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The question

What is the ruling on performing eight rak'ahs of Tarawih prayer and three rak'ahs of Witr prayer, and how can worshippers who prefer twenty rak'ahs be convinced of this, knowing that the Imam will pray the eight rak'ahs with more devotion and tranquility?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

The Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, used to pray eleven rak'ahs in Ramadan and otherwise. This is the best and most preferable. However, increasing beyond this number is permissible. One should do what is easiest for the people, as the intention is to spend as much of the night as possible in prayer. If prolonged standing becomes difficult for them, and they compensate for it by increasing bowing and prostration, then that is good. And if the large number of rak'ahs becomes difficult for them, and the Imam limits himself to eleven rak'ahs, making them long and beautiful, then this is more preferable. The matter is broad.

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

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