what he has prayed an odd number of units.” (1) He also said: “O people of the Quran, perform the witr prayer …” (2)

As for the prayer for rain, no command to perform it has been reported; rather, it is established from the practice of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him. Nor did he limit seeking rain to the prayer itself; he would seek rain through supplication in the Friday sermon and on other occasions.

Seeking rain means that, when the land becomes barren, rain is withheld, and people suffer as a result, they go out to the Eid prayer-ground, pray as they pray for Eid, and then supplicate Allah, exalted is He. It will be discussed in detail in a separate chapter, Allah willing.

Then Tarawih, then Witr ………

His statement, “Then Tarawih, then Witr,” means that Tarawih follows the prayer for rain in degree of emphasis, placing it in the third rank. He gave Tarawih precedence over Witr on the basis that the criterion of superiority is congregational prayer. Congregation is prescribed for Tarawih on account of the Messenger’s practice, peace and blessings be upon him: he led the people in prayer during Ramadan for three nights, then did not come out on the third or fourth night, saying, “I feared that it might be made obligatory upon you.” (3) Consequently, the Muslim community continued not to hold