Fabricated Hadiths About the Virtues of Tarawih

Every year during the holy month of Ramadan, a specific message goes viral on WhatsApp and social media. It lists a different, spectacular reward for each of the 30 nights of Tarawih prayer.

For example, it claims that on the first night, you are cleansed of sins; on the 15th night, angels pray for you; and on the 30th night, you are guaranteed Paradise.

While this sounds inspiring, Islamic scholars have universally declared this list to be completely fabricated (Maudhu'). It is a fake Hadith falsely attributed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Why Do People Fabricate Hadiths?

Throughout history, some individuals invented Hadiths not out of malice, but out of misguided piety. They wanted to encourage people to perform good deeds (like praying Tarawih). However, the Prophet ﷺ sternly warned against this, saying: "Whoever tells a lie against me intentionally, let him take his seat in the Hellfire." (Sahih Bukhari).

Inventing rewards for worship is a serious transgression because it alters the religion of Islam.

The Authentic Virtues of Tarawih

We do not need fabricated lists, because the authentic (Sahih) Hadiths about Tarawih and Ramadan are profound enough.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Bukhari).

Additionally, praying the night prayer in congregation until the Imam finishes is recorded as spending the entire night in prayer.

How to Verify Islamic Information

1. Check the Source: Authentic Hadiths are found in major collections like Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, etc. The fabricated Tarawih list has no source.
2. Consult Scholars: If a reward sounds overly exaggerated or specific to certain days without a clear historical basis, check with qualified scholars.
3. Do Not Forward Blindly: Before sharing a religious message on social media, verify its authenticity to avoid inadvertently spreading lies about the Prophet ﷺ.

The Danger of Fabricated Hadiths (Hadith Palsu)

In the age of social media, messages claiming incredible, highly specific rewards for acts of worship spread like wildfire, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. A prime example is the widely circulated list detailing a unique reward for every single night of Tarawih prayers (e.g., "On the 1st night, you are cleansed like a newborn; on the 15th night, angels pray for you," etc.).

It is critical for every Muslim to know that this specific list is entirely fabricated (Maudu'). It has no basis in the authentic collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, or any recognized book of Hadith.

Why Do People Fabricate Hadiths?

Historically, some well-meaning but ignorant individuals fabricated Hadiths to encourage people to do good deeds, believing the end justified the means. However, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explicitly warned against this, saying: "Whoever tells a lie against me intentionally, then let him occupy his seat in Hell-fire." (Sahih Al-Bukhari). Lying about the religion, even to encourage worship, is a grave sin.

The True Virtue of Tarawih

We do not need fabricated lists to understand the value of Tarawih. The authentic, proven rewards are already magnificent. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Whoever stands (in prayer) in Ramadan out of faith and in hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim).

This authentic guarantee of complete forgiveness for past sins is more than enough motivation for any believer.

Common Questions Pilgrims Ask Pilgrims Ask

How can I verify if a Hadith forwarded on WhatsApp is authentic? Before sharing, check if the quote references a primary source (like Sahih Bukhari or Sahih Muslim). If it lacks a reference, or if the reward seems excessively disproportionate to the action, be highly suspicious. Use reliable Islamic websites or ask a qualified scholar to verify it.

Is it a sin if I accidentally shared a fabricated Hadith? If you shared it out of ignorance, you should seek Allah's forgiveness. However, once you learn the truth, it is your responsibility to stop spreading it and, ideally, inform those you shared it with so they do not continue the cycle of misinformation.

Are Tarawih prayers obligatory? No, Tarawih prayers are Sunnah Mu'akkadah (highly recommended voluntary prayers). While missing them is not a sin, attending them is a beautiful way to connect with the Quran and the community during Ramadan.