Explaining the Difference Between Tarawih Prayer and Tahajjud Prayer
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Q280: The questioner asks: What is the difference between tarawih prayer and tahajjud prayer, is the number of rak'ahs the same, and what is the ruling on supplication in them?
A280: The difference between them is clear. Tarawih prayer is a form of tahajjud, but tarawih is specific to the month of Ramadan, while tahajjud occurs throughout the rest of the year. There is a relationship of generality and specificity between them, so the number of rak'ahs is not fixed. This is because no specific number was prescribed for night prayer or tarawih. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) only encouraged standing in night prayer and did not specify a number. He said:Sunan Abi Dawud 1295Sahih (Al-Albani) He also said (peace and blessings be upon him): Sahih Muslim 1163a The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not specify a number. Therefore, a Muslim prays whatever is easy for him and concludes it with witr.
A280: The difference between them is clear. Tarawih prayer is a form of tahajjud, but tarawih is specific to the month of Ramadan, while tahajjud occurs throughout the rest of the year. There is a relationship of generality and specificity between them, so the number of rak'ahs is not fixed. This is because no specific number was prescribed for night prayer or tarawih. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) only encouraged standing in night prayer and did not specify a number. He said:
Prayer by night and day should consist of pairs of rak'ahs.
صلاة الليل والنهار مثنى مثنىThe most excellent fast after Ramadan is God's month. al-Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night.
أفضل الصيام، بعد رمضان، شهر الله المحرم، وأفضل الصلاة، بعد الفريضة صلاة الليل
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.