(8-3) The Legitimacy of Performing the Night Prayer in Congregation during Ramadan

The legitimacy of performing the night prayer in congregation during Ramadan is established by both the words and actions of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.

As for his words, Jubayr ibn Nufayr narrated from Abū Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: “We fasted with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, but he did not lead us in prayer until seven nights of the month remained. He then led us in prayer until one-third of the night had passed. He did not lead us in prayer when six nights remained, but when five nights remained, he led us until half the night had passed. We said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! If only you would continue leading us in voluntary prayer for the rest of this night!’ He replied, ‘Whoever stands in prayer with the imam until he leaves will have the reward of a whole night’s prayer recorded for him.’ He then did not lead us in prayer again until three nights remained. On the third remaining night, he led us in prayer and summoned his family and wives. He continued leading us until we feared missing al-falāh.” Jubayr ibn Nufayr, who narrated the report from Abū Dharr, said: “I asked, ‘What is al-falāh?’ He replied, ‘The predawn meal.’” Narrated by al-Tirmidhī, al-Nasā’ī, and Ibn Mājah. (1)

Commenting on this hadith, al-Tirmidhī said: “Ibn al-Mubārak, Ahmad, and Ishāq preferred praying with the imam during Ramadan, whereas al-Shāfiʿī preferred that a man pray alone if he was able to recite the Quran.” (2) End quote.

I say: This hadith of Abū Dharr contains an explicit statement of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, establishing the legitimacy of performing the night prayer in congregation and, indeed, clarifying its virtue.