Can a Shafii imam lead witr prayer for Hanafis? Are Allahumma salli and barik supplications read in the second rak'ah of tarawih prayer?
Dear Brother / Sister,
It is obligatory to perform tarawih prayer as two rak'ahs separately in Shafii madhhab. Therefore, four rak'ahs is not in question and it is Sunnah to read Allahumma salli and barik supplications in every sitting.
On the other hand, if Hanafis perform tarawih prayer as four rak'ahs separately or more, they read Allahumma salli and barik supplications in every sitting. From this point of view, it is appropriate for both madhhabs to read them.
When Shafiis are imams or members of congregation, they perform tarawih prayer as four rak'ahs separately by following Hanafi madhhab.
In our opinion, there is no drawback to following an imam belonging to a different madhhab in a congregational prayer. For, according to Hanbali and Malikis, when a prayer is performed in congregation, the own creed of the imam is valid. If the imam is suitable for leading the prayer in his own madhhab, there is no drawback to following him. They are all true madhhabs. It is useful to imitate them when there is a necessity.
It is important not to break the harmony of the congregation in this age of disagreement and division. However, it is naturally better for the imams to be careful about the other madhhabs as much as possible.
Hanafis can follow a Shafii imam in tarawih prayer. However, they perform witr prayer individually or a Hanafi imam leads witr prayer.
Questions on Islam
- What is the number of rak'ahs of Tarawih prayer; how many rak'ahs can be offered with one salutation?
- Tarawih Prayer
- The Witr prayer
- What is the decree about reading Salli and Barik supplications in the first sitting of the prayer?
- A short explanation about Friday prayer and sermon
- Wajibs of prayer
- What are the necessary qualities for an Imam to have in order to lead a congregational prayer?
- Can missed fard prayers be performed instead of tarawih prayer according to Shafii and Hanafi madhhabs? Is it permissible to perform missed fard prayers by following the imam in that case?
- How is tasbih prayer performed?
- What are the issues that a person who will be an imam for people from different madhhabs should pay attention to? How is the issue of wudu?

