Q: What in your opinion regarding what is it better for a traveler: to perform Tarawih (special supererogatory night Prayer in Ramadan) in Ramadan or not, as they shorten the Salah (Prayer)?

A: Performing Qiyam (standing for optional Prayer at night) in Ramadan is a Sunnah that is reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). This was why the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with all of them) did this and why it continues until today. It is authentically reported in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim), on the authority of `Aishah that he (peace be upon him) performed Tarawih some nights and they performed it with him, and then he (peace be upon him) did it at home for the rest of the month, and said, "I was afraid it would be made obligatory on you and you might not be able to do it." It is narrated in "Sahih Al-Bukhari" that `Umar gathered the people to pray Tarawih behind Ubay ibn Ka`b, and they performed Tarawih with him. Also, it is authentically reported in the Two Sahih Books of Hadith, on the authority of Abu Salamah ibn `Abdul-Rahman, that he asked `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) how the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to perform Salah (Prayer) at night, and she replied, "He (peace be upon him) did not pray more than eleven Rak`ahs in Ramadan or in any other month." (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim in "Tahajjud [Optional Late Night Prayer]") The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to travel often during Ramadan. Among his journeys during Ramadan was when he (peace be upon him) traveled to conquer (Part No. 7; Page No. 207)  Makkah. He left on the 10th of Ramadan, 8 A.H. Ibn Al-Qayyim said, "He (peace be upon him) did not neglect Qiyam-ul-Layl when he was in residence or when traveling. If he overslept or was ill, he would offer twelve Rak`ahs during the daytime." This indicates that if people offer Tarawih while on a journey, they are performing an act of Sunnah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.