Taraweeh – 20 Rakah or 8 Rakah?

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Taraweeh – 20 Rak’ah or 8 Rak’ah?

By Ebrahim Saifuddin

 

With the commencement of Ramadan, the time to argue over matters established by the pious predecessors has arrived once again. The topic of argument is whether taraweeh consists of 20 or 8 rak’ah. Scholars have written myriad of books on this topic with overwhelming evidence, yet our ghair muqallideen brothers and sisters try to insist that it is 8 rak’ah.

It is important to first understand what taraweeh is. This is the prayer which comprises of 20 rak’ah and is offered in sets of 2 rak’ah in Ramadan, after ‘isha salah and before witr. This salah is offered in congregation.

Maulana Jameel Ahmed Sakrodhwi, in “Ashraful Hidayah sharh Al-Hidayah” v.2 p.202, explains:

“Taraweeh is Sunnah Mu’akkadah for both men and women and this is the correct opinion. Imam Abu Hanifa is also of the opinion that taraweeh is Sunnah Mu’akkadah.”

What can I read in Witr if I do not know Qunoot?

What can I read in Witr if I do not know Qunoot?

By Ebrahim Saifuddin

Qunoot is to be recited in Witr but there are other du’a which a person can recite if he or she does not know Qunoot.

The following is Qunoot:

Are Videogames Permissible in Islam?

Are Videogames Permissible in Islam?

by Ebrahim Saifuddin

With new technologies came video game consoles like Microsoft Xbox, Sony Play Station and Nintendo Wii. When Sony PS3 was launched in Japan on November 11, 2006, 81,639 (Media Create) systems were sold within 24 hours. On August 3, 2009, a report quoting Sony’s earning figures stated Sony had sold 24 million units globally (AfterDawn) since the launch of the product.

Today, one can buy a PS3 80GB edition for about $400. Despite its price, many children as well as adults own either of the most famous video game consoles. Muslims now face a question whether the video games available to play on these consoles are halal or haram. As a Muslim, this question must be asked because we are to assess the permissibility of some thing before we can sell, purchase and utilize it.

Generally video games are without a doubt haram. There are many aspects to this issue which lead to it being forbidden.

How to Perform Salah (For Women)

How to Perform Salah (For Women)

Compiled by Ebrahim Saifuddin

The following is the complete method of performing a 2 Raka’at Salah. Read the “Note” at the end to know how to pray a 3 or 4 Raka’a Salah.

1. Stand upright facing the Qibla
2. Make the intention “I intend to perform the Fajr prayer (say the name of the Salah), with 2 Rakaat Fardh (say the number of Rakaats of any prayer – Sunnah or Fardh), for the sake of Allah, I am facing the Holy Kaaba.” Intention need not be said out loud. Saying it in the heart is sufficient.
3. Raise hands to the shoulders with palms facing the Qibla say “Allahu Akbar”. The hands should be within the cloth sheet. They should not be brought out.
   
   

How to Perform Salah (For Men)

How to Perform Salah (For Men)

Compiled by Ebrahim Saifuddin

The following is the complete method of performing a 2 Raka’at Salah. Read the “Note” at the end to know how to pray a 3 or 4 Raka’a Salah.

1. Stand upright facing the Qibla
2. Make the intention “I intend to perform the Fajr prayer (say the name of the Salah), with 2 Rakaat Fardh (say the number of Rakaats of any prayer – Sunnah or Fardh), for the sake of Allah, I am facing the Holy Kaaba.” Intention need not be said out loud. Saying it in the heart is sufficient.
3. Raise hands to the ears with palms facing the Qibla say “Allahu Akbar”