Rebuking Others For Praying More Than 11 Rak’ahs [Shaykh Arafat bin Hassan al-Muhammadi]

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The following question was posed to Shaykh Arafat bin Hassan al-Muhammadi (may Allah preserve him):

There are some people who rebuke others sternly for praying more than 11 rak’ahs of Night Prayer, or Taraaweeh. What is your opinion about that?

He replied:

This is wrong. This is a mistake. If you were to refer back to the books of the Salaf, and the books of Fiqh (Jurisprudence) in general, the later ones and the earlier ones, you would find that the jurists in this issue differed about the number of rak’ahs, but only about what number was best. [1]

Some said that the Sunnah for Taraaweeh is that we pray 36 rak’ahs. This is widespread and well known to be from al-Imaam Maalik. Refer to al-Mudawwanah. [2]

If you were to read from the rest of the math-habs as well, you will find that they said specifically: 20 rak’ahs. They said that the Sunnah for Taraaweeh is that we pray 20 rak’ahs. This is the math-hab of the majority: the Hanafees, the Shaafi’ees, and the Hanbalees.

You do not find a single one of the early scholars saying that it is not allowed to pray more than 11 rak’ahs. Never. [3] So do not be Continue reading

New Publication: Soorah al-Furqaan, the 25th Chapter of the Noble Quran (Workbook & Resources for the Daily 1445 Ramadhaan Lessons)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

We are pleased to announce that our latest publication is now available: Soorah al-Furqaan, Chapter 25 of the Noble Quran (Workbook): Resources for Your 30-Day Study of the Commentary of al-Imam as-Sa’dee 

Check out this FREE PDF version: https://www.bakkah.net/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/RL-1445-FURQAAN-PDF-free-sample.pdf

*This article features affiliate links, through which we may earn a small commission which helps maintain our website and da’wah activities, so we thank you, jazaakum Allahu khayran!

BRIEF OVERVIEW:

  • Summary: A complete, 30-day study of Soorah al-Furqaan, the 25th chapter of the Noble Quran, reading the entire explanation of the great scholar, Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Naasir as-Sa’dee (may Allah have Mercy on him). A beautifully prepared workbook accompanied by daily classes in shaa’ Allah. Includes weekly quizzes, a final exam, and a unique personal progress tracker.
  • Available resources: MP3 recordings | Workbook (digital) [PDF]
  • Printed Workbook on Amazon (affiliate links):*

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS YEAR’S LESSONS

This workbook and this year’s Ramadhaan 1445 (2024) classes will be a study of the amazing 25th chapter of the Quran, Soorah al-Furqaan. Following last year’s precedent, we will maintain a similar focus and scop Continue reading

How Many Rak’ahs Did the Salaf Pray for Taraaweeh?

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Ever-Merciful…

A Great Third-Century Imaam of the Sunnah Gathered the Narrations of the Salaf Regarding How Many Rak’ahs They Prayed or Preferred for the Taraaweeh Prayers of Ramadhaan

The highly celebrated imaam, Shaykh al-Islaam Aboo ‘Abdillaah Muhammad ibn Nasr al-Marwazee [d.294] was one of the greatest of the third-century authorities on the Sunnah. One of the most highly-qualified and knowledgeable imaams of his era, he was recognized by the scholars for his specific expertise in issues that the early Salaf differed over. Great early historians, like Ibn Hibbaan, Aboo Is-haaq ash-Sheeraazee, and al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee referenced him as one of the leading authorities in detailed Fiqh issues which the Companions and their students (the Taabi’oon) differed over. [1]

The author of al-Muhallaa, Ibn Hazm, remarked that no one since the time of the Companions themselves had been more complete in their knowledge and understanding of the narrations than Muhammad ibn Nasr. [2]

Ath-Thahabee commented, “It is said that he was THE most knowledgeable of all scholars in entirety about matters of differing.” And he said, “He was from the most knowledgeable of the people in his era about the matters which the Companions and their students differed over. Rarely have people like him ever been seen.” [3]

It was this great early imaam who compiled an amazing book on the topic of the night prayers of Ramadhaan. Scholars who spoke on the topic throughout history have recognized this work as Continue reading

Ibn Taymiyyah on Night Prayers in Ramadhan – 11 or 20 Rak’ahs?

 Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allaah have Mercy on him) said:

“…The night prayers of Ramadhan have not been limited to a specific number (of rak’ahs).  He (the Prophet) himself (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) used to pray no more than 13 rak’ahs in Ramadhan or any other time.  However, he used to pray with long rak’ahs. Continue reading