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.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Differences in Opinion on the Number of Rak'ahs in Salah

This paragraph discusses the varying opinions among the four Islamic schools of thought regarding the ideal number of Rak'ahs (units of prayer) in Salah. The Hanafi and Shafi schools suggest 20 Rak'ahs, while the Maliki school prefers 36 (33 + 3). The Hanbali school's stance is not explicitly mentioned, but it is implied that they also have a preferred number. The speaker emphasizes that these numbers are not mandatory and that the Prophet's practice (Sunnah) does not dictate a specific number, allowing for flexibility in prayer. The paragraph also touches on the modern controversy about the supposed obligation of praying 8 Rak'ahs, which the speaker argues has no historical basis in Islamic scholarship.

05:00

🏠 Praying at Home vs. Masjid: Different Perspectives

The second paragraph delves into the debate over whether it is better to pray at home or in a Masjid (mosque). The Maliki school advocates for praying at home, citing the Prophet's preference for home prayers and the lack of distractions that allow for longer, more focused prayers. The Shafi school, however, sees value in praying at the Masjid, where the collective atmosphere can be motivating and spiritually uplifting. The speaker also discusses the historical context of reciting the Quran during prayers and the evolution of this practice over time, noting that early Muslims did not complete the entire Quran in Ramadan, a practice that became more common later.

10:03

🕌 The Practice of Completing the Quran in Ramadan

The final paragraph addresses the practice of finishing the entire Quran during Ramadan, which the speaker notes is not a Sunnah (tradition) established by the Prophet. The practice was not common in the early days of Islam and even Imam Malik, a prominent scholar, expressed disapproval of it. The paragraph also mentions the Battle of Harra, which led to changes in prayer practices, including an increase in the number of Rak'ahs and a reduction in the recitation of Quranic verses per Rak'ah. The speaker concludes by clarifying that while completing the Quran in Ramadan is permissible, it is not considered a Sunnah and was not the default practice of the early Muslim community.

Keywords

💡Hanafi and Shafi schools

These are two of the four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence (Madhabs). The Hanafi school is known for its flexibility and the Shafi school for its rigor. In the context of the video, these schools differ in their recommended number of rak'ahs (units of prayer) for certain prayers, with the Hanafi school suggesting 20 and the Shafi school advocating for 36 or 39 rak'ahs. This difference highlights the diversity of interpretations within Islamic practice.

💡Maliki School

The Maliki School is another major school of Islamic law. It is known for its reliance on the practices of the people of Medina and the Prophet's companions. In the video, the Maliki School is mentioned as advocating for 39 rak'ahs in certain prayers, which is a higher number compared to the Hanafi and Shafi schools. This reflects the school's approach to religious practices, emphasizing a more structured and detailed adherence to the Prophet's example.

💡Sunnah

Sunnah refers to the practices, sayings, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, which Muslims follow as a model for their own conduct. In the video, the concept of Sunnah is used to discuss the optional nature of certain prayer practices, emphasizing that while there are recommended numbers of rak'ahs, there is no mandatory number, allowing for flexibility in worship.

💡Rak'ah

A rak'ah is a unit of Islamic prayer, consisting of a series of actions and recitations. The video discusses the varying opinions on the ideal number of rak'ahs for certain prayers among different Islamic schools. The debate over the number of rak'ahs reflects the diversity of interpretations and practices within the Islamic tradition.

💡Masjid

Masjid, or mosque, is a place where Muslims perform their prayers and gather for communal worship. The video touches on the debate over whether it is better to pray at home or in a masjid, with different schools of thought offering various perspectives. The masjid is seen as a place of community, concentration, and spiritual reward, but also as a potential place for showing off or distraction.

💡Quran

The Quran is the holy book of Islam, considered the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. In the context of the video, the recitation of the Quran during prayers is discussed, with the practice of finishing the entire Quran during Ramadan being a point of contention. The video mentions historical changes in this practice and the opinions of early Islamic scholars on its propriety.

💡Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and increased devotion. The video discusses the practice of reciting the entire Quran during Ramadan, which has evolved over time and is not considered a Sunnah by some scholars, such as Imam Malik.

💡Imam Malik

Imam Malik was a prominent Islamic scholar and the founder of the Maliki School of Islamic law. In the video, his views on certain practices, such as finishing the Quran during Ramadan and the preference for praying at home, are mentioned. His opinions are used to illustrate the historical development of Islamic practices and the diversity of scholarly interpretations.

💡Baraka

Baraka, in Islamic context, refers to spiritual blessings or divine grace. The video mentions the concept of Baraka in relation to the masjid and the home, suggesting that certain places or practices can be more conducive to receiving these blessings. This concept is used to discuss the benefits of communal prayer versus individual prayer at home.

💡Jama'ah

Jama'ah, or congregational prayer, is the collective worship performed by Muslims in a masjid. The video discusses the considerations for leading Jama'ah prayers, such as accommodating the needs of the weak, elderly, and others in the community. This concept is important in understanding the balance between individual devotion and communal responsibility in Islamic practice.

Highlights

Discussion on the number of rak'ahs in Salah based on different Islamic schools of thought.

Hanafi and Shafi schools suggest 20 rak'ahs, while Maliki School prefers 36 rak'ahs plus 3.

The concept of these numbers being arbitrary and not mandatory according to all four Islamic schools.

The importance of following the Prophet's actions (Sunnah) and the consensus of the sahab (companions).

Modern controversy regarding the mandatory nature of praying 8 rak'ahs, which has no historical basis in Islamic scholarship.

The Prophet's practice of praying 8+3 rak'ahs at home alone, considering the needs of the community in congregational prayers.

The Maliki School's preference for praying at home due to reasons such as Baraka (blessings), concentration, and avoiding showing off.

The Prophet's own practice of praying at home and the rationale behind it.

The Shafi School's stance on the necessity of praying at the mosque for motivation and the collective Baraka.

The historical shift from praying 20 rak'ahs to 36 rak'ahs during the early Islamic period.

Imam Malik's disapproval of finishing the entire Quran during Ramadan, stating it is not Sunnah.

The practice of reciting 30 verses or sometimes 20 in each rak'ah before the Battle of Harra.

The adaptation of prayer practices after the Battle of Harra, including the increase in rak'ahs and the shortening of recitations.

The default practices in the Muslim world and the flexibility in choosing the number of rak'ahs based on personal ability and preference.

The Hanafi School's encouragement of finishing the entire Quran during Ramadan, though it is not the default practice.

The Prophet's original approach to Salah and the absence of a fixed number of rak'ahs as a Sunnah.

Transcripts

so we have this notion of being 20

versus uh

36 and these are the two opinions within

the M the

Hani and shaf school basically say that

should be 20 and the Maliki School says

that it is best to make it 39 36 + 3 20+

3 so I should say 23 okay and the Maliki

say 36 + 9 which is 30 uh 36 + 3 which

is 39

now uh these numbers as I said are quite

arbitrary all of the M said these

numbers are must and not

mandatory all of the four schools said

these are the best numbers but more or

less would still

be and from the perspective of these

schools

sl/ because it is Sunnah there is no no

number that is mandatory how can

something be mandatory when the Salah

itself is you get the point here how can

a number be mandatory when the Salah is

Na by definition na is you want to pray

you want to pray you don't want to pray

you don't want to pray so if you pray

two or 4 or 8 or 12 or 16 or 50 however

you want to pray all of it is Ja this is

the default of the basically all four

schools the only question is what is the

best number what is the ideal number and

from this we said the three schools said

20 plus three based upon the action of

and they said cuz he did it and all the

sahab followed well then we should

follow them and the Maliki school they

have their interpretation and and they

said we will go with uh 39 now there's a

modern controversy completely modern

began literally one generation ago that

uh the claim that eight is uh mandatory

not that eight is Sunnah that could be

an easy argument to make cuz it's do

whatever you want you do and this is a

modern argument and you know

alhamdulillah we have gone over these

issues back and forth and nobody in the

history of the umah before our great

scholar of the last generation said that

it is mandatory to make a aan may Allah

reward that scholar for his and for his

love of the Sunnah but in reality this

is an opinion that has no basis in in

the history of Islam it's it's a na

prayer so to make a controversy that

only 8 versus 20 is mandatory really

this shows and I'm trying to be

respectful here anybody who says this

hasn't studied the books of f no scholar

in Islamic history except for one or two

ever said the number of raat is

obligatory pray whatever you want it's a

sunah or a na prayer if you want to pray

four or eight you pray according to your

level of energy and level of enthusiasm

the only in 99.999% of the umah which

number is the better number not which

number is the waj number there's a big

difference between the two and as I said

the majority position is is 20 is good

but what somebody's going to say but

didn't the prophet s wasam himself pray

you know 8+ 3 which is 11 and this is

true he did and this is why began with

8+ three and the says if you're praying

at home alone then you should do 8+

three but the JAMA needs to take into

account the weak and the elderly and the

baby and the woman who has a child the

jam has to take everybody into account

when you have a large congregation you

make things easy for the people and so

by making things easy then you make that

shorter and shorter so therefore the H

position which makes a lot of sense to

me says the more rewarding when you're

all alone you have nobody to worry about

yes you should pray long prayers and you

pray 8 plus three but when you're

leading Salah or in you're in a Masjid

and you have to take into account

somebody has to go to the bathroom

somebody has an emergency call somebody

has parents is calling him whatever they

the case might be you can't expect

everybody to pray that long Salah

therefore you cut it up into like did

and so the number 20 comes and so that

is why they say this now another minor

controversy and we already mentioned

this in statement minor country these

are very trivial things what is better

to pray in the Masjid or to pray at home

and once again you have different

schools say different things IM Malik

and the Maliki School actually says it

is better to pray at home you should not

pray in the Masjid sorry let me take

that back not you should

not pray if you want but it's better to

pray at home scrap that I made a mistake

of course you should nobody says you

shouldn't pray IM Malik and the Maliki

School says it is better must that you

pray at home why who can tell me why why

is it better to pray at home according

to them

yes okay that's one good position the

process and prayed at home but there are

other things as well you can pray for a

long time with without interfering with

other people what

else Baraka how

so for the home very good Baraka for the

home what

else concentration what

else excellent there is an authentic

Hadith that the prophet wasam said that

the best prayer of the person after the

f is the prayer of his house and he

himself would walk home and pray as a

default right so that we have IM Malik

has evidences for this there's yet

another reason and that's showing off

where do you have more potential to show

off the Masjid with everybody so when

you're at home right then Imam Malik's

position is makes sense in his own way

that you're cut off from all of these

things you can pray longer more you pray

the the the the of your choice the the

Quran of your choice etc etc the shaf

school said no the must is

what do you think their reasons would be

you know them just use your common

sense what

else times the of the what

else walking to the all of these reasons

so you get the point so they're all

using generic evidences okay using

generic evidences which one is the uh

default and they're both right in other

words you choose if you areab able to

pray 2 3 4 hours on your own reading the

Quran

with then there is no doubt that yes you

should pray at home but if you're like

most of us and you cannot recite

like right and you need that motivation

to you know uh uh uh read Quran and

there is no doubt a Baraka that comes in

the Masid as well and there's a feeling

of awe and there's a feeling of and

there's a feeling of IM and there's

feeling of Buzz that us weak people we

need that as well right not all of us

are like who he himself by the way would

not here's the interesting point he

would not pray in the Masjid he

appointed obey and he walked back home

and he prayed at home okay because

that's but we are not at the level

of so those who are at that type of

level masallah great for you pray at

home and expect Allah to reward you

however this means you pray is in the

Masjid then you go and you um uh pray at

home now another uh point of history is

that where did this notion of finishing

the entire Quran during come

from actually this is not found in early

Islam of course it can't be because the

pro didn't do it even in the time of the

sahab did not happen and in fact Imam

Malik writing in 150 Hijra or speaking

in 150 Hijra he actually was not happy

with this practice and he said as

reported in the famous book mud

finishing the entire Quran during the of

Ramadan is not Sunnah this is IM Malik

now interesting point people are already

doing it that's why he's commenting on

it so in 150 hij people are already

finishing the whole Quran in Ramadan

in and IM Malik and others are like I

don't like this it's not the Sunnah we

should not do this

and Ali died 474 Hijra one of the great

Scholars of the past he writes in the

beginning they would recite 30 verses or

sometimes 20 and this was the case until

the Battle of har the Battle of har was

when yazid attacked Medina I have a

whole lecture online you could listen to

that and after the battle of har the

long long longivity of the tud became

difficult for them so they cut back on

the and they increased the number of R

and they started praying 36 r with with

being 39 I.E this is early um as I said

okay so it was the early umay time they

switched from 20 to 36 this is before IM

Malik so a generation before IM Malik so

they switched to 36 and in the time

of they would pray in every ra around 10

aat short and sweet you cannot pray 40 R

reciting half a Jew in every ra you see

my point and this was the Maliki and

Still Remains The Practice in many

places in the Muslim world that you

might pray 20 and in every five verses

cuz the point is you need to make it

easy for the people right so in the

Maliki School in the Shafi School these

are the defaults and most of the mid you

go to in the Muslim World they actually

do not finish the entire Quran in the

majority of the mass if you want to do

this you do it at home cuz again we're

looking at the JAMA in the later Hani

school they uh encourage this and it is

not the default of the uh modern hanafi

school that they would like to finish

the whole Quran during the uh during the

time of and that's permissible that is

fine but again to be clear obviously the

prophet did not Institute in the first

place in that manner such that we can

say that this is a

Sunnah