Back to search

Is it correct for the Tarawih prayer to be 12 rak'ahs with Witr in the last third of the night, knowing that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, used to pray 11 rak'ahs? And is it correct to suffice with 10 rak'ahs of Tarawih and one Witr? And is a Muslim held accountable for not adhering to audible and inaudible recitation in prayer?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

It is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he used to perform night prayers with eleven rak'ahs and conclude with one witr, whether during Ramadan or at other times, making taslim after every two rak'ahs, as reported by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her). Sheikh Al-Uthaymeen clarified that Aisha's hadith which mentions "four, then four, then three" is interpreted to mean that he prayed two rak'ahs at a time. It is also authentically reported from him (peace be upon him) in another narration that he used to pray thirteen rak'ahs including witr. These numbers are in accordance with the Sunnah, and adding more than that is permissible and desirable. As for vocalizing during prayer, it is not prescribed for the ma'mum (follower) to vocalize. Regarding women, she should vocalize in obligatory prayers in places where vocalization is prescribed if she is praying alone, or with other women, or with mahrams. She should pray silently if there are non-mahram men present. In voluntary prayers where vocalization is prescribed, such as Tarawih, she may vocalize if no non-mahram men are present, and she may also pray silently. Both options are permissible.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy