❖ Ruling on Intending ‘Isha Prayer While Joining Tarawih Congregation ❖
❀ Question:
During the blessed month of Ramadan, if a person misses the congregational ‘Isha prayer and the Tarawih congregation is ongoing, is it permissible to join the Tarawih congregation with the intention of performing the ‘Isha prayer? Given the clear difference in the number of rak‘ahs between both prayers, clarification is requested.
✿ Response by:
Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir (حفظه الله)
✔ It is permissible in Shari‘ah to join a congregational Tarawih prayer with the intention of offering the ‘Isha prayer.
✔ A person performing a fardh (obligatory) prayer can follow an imam offering nafl (voluntary) prayer, and vice versa.
✔ This principle is established through authentic Hadiths and explanations of jurists, affirming that differing intentions between imam and follower are acceptable under specific conditions.
✔ When an imam is a traveler, he prays two rak‘ahs, and the resident followers complete the remaining rak‘ahs afterward. This shows the validity of different prayer intentions.
✔ Likewise, if a latecomer joins a congregation and the imam concludes the prayer, the latecomer completes the remaining rak‘ahs independently, which is a common and accepted practice.
✔ When joining the Tarawih congregation, make the intention of ‘Isha prayer.
✔ After the imam ends the Tarawih rak‘ahs with salām, you should complete the remaining rak‘ahs of your ‘Isha prayer on your own.
It is permissible and valid in Shari‘ah to join a Tarawih congregation with the intention of performing the ‘Isha prayer.
There is no prohibition against this, and completing the remainder of the ‘Isha prayer after the imam concludes the Tarawih rak‘ahs is in full accordance with Islamic legal principles.
❀ Question:
During the blessed month of Ramadan, if a person misses the congregational ‘Isha prayer and the Tarawih congregation is ongoing, is it permissible to join the Tarawih congregation with the intention of performing the ‘Isha prayer? Given the clear difference in the number of rak‘ahs between both prayers, clarification is requested.
✿ Response by:
Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir (حفظه الله)
① Difference in Intention is Permissible:
✔ It is permissible in Shari‘ah to join a congregational Tarawih prayer with the intention of offering the ‘Isha prayer.
✔ A person performing a fardh (obligatory) prayer can follow an imam offering nafl (voluntary) prayer, and vice versa.
✔ This principle is established through authentic Hadiths and explanations of jurists, affirming that differing intentions between imam and follower are acceptable under specific conditions.
② Clarification Through Similar Examples:
✔ When an imam is a traveler, he prays two rak‘ahs, and the resident followers complete the remaining rak‘ahs afterward. This shows the validity of different prayer intentions.
✔ Likewise, if a latecomer joins a congregation and the imam concludes the prayer, the latecomer completes the remaining rak‘ahs independently, which is a common and accepted practice.
③ How to Join Tarawih with ‘Isha Intention:
✔ When joining the Tarawih congregation, make the intention of ‘Isha prayer.
✔ After the imam ends the Tarawih rak‘ahs with salām, you should complete the remaining rak‘ahs of your ‘Isha prayer on your own.
Conclusion:
It is permissible and valid in Shari‘ah to join a Tarawih congregation with the intention of performing the ‘Isha prayer.
There is no prohibition against this, and completing the remainder of the ‘Isha prayer after the imam concludes the Tarawih rak‘ahs is in full accordance with Islamic legal principles.
