Is it better to increase the number of rak'ahs in the night prayer or to lengthen the prayer?
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Question:
Regarding which is preferred: Is it better to increase beyond eleven rak'ahs or to lengthen the recitation?
Answer:
It is better to lengthen the prayer, specifically lengthening the bowing and prostration; this is the preferred method due to the action of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Even if one prays only five or three rak'ahs, or if one prays seven, nine, or eleven rak'ahs without lengthening them, there is no blame on him. The matter is broad, praise be to Allah. However, lengthening is the preferred method because it involves humility and reflection in the recitation, and taking one's time in bowing and prostration, so that one is able to engage in abundant glorification and supplication in prostration. His action (peace and blessings be upon him) indicates this, for he used to lengthen his prayer.
Regarding which is preferred: Is it better to increase beyond eleven rak'ahs or to lengthen the recitation?
Answer:
It is better to lengthen the prayer, specifically lengthening the bowing and prostration; this is the preferred method due to the action of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Even if one prays only five or three rak'ahs, or if one prays seven, nine, or eleven rak'ahs without lengthening them, there is no blame on him. The matter is broad, praise be to Allah. However, lengthening is the preferred method because it involves humility and reflection in the recitation, and taking one's time in bowing and prostration, so that one is able to engage in abundant glorification and supplication in prostration. His action (peace and blessings be upon him) indicates this, for he used to lengthen his prayer.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.