Q 1: During the blessed month of Ramadan, we performed Tarawih (special supererogatory night Prayer in Ramadan) in the American city Fresno, but there was an argument regarding the recitation from the Mus-haf (copy of the Qur'an) as some of our Muslim brothers said that it is impermissible to recite from the Mus-haf in Tarawih. While others said that it is permissible, because none amongst the brothers here has memorized the whole Qur'an.

A: There is no harm that your Imam recites from the Mus-haf during Tarawih. Rather, it is Mandub (commendable) in your case, for it is desirable to prolong in the recitation for Tarawih, and this can not be achieved, in your case, unless your Imam recites from the Mus-haf. It was narrated by Abu Dawud in the chapter on [Masahif] on the authority of Abu Ayyub on the authority of Ibn Abu Mulaykah that `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) (Part No. 7; Page No. 204) used to pray behind her slave Dhakwan using a Mus-haf for reciting. Ibn Abu Shaybah also said: Waki` told us on the authority of Hisham Ibn `Urwah on the authority of Ibn Abu Mulaykah from `Aishah that she told that a slave of hers, that he would be free after her death, used to lead her in Salah (prayer) during Ramadan reciting from the Mus-haf. This Hadith was also narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Sahih and was ranked as Mu`allaq (a Hadith missing link in the chain of narration, reported directly from the Prophet) but it is Majzum (verified).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.