Likewise, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not prescribe a specific number of rak‘ahs for the night prayers of Ramadan. He himself never prayed more than thirteen rak‘ahs, whether in Ramadan or at other times, but he would make the rak‘ahs lengthy. When ‘Umar gathered the people behind Ubayy ibn Ka‘b, Ubayy would lead them in twenty rak‘ahs, then offer three rak‘ahs of Witr. He shortened the recitation in proportion to the increase in the number of rak‘ahs, because this was easier for those praying behind him than making each rak‘ah lengthy. Some of the early Muslims later prayed forty rak‘ahs followed by three rak‘ahs of Witr, while others prayed thirty-six followed by three rak‘ahs of Witr. All of this is permissible; whichever of these ways a person follows in the night prayers of Ramadan, he has done well.

The best choice varies according to the circumstances of those praying. If they can bear standing for a long time, it is best to pray ten rak‘ahs followed by three, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to do when praying on his own, both in Ramadan and at other times. If they cannot bear this, it is best to pray twenty. This is the practice followed by most Muslims, being a middle course between ten and forty. Praying forty rak‘ahs, or some other number, is also permissible, and none of these choices is disliked. Several leading scholars, including Ahmad and others, have explicitly stated this.

Anyone who thinks that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, prescribed a fixed number for the night prayers of Ramadan, which may neither be increased nor decreased, is mistaken. So, if there is such