What is the ruling on praying four rak'ahs of Tarawih behind an Imam who lacks humility and rushes in his prayer, and is it better to pray them alone at home?
If the Imam's speed in prayer compromises the pillar of tranquility (ṭumaʾnīnah), then his prayer is invalid, and it is not permissible to follow him. In such a case, one must pray in another mosque or at home in congregation.
However, if the speed does not compromise tranquility but diminishes devotion (khushūʿ), then it is preferable to pray in another mosque. If that is not possible, then praying at home with devotion is better than praying with the Imam without devotion, because the virtue related to the act of worship itself takes precedence over the virtue related to its location.
Furthermore, praying eleven rak'ahs of Tarawih prayer is better than four rak'ahs. There is no specific limit to the number of Tarawih rak'ahs that cannot be exceeded or decreased.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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