Taraweeh

Q: How many Rak'aats of Taraweeh are there?

A: There are 20 Rak'aats of Taraweeh. According to a Hadith reported by Hazrat Abdullah Bin Abbaas (Radiyallalu Anhu), Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was performing 20 Rak'aats in addition to Witr during the month of Ramadhaan. (Al-Baihaqi, Musannaf Bin Abu Shaibah, Tabraani)

Q: Some say that this Hadith is weak. This is because there is a Rawi named Ibraahim Bin Usman in its Sanad who is weak according to the scholars.

A: You are perfectly right that the Hadith is weak according to some due to the presence of Ibraahim Bin Usmaan in its Sanad. But there is another principle that says that a weak Hadith can be taken into consideration if its content is reinforced and supported by the practice of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallalu Anhum) and the Taabi'in. The case of this Hadith also is similar. It is supported by the practice of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallalu Anhum). Hazrat Saaib Bin Yazid (Radiyallalu Anhu) says:

"They (the Sahaabah) were performing 20 Rak'aats during the month of Ramadhaan during the time of Hazrat 'Umar (Radiyallalu Anhu)." (Al-Baihaqi)

Hazrat Yazid Bin Roumaan (Radiyallalu Anhu) says:

"During the time of Hazrat Umar (Radiyallalu Anhu), the people were performing 23 Rak'aats (20 Rak'aats of Taraweeh + 3 Witr) during the month of Ramadan." (Al-Baihaqi)

Q: Is Taraweeh Sunnah for women also?

A: Yes. Taraweeh is Sunnah for them also.

Q: Where should women perform Taraweeh Salaah?

A: Women must perform Taraweeh Salaah in their homes. This is the recommendation of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).

 [English version of "Taraweeh" – Al Jamiat – Vol.7 No.5]