What Is The Ruling On Establishing Tarawih Prayer In Congregation?

What is the ruling on establishing tarawih prayer in congregation?

Although it is more virtuous to establish nafl prayers alone, tarawih prayer was established in congregation by the Prophet Muhammad (saw). In this respect, the Prophet (saw) performed tarawih prayer by leading the congregation for a few times but afterwards he gave up on this practice thinking that it may become obligatory (Bukhari, Salat al-Tarawih, 1; Muslim, Salat al-Musafirin, 177).

When Umar (ra) become the caliph, he saw that people were establishing tarawih prayer separately; and thought that it would be better to establish it in congregation and after consultation with the Companions, started the practice of establishment of this prayer in congregation again. Seeing that people were establishing it enthusiastically, he expressed his appreciation by saying, “What a beautiful custom it has been!” (Bukhari, Salat al-Tarawih, 1) Ali (ra) prayed to him as follows for this practice: “May Allah illuminate the grave of Umar just like Umar illuminated our masjids with the light of tarawih.” (Muttaqi, Kanz al-ummal, XII, 576).

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA