Written by: Ash-Shaykh Mubashshir Ahmad Rabbani (ḥafiẓahullāh)
It is often observed that one Imam leads the Tarawīḥ prayer while another leads the Witr. Is this practice in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah?
From the authentic narrations of the Prophet ﷺ, we find several conditions for the Imam, such as sound ʿaqīdah and correct recitation, but nowhere is it stated that Tarawīḥ and Witr must be led by the same Imam.
Any Imam with correct beliefs and knowledge of the prayer may be followed.
Thus:
✔ It is permissible for one Imam to lead Tarawīḥ and another to lead Witr
✔ It is also permissible for one Imam to lead both
✔ There is no objection in either scenario according to Qur’an and Sunnah
✔ No evidence restricts Tarawīḥ and Witr to be led by the same Imam
✔ The prayer remains valid and in line with the Sunnah whether led by one or multiple Imams
✔ The key condition is that the Imam is sound in belief and prayer conduct
❖ Question:
It is often observed that one Imam leads the Tarawīḥ prayer while another leads the Witr. Is this practice in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah?
❖ Answer:
From the authentic narrations of the Prophet ﷺ, we find several conditions for the Imam, such as sound ʿaqīdah and correct recitation, but nowhere is it stated that Tarawīḥ and Witr must be led by the same Imam.
Any Imam with correct beliefs and knowledge of the prayer may be followed.
Thus:
✔ It is permissible for one Imam to lead Tarawīḥ and another to lead Witr
✔ It is also permissible for one Imam to lead both
✔ There is no objection in either scenario according to Qur’an and Sunnah
❖ Summary:
✔ No evidence restricts Tarawīḥ and Witr to be led by the same Imam
✔ The prayer remains valid and in line with the Sunnah whether led by one or multiple Imams
✔ The key condition is that the Imam is sound in belief and prayer conduct
