Is performing Taraweeh (Qiyam al-Layl) prayer in congregation preferable?
Chapter on the Times When Prayer is Prohibited
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Performing the Taraweeh prayer in congregation is superior. This view is held by Imam Ahmad in one narration, Al-Muzani, Ibn Abd al-Hakam, and a group from the Hanafi school. Imam Ahmad stated that Jabir, Ali, and Abdullah used to perform it in congregation. The evidence cited for favoring congregation includes the Prophet's command to follow the Rightly Guided Caliphs and the reported practice of Umar performing it in congregation. Furthermore, there is evidence that the Companions reached a consensus on this. The Prophet's statement to Abu Dharr, 'When the people pray with the Imam until he finishes, they are credited with the whole night's standing prayer,' is specific to Qiyam Ramadan and thus takes precedence over general proofs to the contrary.
Supporting text
Al-Thahawi stipulated that choosing to pray individually should be conditional upon not interrupting the communal standing prayer in the mosques. If the individual prayer causes the mosque gatherings to cease, it is not permissible. A similar view is narrated from Al-Layth ibn Sa'd.