'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abdul Qari said, "I went out in the company of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, 'Umar said, 'In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one Qari (Reciter) (i.e. let them pray in congregation!)'. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka'b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, 'Umar remarked, 'What an excellent Bid'a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.' He meant the prayer in the last part of the night. (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night."
Historical Context & Significance
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 2010 documents the establishment of congregational Taraweeh prayers during Caliph Umar's reign. The people initially prayed individually or in small groups during Ramadan nights, demonstrating the practice's early permissibility but lack of organization.
Umar's wisdom recognized the spiritual benefit of unifying the Muslim community under one imam, selecting Ubai bin Ka'b - a renowned Quran reciter and companion - to lead this blessed innovation in religious practice.
Understanding "Excellent Innovation"
Umar's description of this as an "excellent bid'a" requires careful scholarly interpretation. In Islamic terminology, bid'a can be either praiseworthy or blameworthy. This was an innovation in method and organization, not in religious principle.
The night prayer in Ramadan was established by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), but congregation under one imam was institutionalized by Umar. This falls under "bid'a hasana" - an innovation that serves established religious objectives and doesn't contradict Islamic principles.
The Superiority of Late Night Prayer
Umar's remark about sleeping during early night and praying later reflects the superior virtue of Tahajjud (late night prayer). The last third of the night is particularly blessed for worship, when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and responds to supplications.
This demonstrates the companions' comprehensive understanding of worship - while congregational Taraweeh is meritorious, the voluntary night prayer performed in solitude during the most blessed hours holds special spiritual significance in Islamic tradition.
Practical Implementation
The narration establishes several important principles: the permissibility of praying Taraweeh in congregation, the importance of qualified leadership in religious matters, and the flexibility in organizing communal worship for the community's benefit.
It also shows the companions' balanced approach - while establishing beneficial communal practices, they maintained awareness of superior individual acts of worship, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of Islamic spirituality that accommodates both communal and personal devotion.