The Gravity of Omitting Taraweeh Namaaz

The Gravity of Omitting Taraweeh Namaaz

Perhaps someone may say: “Okay, it does not involve a great sin. It is a small sin. If we leave it out there won’t be much sin involved.” Whoever says that, let him firstly accept the following proposal of mine whereby we can understand that he gives no consideration for something small and regards it to be superfluous. Then I will also give Fatwa to him that it is permissible for him to leave it [Taraweeh Namaaz] out. The proposal is that he should take a small flame and put it in his thatch roof or in his clothing trunk. [This was in those times when homes had thatch roofs and clothing was kept in trunks. The analogy today would be to put a flame on the curtain or in the wardrobe.] Then when someone remonstrates let him say: “It is just a small flame. It is not a torch.”

If he desists from keeping this small flame, in view of the consequence of a small and big flame being the same, [i.e. his whole house burning out] then it will be said to him: “Hazrat! The consequence here [in committing a minor and major sin] is also the same.” And what is that consequence? It is the displeasure of Allah Ta’ala.

In fact, in a way the consequence of abandoning a Sunnat is graver than abandoning a Farz. The reason for this is that although the Honour of Allah Ta’ala is sublime which cannot be attained by even the Ambiya, however, we naturally find the effects of something perceivable greater. Accordingly, don’t you see that you fear the government more than Allah Ta’ala! Why? The reason is that you do not see the chains and shackles of Allah Ta’ala. On the other hand, the cuffs and chains of the government are before your eyes. The prison of Allah Ta’ala (i.e. Jahannam) you do not see; the prisons of the government you do.

Take another example! How much are you attracted to your beautiful wife! You do not have that degree of attraction to Allah Ta’ala. Thus, we learn from this that something absent [i.e. something which is not before our eyes] does not assert that degree of effect which something present does.

Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has been observed. He was spoken to; he was seen; his company was kept. Although we did not see him, however, when we learn of his appearance, features, habits, eating, ways, manners, acts of Ibaadat and character it leaves a great impression on our minds. It produces the same effect as with seeing him in his practical life

Source: The Essence of Taraweeh – Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi رحمه الله

Translated and Published by:

Jamiatul Ulama Gauteng

De Deur