Can I Have Iftar Together and Miss Congregational Tarawih Prayer at the Mosque? Find Out the Explanation

Kapanlagi.com - The holy month of Ramadan is one of the highly anticipated moments for the people in Indonesia, especially for Muslims. In this blessed month, Muslims are obligated to fast. Various deeds performed during this time will earn multiplied rewards. Aside from the acts of worship, interesting traditions in Ramadan are also eagerly awaited. One of the most popular Ramadan traditions is breaking the fast together (bukber).

For some people, breaking the fast together or bukber has become a tradition in the holy month of Ramadan. As the name suggests, bukber means spending time gathering to break the fast together with family, friends, or colleagues. However, often the excitement of breaking the fast together causes a Muslim to neglect other acts of worship such as congregational tarawih prayer at the mosque.

So, what is the ruling if breaking the fast together leads to missing the congregational tarawih prayer at the mosque? Is this allowed in the view of religion? To find out, just read the following review:

1. Islamic Perspective on Iftar Together

Islamic Views on Iftar (credit: unsplash)

In the Islamic perspective, having iftar together with family, relatives, or friends is encouraged. One of the reasons is that it can strengthen social relationships among fellow Muslims and expand the bond of kinship. In addition, the recommendation to have iftar together is also associated with a hadith that mentions eating together will bring more blessings. Some of the hadiths include:

Hadith Narrated by Abu Dawud, "The Companions of Prophet Muhammad SAW asked, 'Why do we not feel satisfied after eating?' Then, the Prophet asked in return, 'Do you eat alone?' The companions answered, 'Yes.' Then, Prophet Muhammad SAW replied again, 'Eat together and recite the basmalah, then Allah SWT will bestow blessings upon all of you.'" (Narrated by Abu Dawud).

However, as mentioned earlier, the implementation of iftar together often triggers controversy. This is because sometimes having iftar together causes someone to miss other important acts of worship, such as performing congregational tarawih prayer at the mosque.

2. The Importance of Performing Tarawih Prayer in Congregation at the Mosque

The Importance of Congregational Tarawih Prayer in the Mosque (credit: unsplash)

The understanding of tarawih prayer is a voluntary worship performed after the Isha prayer during the month of Ramadan. The ruling of tarawih prayer is a highly recommended sunnah, which means it is strongly encouraged to perform it. Muslims are also encouraged to perform tarawih prayer in congregation with family and fellow Muslims, to strengthen the bond of kinship and enhance the sense of togetherness in performing Ramadan worship.

In addition, performing tarawih prayer in congregation at the mosque has its own virtues. By worshiping together in tarawih prayer, Muslims can motivate and maintain their enthusiasm in performing worship. Moreover, the foremost virtue of performing tarawih prayer in congregation at the mosque is also explained by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in one of his hadiths, which states:

"Whoever performs tarawih prayer in congregation with the imam until it is completed, it will be recorded for him as if he has prayed the whole night." (Narrated by Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi).

3. Conclusion Regarding Breaking Fast Together but Missing Tarawih Prayer

Conclusion About Breaking the Fast Together but Missing Tarawih Prayer (credit: unsplash)

Breaking fast together, or bukber, is a recommended tradition in Islam to strengthen social relationships among fellow Muslims. However, it is also important not to forget the importance of performing congregational tarawih prayer in the mosque. Although it is a voluntary prayer, congregational tarawih prayer in the mosque has extraordinary virtues. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a balance between breaking fast together and performing congregational tarawih prayer.

Avoiding breaking fast together until missing tarawih prayer is recommended. It is better to try not to miss tarawih prayer for the sake of breaking fast together. If possible, find the right time to divide the time between breaking fast together and performing tarawih prayer. In addition, it is good to consider other options such as breaking fast together in the mosque or participating in a nearby mosque's breaking fast together event.

If it is still not possible to leave the breaking fast together event and have to miss congregational tarawih prayer in the mosque, it is still recommended to perform tarawih prayer individually after the event is finished and return home. Although the virtues of congregational tarawih prayer in the mosque cannot be obtained, at least you will still receive rewards from performing tarawih prayer during the holy month of Ramadan.

Those are some brief explanations regarding breaking fast together but missing congregational tarawih prayer in the mosque. Hopefully, it is beneficial, can increase knowledge, and can enhance faith as a Muslim. Amen.

(kpl/psp)