Taraweeh consists of **20 rak'ahs**,

 

 

The number of rak'ahs (units) for Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan has been a topic of discussion among Islamic scholars. The majority of Sunni scholars, including the Hanafi, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools, agree that Taraweeh consists of **20 rak'ahs**, while the Maliki school and some others consider it to be **8 rak'ahs**. Below are proofs and evidences used by those who support the practice of 20 rak'ahs:

 

 1. **Practice of the Companions and Early Muslims**

 

- **Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)**: During his caliphate, Umar (RA) established the practice of 20 rak'ahs for Taraweeh in congregation. This is recorded in several authentic sources, including:

- **Al-Bayhaqi's *Sunan al-Kubra***: Umar (RA) ordered Ubayy ibn Ka'b and Tamim al-Dari to lead the people in 20 rak'ahs of Taraweeh.

 

- **Imam Malik's *Muwatta***: Umar (RA) gathered the people behind Ubayy ibn Ka'b and Tamim al-Dari, and they prayed 20 rak'ahs.

- The consensus of the Companions (Ijma') during Umar's time supports this practice, and there is no record of any Companion opposing it.

 

 2. **Hadith Evidence**

 

- While there is no direct hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) specifying 20 rak'ahs, there are narrations that indicate the permissibility of praying more than 8 rak'ahs:

 

- **Sahih al-Bukhari**: The Prophet (PBUH) prayed Taraweeh in congregation for a few nights, but he did not specify the number of rak'ahs. He later stopped leading the congregation out of fear that it might become obligatory.

 

- **Hadith of Aisha (RA)**: When asked about the Prophet's night prayers, Aisha (RA) said, "He did not pray more than 11 rak'ahs in Ramadan or otherwise." However, this refers to the Tahajjud prayer, not Taraweeh, which is a distinct prayer.

 

3. **Practice of the Salaf (Early Generations)**

 

- The early generations of Muslims, including the Tabi'in (successors of the Companions), consistently practiced 20 rak'ahs of Taraweeh. This is documented in works such as:

- **Imam al-Suyuti's *Al-Hawi lil-Fatawi***: He mentions that the practice of 20 rak'ahs was established by Umar (RA) and continued by the early Muslims.

 

- **Ibn Taymiyyah's *Majmu' al-Fatawa***: He states that the majority of scholars agree on 20 rak'ahs, as it was the practice of the Salaf.

 

 4. **Scholarly Consensus (Ijma')**

 

- Many scholars, including Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi'i, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, held the view that Taraweeh consists of 20 rak'ahs. This consensus is based on the practice of the Companions and the early Muslim community.

 

 5. **Flexibility in Worship**

 

- The Prophet (PBUH) said, **"Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven."** (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

 

This hadith emphasizes the reward for night prayers in Ramadan without specifying the number of rak'ahs, allowing for flexibility.

 

### Conclusion

 

The evidence for 20 rak'ahs of Taraweeh is based on the practice of the Companions, the consensus of early scholars, and the continuity of this practice throughout Islamic history. While some scholars argue for 8 rak'ahs based on the Prophet's personal practice, the majority view supports 20 rak'ahs as a legitimate and praiseworthy tradition established during the time of Umar (RA). Both opinions are valid within the framework of Islamic jurisprudence, and Muslims may follow either based on their school of thought or personal preference.

 

May Allah accept our worship during this blessed month of Ramadan!