Tahajud salah in congregation

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer

There is a difference in opinions of whether the congregation of Nafl prayers is permissible or not?  Whether it is in the month of Ramadhan or not?

Some scholars like Hazrat Hussain Ahmad Madani (RA) are in favour of holding Nafl prayers in congregation during the blessed month of Ramadhan.  This also includes the Tahajud prayers,

Ibn Humam (RA) writes ‘It is makruh to hold Nafl prayers in congregation besides Qiyam Ramadhan and Salatul Kusuuf.’   (Fathul Qadeer p.438 v.1)  Furthermore, it is mentioned in ‘Umdatul Qari’ that ‘Qiyam Ramadhan’ is not specific for Tarawih Salah but also includes Tahajud as well.  (p.281 v.1)

Therefore, given the above texts Hazrat Hussain Ahmad Madani (RA) deemed it permissible to read Tahajud Salah in congregation.

However other scholars from the Hanafi Fiqh regard the aforementioned practice as makruh.   (Raddul Muhtar p.500 v.2; Badaaius Sanaii p.290 v.1 & Fiqhi Maqalaat p.45 v.2)

The view of my respected teachers was that the ruling of Nafl prayers in congregation during the blessed month of Ramadhan should be relaxed.  As in this month the Holy Quran was revealed, congregation prayers are a way of encouraging people to listen to the Holy Quran in Salah and gain the extra reward of Tahajud Salah.  Therefore, if a group of people (four including the Imam) gather without any prior announcements (Bila Tadaaii) and do the Tahajud Salah in congregation it will be permissible.

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham