Is increasing the number of rak'ahs in the Tarawih prayer beyond eleven an innovation?

Question:
I seek forgiveness from Allah for you, Your Eminence, father. The questioner asks: How do we respond to those who say that increasing the Tarawih prayer beyond eleven rak'ahs is an innovation? They cite the hadith of 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

Answer:
It would be an innovation if the Messenger had forbidden the increase. The Messenger did not forbid the increase. Rather, he encouraged standing in prayer during Ramadan and did not specify a number. He encouraged standing in prayer during the night and did not specify a number. And he did not forbid the increase. So if he had forbidden the increase and someone came and increased, that itself would be an innovation. His saying (peace and blessings be upon him) The Messenger did not order a specific number. Rather, he encouraged standing in prayer during Ramadan.
And he said that whoever stands with the imam until he departs, and did not specify. He says the condition is that the imam prays such-and-such. So the one who says this is the innovator, because he said something without knowledge, and may Allah protect us from that. Was 'Umar an innovator? 'Umar and the Companions in his time prayed twenty-three rak'ahs in the mosque of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Was Ubayy ibn Ka'b an innovator? Glory be to Allah, some people do not think about their words and do not look at their recklessness.