Question

What is the authenticity of the following Hadith?

Abu ‘Abdir Rahman reports that ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) called for the Quran reciters in Ramadan and commanded one of them to lead them for twenty rak’ahs. The narrator says, “And ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) would offer Witr with them”.

Answer

This narration is recorded by Imam Bayhaqi with a weak chain that is definitely well supported by other versions.

Imam Bayhaqi and Hafiz Ibn ‘Abdil Barr (rahimahumallah) have pointed out that the narration in question has been reported through other chains. Among them is a narration Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) himself quotes prior to this Hadith in which Shutayr ibn Shakal, a companion of Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) states that Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) would lead them in twenty rak’ahs of Tarawih and offer three rak’ahs of Witr. Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) then says, this strengthens the narration in question.

(As Sunanul Kubra, vol. 2, pg. 496 and Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 7762 and 7763, Al Istidhkar, vol. 2, pg. 58. Also see At Ta’liqul Mumajjad of ‘Allamah ‘Abdul Hay Al Lakhnawi, vol. 1, pg. 629)

There are numerous other proofs which substantiate the fact that Tarawih is twenty rak’ahs. See here for a detailed article.

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar