Night-long Lectures in Odd Nights of Ramadan: 2 Scholarly Views and Shar’i Guidance
Question:
Some communities hold religious programs during the odd nights of Ramadan that last until suhoor (pre-dawn meal). These include continuous sessions of religious talks and admonitions, after which participants are served suhoor and then sent home. Last year, some individuals labelled this practice as a “clear innovation (بدعت).” This year, organizers insist on continuing the program, arguing that religious preaching is a form of worship. What is the correct Shar’i position on this issue?
Answer by:
Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir (ḥafiẓahullāh)
Research Scholar Wajid Iqbal (ḥafiẓahullāh)
✿ General Shar’i Principle:
Shariah has not prescribed any fixed time for preaching and admonition. Instead, it emphasizes maintaining interest and avoiding burdening people.
In the last ten nights of Ramadan, personal acts of worship are given special importance, particularly for those in iʿtikāf (spiritual retreat).
Continuous Preaching Till Suhoor in Odd Nights:
Though religious admonition is undoubtedly a form of worship, organizing an uninterrupted session until suhoor throughout the entire night is questionable from a Shar’i standpoint.
This matter requires balanced understanding and wise resolution, to ensure moderation and harmony in community practice.
✔ Permissible Arrangement:
In some Arab countries and other regions, after Tarawih prayers, people take a break of 2–3 hours, followed by night prayers and individual worship. This type of structure falls within the bounds of permissibility.
If the following structure is maintained, the program would not be ruled out as a complete innovation:
◈ A short sermon in the early part of the night
◈ A designated break for individual worship
◈ No inconvenience to those in iʿtikāf or others engaged in prayer
Then such a program remains within the scope of Shar’i allowance.
Respect for the Rights of Iʿtikāf Participants:
If such programs:
◈ Cause disruption to those in iʿtikāf,
◈ Or disturb the atmosphere of worship,
Then:
➤ The program should not be held in areas reserved for iʿtikāf.
➤ Any element that damages the sanctity of worship must be rectified.
A permissible act cannot be outright rejected, but any excess or imbalance within it must be corrected.
Importance of Following the Sunnah:
Even if the act is not strictly an innovation (بدعت), it is still against the prophetic practice (خلاف سنت).
The Prophet ﷺ had the opportunity to carry out such night-long lectures, yet he did not do so.
He ﷺ encouraged worship, but the manner of worship must be learned from his Sunnah.
Summary:
◈ Organizing a religious program until suhoor during the odd nights of Ramadan can be permissible if:
— It does not disturb those in iʿtikāf,
— It does not overpower individual worship,
— It maintains a balanced structure.
◈ Making it a regular night-long practice that dominates individual worship is against the Sunnah and questionable.
◈ Labeling the act entirely as an innovation is incorrect; however, any harmful aspects must be corrected.
