Fatwa No. (20074) Q: We are a group of sisters, and one of the sisters proposed that we set aside specific days each week for standing in night prayer, and similarly for visiting the sick and fasting... etc. Whoever is unable to perform these acts must pay a sum of money. Some of the sisters agreed with this opinion, while others did not agree until they research and ask scholars whose knowledge is trusted. We ask you to inform us about this?
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Fatwa No. ( 20074 )
Q: We are a group of sisters, and one of the sisters suggested thatwe set aside specific days each week for standing in night prayerand for things like visiting the sick and fasting, and so on. Whoever falls short and does not perform these acts must pay a sum of money. Some of the sisters agreed with this opinion, while others did not agree until they research the matter and ask scholars whose knowledge is trusted. We ask you to inform us about this?
A: Standing in night prayer is not assigned to specific nights, nor do people gather for it except in the blessed month of Ramadan. It is prescribed for every Muslim man and woman to stand in night prayer as much as is easy for them in their homes, based on the hadith:Bulugh al-Maram 2:313. Imposing a monetary penalty on whoever does not attend this gathering is forbidden; because it is consuming money by right and because it is an unlegislated gathering. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: We are a group of sisters, and one of the sisters suggested thatwe set aside specific days each week for standing in night prayerand for things like visiting the sick and fasting, and so on. Whoever falls short and does not perform these acts must pay a sum of money. Some of the sisters agreed with this opinion, while others did not agree until they research the matter and ask scholars whose knowledge is trusted. We ask you to inform us about this?
A: Standing in night prayer is not assigned to specific nights, nor do people gather for it except in the blessed month of Ramadan. It is prescribed for every Muslim man and woman to stand in night prayer as much as is easy for them in their homes, based on the hadith:
The most excellent prayer of a person is (that which he prays) in his house except that which is prescribed (the five congregational prayers).
أفضل صلاة المرء في بيته إلا المكتوبة
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.