The Truth About Taraweeh Muslims Didn't Know (IS TARAWEEH 8 OR 20 RAKAT?)

Summary

The transcript discusses the differing views within Islamic schools of thought regarding the optimal number of rak'ahs (units of prayer) in Salah. The Hanafi and Shafi schools suggest 20 rak'ahs plus 3, while the Maliki school prefers 36 plus 3, totaling 39. The debate also touches on the modern controversy about the mandatory nature of praying 8 rak'ahs, which is not supported by historical Islamic scholarship. The discussion further explores the preference for praying at home versus in the mosque, with the Maliki school advocating for home prayers due to reasons such as concentration and avoiding showing off. The script also delves into the historical practice of reciting the entire Quran during Ramadan, which was not a common practice in early Islam and was criticized by scholars like Imam Malik.

Takeaways

• 📚 There are differing opinions on the ideal number of rak'ahs (units of prayer) in Salah, with the Hanafi and Shafi schools favoring 20 and the Maliki School suggesting 36 or 39.
• 🤔 The numbers of rak'ahs are considered arbitrary and not mandatory across the four Islamic schools of thought.
• 🌟 Praying more or less than the suggested numbers is still considered acceptable, as it is Sunnah (tradition of the Prophet).
• 📈 The modern controversy about praying exactly 8 rak'ahs being mandatory has no historical basis in Islamic scholarship.
• 🏠 The Prophet's practice of praying 8+3 rak'ahs at home is cited as a reason for the preference of some scholars for shorter prayers in congregations.
• 🕌 The Maliki School prefers praying at home due to reasons such as concentration, Barakah (blessings), and avoiding showing off.
• 🧘‍♂️ The Shafi School advocates for praying at the mosque, citing the Prophet's actions and the benefits of community prayer.
• 📖 Imam Malik disapproved of the practice of finishing the entire Quran during Ramadan, stating it was not Sunnah.
• 📉 The practice of reciting fewer verses per rak'ah in congregational prayers was a response to the challenges faced during the Battle of Harra.
• 📚 Historically, the Hanafi School has evolved, and the modern practice may not always align with the Prophet's original practices.
• 🔄 The flexibility in the number of rak'ahs and the Quran's recitation during prayers reflects the adaptability of Islamic practices to various contexts and communities.

Q & A

What are the differing opinions on the number of Rak'ahs in Salah according to the Hanafi and Maliki schools?

The Hanafi school suggests that the ideal number of Rak'ahs in Salah is 20, while the Maliki school prefers 36, which is 33 plus 3.

Is there a mandatory number of Rak'ahs in Salah according to the four Islamic schools of thought?

No, all four schools of thought agree that there is no mandatory number of Rak'ahs in Salah. The numbers mentioned are considered the best or most ideal, but praying more or less is still acceptable.

What is the basis for the Hanafi school's preference for 20 Rak'ahs in Salah?

The Hanafi school bases their preference on the actions of the Prophet and the Sahab (companions), who followed this practice.

Why does the Maliki school advocate for 36 Rak'ahs in Salah?

The Maliki school interprets the actions of the Prophet and the Sahab differently and has chosen 36 Rak'ahs as their preferred number.

What is the modern controversy regarding the number of Rak'ahs in Salah?

The modern controversy is the claim that praying 8 Rak'ahs is mandatory, which is not supported by historical Islamic scholarship and is considered a Sunnah, not an obligation.

What is the Prophet's stance on praying at home versus in the Masjid (mosque)?

The Prophet prayed at home and encouraged praying at home when alone, as it allows for longer prayers without干扰 others. However, he also considered the needs of the congregation when leading Salah in the Masjid.

Why does the Maliki school suggest that it is better to pray at home?

The Maliki school believes that praying at home allows for longer prayers, better concentration, and reduces the potential for showing off, which can be more prevalent in the Masjid.

What does Imam Malik say about finishing the entire Quran during Ramadan?

Imam Malik stated that finishing the entire Quran during Ramadan is not Sunnah and expressed disapproval of this practice.

When did the practice of finishing the entire Quran during Ramadan begin?

This practice was already in place by 150 Hijri, as noted by Imam Malik, and it was not the norm in the early days of Islam or during the time of the Prophet or his companions.

What was the early Islamic practice regarding the number of Rak'ahs and recitation during Ramadan?

In the early Islamic practice, 30 verses or sometimes 20 were recited, and this was the case until the Battle of Harra, after which the number of Rak'ahs was reduced, and the length of recitation was adjusted.

How does the Hanafi school view the completion of the entire Quran during Ramadan?

The Hanafi school does not make it a default practice to finish the entire Quran during Ramadan in congregational prayers, but it is permissible for individuals to do so at home.