 Rakahs is not proven from any of the Khulafa and above all 2 ahadith from Muwatta Imam Malik prove 20 Rakaat

***************

Conclusion

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From looking at the Hadith, the practice of Sahaba, Tabieen, and the consensus of the four great Imams, it should now be very clear that:

 •It is the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) to perform twenty raka’at Salah Al-Taraweeh.

 •Sahabah (R A) followed this practice throughout their lives in Masjid Al-Nabawi.

 •None of the Sahabah (R A) including ‘Aisha (Radiallahu anhaa) opposed ‘Umar (R A) in the establishment of twenty raka’at of SalatAl-Taraweeh in congregation.

 •The hadith in Bukhari narrated by ‘Aisha (Radiallahu anhaa) is about Salat al-Tahajjud and not Salat Al-Taraweeh.

 •All four Imams have declared that Salat Al-Taraweeh consists of twenty raka’at.

 •Throughout the history, in the Haram of Makkah and Madinah, Taraweeh has never been performed less than twenty raka’at.

 •All of the great scholars used to perform twenty raka’at for Salat Al-Taraweeh. The hadith narrated by ‘Aisha(RA) has never been applied to Salat Al-Taraweeh by any of the great scholars in the history of Islam.

 •Never in the history of Islam for 1400 years was there a disagreement among scholars about the number of raka’at in Salat Al-Taraweeh.

 •The assertion about the eight raka’at has begun by some in the last one hundred years only.

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