By whom was the Tarawih instituted?

Q. Was Tarawih instituted by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) or Hadhrat Umar (Radiyallahu anhu)?

A. Tarawih was established by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), but not regularly in congregation to prevent it from becoming obligatory. During the lifetime of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), a group of Sahabah (Radiyallahu anhum) used to perform Tarawih in congregation behind Hadhrat Ubay (Radiyallahu anhu) in the mosque. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) did not forbid them from doing so; rather, he approved of their practice. The Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu anhum) continued to perform Tarawih in several groups in the mosque until the caliphate of Hadhrat Umar (Radiyallahu anhu). The latter combined these groups into one congregation and fixed the number of 20 Rak'ahs. This took place in the presence of the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu anhum) without any objection. Therefore, performing 20 Rak'ahs of Tarawih in congregation in the mosque was approved by Ijma (consensus). Hadhrat Umar (Radiyallahu anhu) did this because the reason for Rasulullah’s (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) practice no longer existed after his passing. In short, Tarawih is a Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) that was formalized by the consensus of the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu anhum) during the time of Hadhrat Umar (Radiyallahu anhu). It should be noted that Ijma is a categorical proof that is authoritative in the light of the Qur'an and Ahaadith. Moreover, the Ijma of the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu anhum) or the Taabi'in cannot contradict the teachings of the Qur'an or the traditions of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam). According to a Hadith, "Allah Ta'ala will never make my Ummah unanimous on misguidance." This clearly shows that the Ijma of the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu anhum) was on the path of guidance.

[English version of "Le Tarawih, fut institué par qui?" – Al Haadi – Vol. 3 No. 2]