What is the minimum and maximum for performing the Night Prayer?
The Shari'ah has not specified a particular number of rak'ahs for the Ramadan night vigil (Qiyam Ramadan). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not stipulate a fixed number for it, and whoever assumes that has erred. A Muslim may pray as many rak'ahs as they wish. The minimum a man should pray during his night is the Witr rak'ah. If a man prays with the Imam until he departs, it is counted for him as if he had spent the entire night in prayer. However, if he prays alone, it is best for him to pray eleven rak'ahs, as was the prayer of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, in Ramadan and otherwise. He used to pray four, then four, then three. And if he adds to that, there is no harm.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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