Who initiated the practice of congregational Tarawih prayers?

Explanation

Tarawih prayers are the special night prayers offered during the month of Ramadan. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), these prayers were performed individually or in small groups. Hazrat Umar (R.A), during his caliphate, observed people praying Tarawih in separate small groups and unified them behind a single Imam, Ubayy ibn Ka'b (R.A), establishing the congregational practice that continues to this day. He remarked that this was a good innovation (bid'ah hasanah).

Good to know

Tarawih is derived from the Arabic word 'tarweeha' meaning to rest, as worshippers take short rests after every four rakats. The Prophet (PBUH) himself led Tarawih in congregation for a few nights but then discontinued it, fearing it might be made obligatory upon the Ummah. Hazrat Umar (R.A) revived the congregational format during his caliphate in 14 AH, and this practice has since become a hallmark of Ramadan worship across the Muslim world.

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