What is the obligation regarding the length of Quran recitation during Ramadan night prayers (Tarawih)?
Chapter on the Times When Prayer is Prohibited
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Imam Ahmad permits recitation that is light upon the people, especially during short nights, prioritizing what the congregation can bear. The ruling is determined by the capacity of the people; if a group agrees upon and prefers a longer recitation, that is better. This is evidenced by the report from Abu Dharr, who stated they prayed with the Prophet (peace be upon him) until they feared missing the *Falah* (the pre-dawn meal, Suhoor). Furthermore, the early generations (Salaf) were known for prolonging prayers to the extent that some stated they would hasten to their food upon finishing out of fear that dawn would break, with some reciters completing two hundred verses.
Supporting text
Al-Qadi holds that reducing the recitation below one complete reading (Khatmah) of the Quran during the month is not recommended so that the people may hear the entirety of the Quran. Conversely, increasing beyond one Khatmah is disliked due to the potential hardship imposed on those following the Imam.