How Many Rakats in Taraweeh? A Clear Guide

Taraweeh is a special night prayer performed during the holy month of Ramadan. It is a highly recommended Sunnah (voluntary prayer) that brings immense spiritual rewards. However, one question often causes confusion among Muslims:

How many rakats should we pray in Taraweeh – 8, 11, or 20?

This article provides a clear, balanced explanation based on authentic Islamic sources.

Summary Comparison

Important Clarification: Both Are Valid

• The Prophet himself prayed 11 rakats – this is the literal Sunnah.
• Umar established 20 rakats with the companions' agreement – this is also a valid Sunnah.
• Both practices are correct and have strong foundations in Islamic tradition.
• Neither group should condemn the other.

What Does the Quran Say About Night Prayer?

Allah encourages night prayer in the Quran:

These verses highlight the virtue of night prayer without specifying a fixed number.

The Prophet's Practice – 11 Rakats

The most authentic narration comes from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who was asked about the Prophet's night prayer:

"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did not pray more than eleven rakats in Ramadan or at other times. He would pray four rakats – and not ask about their beauty and length – then he would pray four more, and then he would pray three (Witr)."

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari (1909) and Sahih Muslim (738)

This hadith clearly shows that the Prophet consistently prayed 11 rakats (8 Taraweeh + 3 Witr).

The Prophet also said:

Why Do Some Pray 20 Rakats?

During the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), he established the practice of praying 20 rakats in congregation.

Historical Background

• Umar gathered the companions behind Ubayy ibn Ka'b as the Imam
• They prayed 20 rakats of Taraweeh
• None of the companions objected to this arrangement
• This practice continued through the caliphates of Uthman and Ali

Why Did Umar Do This?

The Prophet used to pray 11 rakats but made them very long – each rakat lasting a significant time. Umar recognised that:

• As the Muslim community grew, it became difficult for everyone to pray such long rakats
• Increasing the number of rakats while shortening the recitation made it easier for more people to participate
• This preserved the spirit of night prayer while accommodating the community's needs

Scholarly Support for 20 Rakats

Clarification: All four major imams approved of more than 11 rakats. This proves that the practice has strong scholarly backing.

The Hadith Supporting Umar's Practice

The Prophet said:

Umar was a rightly-guided caliph, and his practice of 20 rakats is thus a valid Sunnah.

Clarification: Is 20 Rakats a Bid'ah?

No, 20 rakats is NOT a bid'ah (innovation). Here is why:

1. The Prophet Did Not Specify a Fixed Number

The Prophet said regarding night prayer:

He did not say "only 11 rakats" or "only 8 rakats." He gave a general instruction.

2. The Sahaba Approved It

When Umar established 20 rakats, the companions who were present all approved. This is known as ijma' as-sahabah (consensus of the companions), a strong source of Islamic law.

3. The Prophet's Practice Was Based on Length, Not Number

Imam Ibn Taymiyah explained:

"If a person prays Taraweeh according to the madhhabs of Abu Hanifah, al-Shafi'i, and Ahmad with 20 rakats, or according to Malik with 36 rakats, or with 13 or 11 rakats, he has done well, because there is nothing to specify the number. The greater or lesser number of rakats depends on how long or short the standing is."

4. Scholars Warn Against Extremism

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

"Some people go to extremes in adhering to the number mentioned in the Sunnah and say that it is not permissible to do more than the number mentioned. This is undoubtedly wrong. How can they be sinners, when the Prophet said night prayers are to be done two by two and he did not specify any particular number?"

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymin also warned:

"It grieves us deeply that we find in the Muslim ummah a group which differs concerning matters in which differences of opinion are acceptable, and they take these differences as a means to cause division."

The Core Principle

The Prophet's general instruction was clear:

"Prayers at night are two by two."

The number is flexible – what matters most is:

• Sincerity of intention (ikhlas)
• Quality of prayer – focus, humility, and devotion
• Consistency in performing night prayer
• Unity – not letting differences divide the community

The Prophet also said:

Key Takeaways

And Allah knows best.