Every Ramadan, the same question arises in masajid around the world: should Taraweeh be prayed as 8 or 20 rak’ahs? In this clear and balanced discussion, Dr. Zakir Naik settles the debate with authentic evidence from the Sunnah, offering a response that promotes unity rather than division among Muslims.
What the Prophet Actually Practiced
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed that the night prayer should be offered “in twos” — two rak’ahs followed by two rak’ahs — for as many as one wishes, concluding with an odd number for Witr. As for his personal practice, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari that the Prophet never prayed more than 11 rak’ahs — whether in Ramadan or any other month. This consisted of 8 rak’ahs of night prayer plus 3 rak’ahs of Witr.
“The Prophet’s command was: pray as many rak’ahs as you wish in twos, then conclude with an odd number. But his personal practice was always 11 rak’ahs — 8 plus 3 Witr — and he never exceeded that.”
The Balanced Position
- Praying 8, 20, or any other number of rak’ahs is permissible — the companions and their successors prayed varying numbers including 11, 13, 23, and even 39
- The Sunnah of the Prophet himself was 8 rak’ahs plus 3 Witr (11 total)
- Quality matters more than quantity — the longer and more focused the prayer, the greater the reward
- If praying in a masjid that offers 8 rak’ahs, do not leave early; if in a masjid offering 20, do not walk out after 8 — complete the prayer with the imam to earn the reward of praying the entire night
“A person who prays along with the imam and ends with the imam — it is as though he has offered the salah for the whole night. So we should be more tolerant and agree that the Prophet allowed all types.”
Unity Over Division
The most important takeaway is that this should never be a source of conflict among Muslims. Whether your masjid prays 8 or 20, the key is to pray with sincerity, lengthen your recitation, and complete the prayer with the congregation. The spirit of Ramadan is about drawing closer to Allah through worship, not arguing over numbers. Follow the Sunnah as closely as you can, respect those who follow a different scholarly opinion, and focus on the quality of your connection with your Lord.
