The Book of Tarawih Prayers

Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Translated by Dr Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Book 31 – The Book of Tarawih Prayers, P.136

2012. Narrated ‘Urwa that he was informed by Aishah, “Allah’s Messengerﷺ went out in the middle of the night and perform Salat (prayer) in the mosque an some men performed Salat (prayer) behind him.  In the morning, the people spoke about it and then a large number of them gathered and performed Salat (prayer) behind him (on the second night). In the next morning the people again talked about it and on the third night the mosque was full with a large number of people, Allah’s Messenger ﷺ came out and the people performed Salat (prayer) behind him.  On the fourth night the mosque was overwhelmed with people and could not accommodate them, but the Prophet ﷺ came out (only) for the morning Salat (prayer).  When the morning Salat (prayer) was finished, he recited Tashah-hud and (addressing the people) said, “Amma ba’du, your presence was not hidden from me but I was afraid lest the night Salat (prayer) should be enjoined on you and you might not be able to carry it on.” So, Allah’s Messenger ﷺ died and the situation remained like that (i.e. people offered the night prayers individually).”


Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Translated by Dr Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Book 31 – The Book of Tarawih Prayers, P.137

2013. Narrated Abu Salama bin Abdur Rahman that he asked Aishah, “How was the Salat (prayer) of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ in Ramadan?” She replied, “He did not perform Salat (prayer) more than eleven Rak’a in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to perform four Rak’a – let alone their beauty and length – and then he would perform four Rak’a – let alone their beauty and length – and then he would perform three Rak’a (Witr).” She added, “I asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! Do you sleep before praying the Witr?” He replied, “O Aishah! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep.”


Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Translated by Dr Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Book 31 – The Book of Tarawih Prayers, P.135

2009. Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, “Whoever performed Salat (prayers) at night in the month of Ramadan with sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” Ibn Shihab (a subnarrator) said, “Allah’s Messenger ﷺ died and the people continued observing that (i.e. Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation), and it remained as it was, during the caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of Umar’s caliphate.”


Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Translated by Dr Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Book 31 – The Book of Tarawih Prayers, P.135

2010. Narrated Ibn Shihab: Abdur Rahman bin Abdul Qari said, “I went out in the company of ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people performing Salat (prayers) in different groups. A man performing Salat (prayers) alone, or a man performing Salat (prayers) with a little group behind him. So, ‘Umar said, “In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one Qari (reciter) [i.e. let them perform Salat (prayers) in congregation!]. So, he made up his mind and he congregated them behind Ubai bin Ka’b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were performing Salat (prayer) behind their reciter. On that, ‘Umar remarked, “What an excellent Bid’a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the Salat (prayers) which they do not perform, and sleep at its time is superior than the one they are performing now.” He meant the Salat (prayers) in the last part of the night. (In those days) people used to perform Salat (prayers) in the early part of the night.”