Q 1: There is a Salah (Prayer) offered on the second and the fourth nights of Shawwal during the supererogatory fasting of the six days of Shawwal. It is called Salat-ul-Tasabih (Prayer of glorification). It is offered after ‘Isha’ (Night) Prayer and consists of four Rak‘ahs (units of Prayer), with Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer) after each two Rak‘ahs. It is offered with long recitation, long Ruku‘ (bowing), and Sujud (Prostration). (Part No. 8; Page No. 165) During it a certain number of utterances of Tasbih (saying: "Subhan Allah [Glory be to Allah]"), Tahmid (saying: "Al-hamdu lillah [All praise is due to Allah]"), and Tahlil (saying: "La ilaha illa Allah [There is no god except Allah]") are recited. This makes it a long Salah. Does this Salah have a basis in Shari‘ah (Islamic law)? What is the ruling on it?

A: It has not been authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prescribed the offering of a four-Rak‘ah Salah (Prayer consisting of four units) during the nights of the six days of Shawwal when Sawm (Fast) is recommended as an act of Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet), or during any of the nights of this month. This Salah is a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) and setting a fixed time to offer it is another Bid‘ah. Performing it in the manner mentioned is also another Bid‘ah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is authentically reported to have said: Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected. (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) According to another narration: Anyone who does an action that is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected. (Related by Muslim) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.