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The auspicious month of Ramadaan bears a special relation with the holy Qur`aan. It is the revelation of the holy Qur`aan that commenced in this month. Hadrath Jibreel (a.s.) used to review the Qur`aan with the holy prophet (s.a.w.) once every year and in the last year (of his life), the review took place twice. So presumably, it is for the commemoration of this prosperous sunnah that the injunctions concerning taraweeh have been instituted into this ummah; And while expounding the excellence of fasting, the excellence of Qiyaam-ul-lail has also been stressed coordinately. In effect, Taraawee`h is a stressed sunnah (Sunnat-e-Muakidah) and there is a consensus of ummah about its being a sunnah endorsed by shariah. This is, as if a commemoration of the revelation of the holy Qur`aan and an expression of joy and gratitude for this splendid blessing by casting oneself in a mold of servitude and worshipping.
As the taraaweeh prayer is offered only once a year and its issues are numerous, the populace or even imams, memorizers and the specialized face complications concerning its rules and pertinent issues. Some Arabic books, in fiqh and hadith section, have been published on this subject but the expanse of Urdu language is largely devoid of such publications. Though, an important book on this subject, written by Moulana Syed Abdul Ali (Founder, Darul-uloom Nadwatul-Ulama, Lucknow) by name "I`hkaam-ut-Taraaweeh" has already been published, but nowadays, this book is rare and difficult to procure. So there was a need of a concise book, which would be in plain and comprehensive language and compiled by keeping in mind the new generation; which would cover common issues and problems while referring to the most authentic books, so that the common and the specialized could all utilize it without doubting its trustworthiness and approbation.
I am pleased that a well-wisher of mine, Moulana Ahmed Abul Haseeb Qaasmi, Zaaduhumullahu 'ilman-naafi'an wa 'amalan `saalihan maqboolan, duly considered compiling such a book by collecting matters and rules concerning taraawee`h based on more than a hundred relevant issues that are generally required by people to be resolved. The important point is that everything that is written has been compiled with reference to the most authentic books. With the grace of Allah (s.w.t.), I got a chance to read the complete book. I hope that, Allah-willing, this book will prove to be a useful guide to the rules concerning the Taraaweeh prayer.
My reverend well-wisher is a memorizer and recites the Qur`aan gracefully. He is a certified Islamic Scholar and a Mufti (an expounder of Islamic Law). This humble teacher of his has established great expectations from him. I pray that may Allah (s.w.t.) make these attainable and take his transcendent services in the matters of religion and its knowledge; And may this book prove to be a dawn of compilations and not a night and never may his pen meet tedium and fatigue.
wa billahi-ttaufeeqi wa huwa-l-musta'aan.
 

This is an English adaptation of the book entitled "Namaaz-e-taraawee'h", which was originally written in Urdu by Moulana Mufti Ahmed Abdul Haseeb Tanweer Qaasmi who also happens to be my religious teacher. The author is the founder and dean of an Islamic Institute known as "Madrasa-e-Saaliheen" and this work is an effort of this organization to convey the rules concerning the taraawee'h prayer to the Muslims all over the world. Strictly speaking, this work is not a literal translation of the original. However, it conveys the facts and concepts similar to that of the original. Besides, the entire translation took place under the supervision of the author himself. The problem with literal "word for word" translation is the resulting unintelligibility and loss of integrity. One should know that the purpose of books such as these is to explain common issues, to the general public, in straightforward and uncomplicated language so that these can be easily comprehended and followed upon. Hence, lucidity is given the highest priority due to which a slight variation in the presentation is unavoidable. To eliminate the ambiguity or vagueness in any of the resulting word or phrase, I have added an explanation within the brackets. Those words, which were not possible to translate, have been associated with English words having a similar meaning and to retain the actual meaning or to eliminate any vagueness or ambiguity, the original words have been placed within the square brackets following the translated words.

I must also admit a shortcoming. We all know that Arabic is a rich language and Urdu being its derivative has inherited most of its attributes. Most of the words pertaining to the religion of Islam are common to both but English being a different kind of language cannot recapture their meanings entirely. Therefore, at some places we had to deviate slightly from the conventions of the English language. I hope that words like "Memorizer" and "Reciter" will not trouble the reader.
May Allah accept this small and insignificant deed of his sinful servant and make it a means of salvation for him and for all those who took part in this project.
Aameen

When Man surrenders himself to the greatness and veracity of Islam, he comes under loyalty towards the commands of the only God and his Messenger and then he is named as a Muslim or a Mo`min (believer). The religion of Islam is complete and applies to every situation and every part of life. Whether it is the worship of Allah (s.w.t.) or dealings in day-to-day life, whether it is the way of living or mode of conduct, Islam covers everything. Islam is perfect and complete in every way. It guides a person in every manner in every situation. It is for this reason that the religion of Islam is called  " The complete rule of life" [Daabi'ta-e-Hayaat].
With the arrival of Ramadaan, a sacred month which brings with it a sea of virtues and a wave of blessings and prosperity, every Muslim yearns to fill his days and nights with fasting and recital, and Tasbee'h and Taraawee'h. And this concern and effort of his is certainly a means of  victory in his afterlife.
The beneficent of Humanity, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said regarding this sacred month, "For the one who fasts during the days and observes Qiyaam-ul-Lail (Taraawee'h) during the nights, provided he is a believer, Allah (s.w.t.) forgives his sins.".
In the holy month of Ramadaan, Taraawee'h enjoys a special position and excellence among the worships of Allah (s.w.t.). Though there are abundant books on this topic written by various scholars and jurists there was a need for a reliable book that would provide most of the information related to Taraawee'h, in a precise and brief manner. It was this idea and the suggestions of scholars and our well-wishers which led to the compilation of this book.
Attempt has been made to present each issue with a reference to the most authentic and reliable books. I am grateful to Moulana Khaalid Saifullah Rahmani, the eminent Islamic Jurist of India, who guided me during the compilation of this book and provided appropriate references from the most authentic books. I must also mention the name of my reverend brother Moulana Ahmed Abdul Mujeeb Qaasmi Nadwi who proofread the entire book in spite of his extremely busy schedule. Jazaahumullahu wa Jazaa`u KhairalJazaa`.
I must mention a few lines about the web version as well.
This book was originally written in Urdu. After reading it, most of our friends and well-wishers suggested that this book should also be available in English language so that the message of Islam may spread across the whole world and reach the Muslims and  non-Muslims who are compassionate to the religion of Islam. However, this was not an easy task. Nevertheless, it was the attention and diligence of Muhammed Ansar, a student of our Madrasa, which made this work easy for us within a short period of time. I am also thankful to S.Nizamuddin, Muhammed Waseem and other friends who assisted us in this work. Jazaahumullahu wa Khairal Jazaa`. May Allah (s.w.t.)  provide them all and those who are our well-wishers with great returns and provide guidance to the readers of this book. May Allah (s.w.t.) shower his blessings upon all those who took interest in this work and May Allah (s.w.t.)  provide them all with a place in paradise in return of their pious deeds.
Aameen

Introduction

Taraawee'h is a great blessing that Allah (s.w.t.) has bestowed upon the disciples of prophet Muhammed (s.a.w.). The proof of taraawee'h is available in the elegant verses of the holy Qur`aan and the treasure of a'haadeeth (the traditions of the holy prophet). The exegetical scholars and the acclaimed researchers of Islam have spoken about it in their works. The revelation of the Qur`aan first began in the month of Ramadaan itself i.e. Ramadaan is the month in which the holy Qur`aan was revealed.
 

The connection between the revelation of the holy Qur`aan and the holy month of Ramadaan

It is recorded in Baihaqi that

i.e. Qur`aan will plead "Oh lord! I kept him busy with my recitation. He abstained from sleeping. Therefore, please accept my intercession in his favor (Forgive his sins) ". In this report too, "abstaining from sleeping (in the night)" indicates "the recitation of the entire Qur`aan" in the holy month of Ramadaan. <a'hkaamul Qur`aan page 147 volume 1>
 

Taraawee'h as a sunnah of the holy prophet (s.a.w.)

Some people think that Taraawee'h is not a sunnah of the holy prophet (s.a.w.). These are mere misconceptions because the prophet (s.a.w.) himself led the Taraawee'h prayer and he liked this deed profoundly but due to the fear that his people would take it as an obligatory act he (s.a.w.) did not lead the prayer with regularity. However, the companions kept offering it individually (Ease upon the ummah was always kept in mind). This continued during the caliphate of Abu Bakr (r.a.a.)  but Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) did not like the offering of  Taraawee'h individually so he reinstated the congregational Taraawee'h.
<Fataawa Aalamgiri page 116 volume 1>
Ghair Mukhallideen raise an objection to this act of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) while Raafidhites are in dispute with it.
However, we need not care about their notions because Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) gathered all the companions and his decision was based on their unanimous opinion. Therefore, it makes no sense to raise objections or rebuke this action of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.).
Moreover the holy prophet (s.a.w.) had said,
< ta'htaawi page 224 >
i.e. after me there will be some innovations, and I like those innovated by Umar. You should necessarily adhere to them (dutifully).

The truth is that the notions of those who do not agree upon this are nothing but a product of enmity and bigotry.
Considering the company of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) and his  blessings that had their effects on Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) and the eminent ability of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) to perceive and comprehend the words of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) and his familiarity with the disposition of Shariah, he was undoubtedly justified in his decision.
This argument about the high rank of Hadrath Umar is further strengthened by the fact that his opinions concurred with the divine will of Allah (s.w.t),  at numerous occasions to which the exegetical scholars call "Muwafiqaath-e-umar".

Number of rak'ah in Taraawee'h

Moreover, we can know from Ibn Abbaas's narration that he led taraawee'h for two or three nights during which he offered twenty raka'aah . The companions of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) performed according to his saying  and presented themselves as excellent examples to be followed. They had not only recorded the actions of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) but also went on imitating his actions. They did us a great favor by providing us with valuable traditions that will be the source of guidance (for all of us) until the end of this world.

The Practice (of Muslims) during the period of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) and his companions (r.a.a.)

Hadrath Abdullah bin Abbaas reported, "The holy prophet (s.a.w.) led us in twenty raka'aah congregational prayer of Taraawee'h. <musannaf ibn abi shaiba page 293 volume 2>

There should be no doubt concerning the fact that after the death of the holy prophet (s.a.w.), Hadrath Abu Bakr (r.a.a.) was the first caliph and in the Taraawee'h section, none of his acts is recorded nor has he left anything for the ummah concerning this. This fact should also be considered that regarding his era and the era that follows him, the holy prophet (s.a.w.) had said  i.e. the best era is mine, the next best after this one and the next one after that. Moreover the caliphate of Abu Bakr (r.a.a.) was of very short duration and he was busy curbing the revolt of the apostates [khaarijeen] . Therefore he did not consider it necessary for Taraawee'h to be offered in congregation. After him Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) thought about protecting (Muslims) against the forthcoming circumstances and confusion and appointed Hadrath Ubai Ibn Ka'b as the Imam and reinstated this excellent form of congregation that accorded exactly with the will of the holy prophet (s.a.w.).

The prayer of Taraawee'h used to consist of twenty raka'aah during the caliphate of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) , Hadrath Uthmaan (r.a.a.) and Hadrath Ali (r.a.a.). <Na'sburraya page 153 volume 2>

Hadrath Ubai ibn Ka'b (r.a.a.) said that he used to lead twenty raka'aah of congregational prayer of Taraawee'h on the command of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.).<Kanzul 'ummaal page 315 volume 3>

During the month of Ramadaan Hadrath Suwaid bin Ghaflah (r.a.a.) used to lead twenty raka'aah taraawee'h prayer in which he took five tarwee'hah (pauses) . < Baihaqi page 496 volume 2 >

Hadrath Ali (r.a.a.) commanded a companion to lead twenty raka'aah taraawee'h prayer with five tarwee'hah (pauses/intervals). < Mu'sannaf ibn abi shaiba page 393 volume 3>

There is a narration related to Hadrath Ali (r.a.a.) himself that he gathered all the reciters and commanded them to lead twenty raka'aah Taraawee'h prayer and after the congregational Taraawee'h, Hadrath Ali (r.a.a.) himself led them in witr. <baihaqi page 496 volume 2>

Hadrath Saa-ib bin yazeed (r.a.a.) said that during the caliphate of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.), twenty raka'aah Taraawee'h prayer was offered .<baihaqi page 496  volume 2>

Hadrath Ubai Ibn Ka'b (r.a.a.) used to lead twenty raka'aah taraawee'h in the month of Ramadaan in the city of Madinah <Musannaf ibn abi shaiba page 293 volume 2>

'Sa'hibul Mi't-harah (nickname of Hadrath Abdullah b. Mas'ood (r.a.a.)) used to offer twenty raka'aah taraawee'h prayer <'Aini, qiyaamul-lail page 91 >

Hadrath ubai ibn ka'b  (r.a.a.) used to lead twenty raka'aah taraawee'h prayer in the month of Ramadaan <musannaf ibn abi shaiba page 293 volume 2>

Hadrath 'Ali ibn rabi`ah (r.a.a.) used to offer twenty raka'aah taraawee'h prayer which had five tarwee'hah (pauses/intervals) <musannaf ibn abi shaiba page 293 volume 2>

The practice of the second and third generation Muslims

'Allaamah Nawawi (r.h.) of  Shari'h Muslim (guide to Muslim Shareef) stated that only twenty raka'aah Taraawee'h is proven because there is a tawaatur (Having numerous chains of narrators) and tasalsul (Continuity) about "offering 20 raka'aah".  <Mirqaat page 169 volume 2>

Hadrath Haarith (r.h.) used to lead twenty raka'aah taraawee'h. <musannaf abi shaiba page 293 volume 2>

Hadrath Shateer (r.h) used to lead twenty raka'aah taraawee'h prayer. <baihaqi page 496 volume 2>

'Haafiz ibn 'hajar 'asqalaani (r.h.) of Shari'h Bukhari (Guide to Bukhari Shareef) said that twenty raka'aah in taraawee'h are proven by the actions of all the companions of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) <Baihaqi volume 2 page 170>

'Allaamah ibn 'Ikramah Hambali (r.h.) said that since the companions of the holy prophet (Both Muhajireen and Ansar) kept offering twenty raka'aah taraawee'h with regularity , this act is considered to be in Ijma' (consensus) <al-mughni libn qudaamah page 456 volume 1>

'Allaamah Ta'h`taawi wrote  i.e. Twenty raka'aah are proven by regularity of the companions of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) <Ta`h`taawi page 224>

Taraawee'h should be offered by men as well as women

Raafidhites believe that taraawee'h is a sunnah, only for men and not for women. They have erred in it. Taraawee'h is a sunnah both for men and women.
<Fataawa qaazi khan volume 1 page 232>
 

Importance of the recitation of the entire Qur`aan

Taraawee'h and Recitation of the entire Qur`aan are two separate sunnah

Those people who, without a valid excuse, recite only from , are deprived of the great reward of the recitation of the entire Qur`aan while those who follow a memorizer to finish off by listening to the entire Qur`aan within 2 - 3 days  and then offer no taraawee'h in the rest of the month are at loss too. Such people make an excuse that they would be busy in their businesses throughout the month so they offered prayer behind a memorizer who recited the complete Qur`aan in 3 -4 days and then carried on with their worldly matters. This is not proper. These people can at least do something like this. First they can offer taraawee'h with the entire Qur`aan in 3-4 days (with congregation) and then continue offering it individually for the rest of the month in which they can recite from  itself. These people should realize the importance of the sunnah of offering the taraawee'h prayer daily after isha throughout the month of Ramadaan. Keep in mind that the struggle for Afterlife (Akhirah) is much better than the struggle for this world. <fataawa ma'hmoodiyah volume 7 page 168>

The excellence of reciting more than one reading of Qur`aan

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