What exactly is the difference between Tahajjaud and Taraweeh??????
Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Salaat al-Taraaweeh is classified as part of qiyaam al-layl; they are not two different prayers, as many people think. Qiyaam Al-layl during Ramadaan is called Taraaweeh because the salaf or early Generations of Islam (may Allaah have mercy on them) used to rest (istaraahu)after every two or four rak’ahs, because they made their prayers long in order to make the most of this season of great reward. They were eager to earn the reward mentioned in the hadeeth: “Whoever stays up and prays at night in Ramadaan out of faith and in the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, no. 36).
And Allaah knows best.
Along with the above i am pasting the exact hadith once again in order to put forward my views. The exact narration of the hadith is as follows. In order to draw attention towards some portion have marked a sentence in red. The authenticity of this hadeeth is not questioned by anyone belonging to any man made sect/madhab/maslaks within muslims.
The number of rak’ahs is eleven, and it is preferable in our opinion not to exceed this number, following the practice of the Messenger of Allaah (saws) because he never did more than that in his life.
‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) was asked about how he prayed in Ramadaan. She said, “The Messenger of Allaah never prayed more than eleven rak’ahs (of qiyaam), whether during Ramadaan or any other time. He would pray four, and don’t ask me how beautiful or how long they were. Then he would pray four, and don’t ask me how beautiful or how long they were. Then he would pray three.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Muslim and others).
The above hadeeth first of all doesnt require an explanation.It clearly shows the number of rakah’s that prophet saws used to pray in ramadan atleast!!!.Just see the hikmah behind aisha (r.a)’s answer to the query .She cleared all doubts regarding the number of rakah’s in the night prayer throughout the year!!!!!
Now coming to what exactly should we as muslims do.We have here a sunnah that is authentically proved from Prophet Muhammad(saws) of the number of rakah’s from the above hadith and after that it goes to a personal preference.We all no one will need to answer only for oneself on the day of qayamah and be ready to defend urself out when confronted with the question as to why despite getting an authentically proved sunnah did one go and practise something else.!!!!!!!.
Additionally the root cause of this problem in understaning this hadees also lies in translation of the word Qiyaam Al-layl to Taraweeh.
Also Am qouting one more hadeeth which outlines some more info abt this night prayer below.This again authentically proves that it is not a compulsory salaat.
Hadeeth No. 1064 – Narrated ‘Aisha: (the mother of the faithful believers): One night Allah’s Apostle offered the prayer in the Mosque and the people followed him. The next night he also offered the prayer and too many people gathered. On the third and the fourth nights more people gathered, but Allah’s Apostle did not come out to them. In the morning he said, “I saw what you were doing and nothing but the fear that it (i.e. the prayer) might be enjoined on you, stopped me from coming to you.” And that happened in the month of Ramadan.
Additionally since there is no limit prescribed anywhere so the people who are exceeding 11/13 most are not doing anything wrong. But personally i would try and stick to whatever is authentically proved from the sunnah of our beloved prophet saws and i would not break my head as to why the majority are doing something else. I would research and check and stick to the exact practise of Muhammad saws and NOT prescribed to any other school of thought (maslak)!!!!
My belief..Allah is one, Muhammad (saws)is one, his sunnah is one , Islam was completed with the death of our prophet saws and nothing can ever change in Islam(refer prophets last sermon!!) , his manner of praying salaat was always one and we need to search and stick to it rather than divide ourselves on the basis of school of thoughts.
And Allah know best!!!!!!
