Fatwa ID: 08088

Answered by: Alimah Aisha Qureshi

Question:

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Esteemed Mufti Sahib,

I am writing to seek guidance on a matter concerning my role as a Hanafi Imam leading Taraweeh prayers in our locality in the USA. I am currently the sole hafiz available in our area. During the last 10 nights of Ramadan, there arises a practice known as Qiyam ul Layl in our masaajid, a concept I am sure Mufti Sahib is familiar with. Traditionally, I have been taught that within the Hanafi school of thought, there is no provision for leading congregations in voluntary prayers, such as Qiyam ul Layl.

However, during these last nights, numerous individuals, particularly those observing I’tikaaf, have earnestly requested me to lead them in prolonged Qiyaam ul Layl prayers. They express their desire to engage in extended worship throughout the night, they say they don’t know much Quran and have a keenness to benefit from the spiritual experience. They just want to make ibaadah but can’t read long nafl on their own. Regrettably, I find myself in a dilemma each time I am compelled to decline their requests.

I humbly seek your esteemed guidance on this matter, Mufti Sahib, as I am torn between fulfilling the genuine sincere requests of these people and adhering to the teachings of our esteemed asaatizah.

Awaiting your wise counsel eagerly.

Jazakallahu Khairaa

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Walikum salam warahmatullahi wa baraatuhu

Jazakallah for your question. With regards to leading the people in qiyam al-layl (night prayers) which are voluntary (nafl) during the nights of Ramadan, and being the only hafiz in the area, it is permissible as long as it does not become a regular habit and people do not start viewing it as an obligatory act.

Reference:

Al-Lubab fi Sharh Al-Kitab, Volume 1-4, page 133, published by Dar al-Kotob al-Ilmiya, Beirut, Lebanon, 2nd edition states:

«يستاحب ان يجمتمع الناس في شهر رمضان بعد العشاء، فيصلي بهم امامهم خمس ترويحات …»

“It is recommended for the people to gather in the month of Ramadan after Isha prayer, and their Imam leads them in five tarwihat [which includes the Taraweeh prayer].”

While this text specifically mentions Taraweeh, the underlying principle of facilitating congregational worship in Ramadan, especially when there is a genuine need and desire for it, can be extended to qiyam al-layl in the last ten nights, provided the conditions mentioned (not becoming habitual like an obligation) are met. Given the sincere requests of the attendees and your unique position as the only hafiz, leading them in qiyam al-layl in a non-obligatory manner to encourage their worship is permissible within the Hanafi school under these specific circumstances. It is important to emphasize the voluntary nature of this prayer to avoid any misconception of it being an obligation.

Only Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) knows best.

Written by Alimah Aisha Qureshi
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham