How Many Raka'ats is the Tarawih Prayer?


By Muslim Media Practitioners


The Tarawih prayer is eleven raka'ats long according to the practice of Allah's Messenger (SAW). These raka'ats include the Shaf'i and the Witr.


Evidence is in a Hadith transmitted by Imam Bukhari, that, Aisha, the wife of Allah's Messenger (SAW) was asked how the prayer of Allah's Messenger (SAW) was in Ramadan. She replied: Allah's Messenger (SAW) never exceeded eleven raka'ats in Ramadan or in any other month. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) then described the beauty and length of his prayers while standing, bowing and prostrating. He used to stand for so long that his legs swell up. (Sahih Bukhari, 1147)


Therefore, whoever wants to limit his prayers to eleven Raka'ats, let him follow the example of Allah's Messenger by prolonging his standing, his bowing, prostrations and the relaxation between these postures. 


This message is sponsored by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Edo State Chapter.



Ramadan Kareem.