Taraweeh is a special prayer in Ramadan. This article explains its meaning and importance in Islam. We'll also answer common questions about Taraweeh, taraweeh prayer dua and you'll get a detailed overview of Taraweeh prayers. So, let’s find all the details about it.
What Is Taraweeh?
Taraweeh is a special voluntary prayer for Muslims. They perform it right after the Isha prayer every night in Ramadan. It can be done alone or in a group. The word "Taraweeh" (تراويح) means "to rest and relax." This name comes from the short breaks between the prayer sets or the set of rak'ahs.
A Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira says:
I heard Allah's Apostle saying regarding Ramadan,
"Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."
(Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 32, Number 226)
Tarawih prayer brings many rewards. It helps to seek forgiveness and get closer to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers prayed it and Muslims have kept this tradition going for centuries.
Is Taraweeh Mandatory?
So, is Taraweeh sunnah or mandatory? Well, Salatul Taraweeh in Ramadan is not mandatory. But it is highly recommended for Muslims, as it is Sunnah Mu’akkadah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed it regularly on the nights of Ramadan. He also encouraged his followers to do it.
A hadith narrated By ‘Aisha (RA) says,
"Allah’s Apostle used to pray (at night) in Ramadan."
(Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 32, Number 228)
The holy Quran also talks about prayer and worship in Ramadan. However, it does not mention the Tarawih prayer directly:
"يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ"
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous"
(Quran 2:183)
"وَأَقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُواْ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱرۡكَعُواْ مَعَ ٱلرَّـٰكِعِينَ"
"And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]"
(Quran 2:43)
Tarawih prayer is not like the obligatory five daily prayers. It is not mandatory. It is a great way to gain rewards. It helps Muslims increase devotion during Ramadan.
Is Taraweeh prayer compulsory for women?
Taraweeh in Ramadan is not compulsory for women, nor compulsory for men. But both are encouraged to pray Taraweeh. It is Sunnah Mu’akkadah. It is an emphasized and highly recommended practice for every able-bodied Muslim. But it is not obligatory for anyone.
Rewards For Salatul Taraweeh
Taraweeh prayers have great rewards for Muslims in Ramadan. It brings many blessings. Here are some rewards based on authentic Hadiths.
Forgiveness of Sins
Taraweeh prayer helps remove past sins. It is a great chance to seek forgiveness.
Increased Spiritual Rewards
Taraweeh prayer gives extra rewards in Ramadan. It is a voluntary act of worship. The holy month is a special time for prayer because every prayer brings blessings. Worshippers earn great rewards through extra prayers. Not to mention, Taraweeh also gives Muslims the chance to worship during Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree. This special night in Ramadan is said in the Quran to be better than a thousand months.
Strengthening Faith
Tarawih prayer increases faith. It builds devotion to Allah. It gives worshippers time for self-reflection, helps them grow spiritually, and brings peace to their hearts.
Completing the Quran
The Quran is often completed in Taraweeh during Ramadan. This helps Muslims understand its teachings better. The recitation strengthens the connection with Allah (SWT) and strengthens the bond with the holy book.
Congregational Rewards
Praying Taraweeh in a group brings Muslims closer and reinforces their communal bond. It also increases brotherly love among each other. Praying together brings many blessings as well. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Whoever prays Qiyam (night prayer) with the Imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he prayed the whole night"
(Sunan an-Nasa'i Vol. 2, Book 20, Hadith 1605).
Can I Pray Taraweeh At Home?
Yes, you can pray Taraweeh at home. Men and women can pray alone or with family. Praying at the mosque is encouraged but not required. Praying at home is also rewarding.
Narrated 'Urwa (RA):
That he was informed by `Aisha,
"Allah's Messenger (PBUH) went out in the middle of the night and prayed in the mosque and some men prayed behind him. In the morning, the people spoke about it and then a large number of them gathered and prayed behind him (on the second night). In the next morning the people again talked about it and on the third night the mosque was full with a large number of people. Allah's Messenger (PBUH) came out and the people prayed behind him. On the fourth night the Mosque was overwhelmed with people and could not accommodate them, but the Prophet (PBUH) came out (only) for the morning prayer. When the morning prayer was finished he recited Tashah-hud and (addressing the people) said, "Amma ba'du, your presence was not hidden from me but I was afraid lest the night prayer (Qiyam) should be enjoined on you and you might not be able to carry it on." So, Allah's Apostle died and the situation remained like that (i.e. people prayed individually)."
(Sahih Bukhari Vol. 3, Book 32, Hadith 229)
So, at first, people prayed Taraweeh at home. Later, it was prayed in congregation. This shows that praying at home is allowed. The important thing is to pray with sincerity. Seek mercy and blessings of Allah.
Virtues Of Offering Tarawih In Congregation
Offering Taraweeh prayers in congregation at the mosque holds several virtues:
Increased Rewards: Praying Taraweeh in the mosque brings great rewards. It is a way to gain Allah’s blessings.
Sense of Community: Praying in congregation strengthens unity. It brings Muslims together. It helps in building brotherhood. You feel connected. Worshipping together increases love and respect. The mosque becomes a place of support. It also encourages consistency in prayer.
Prophet’s Tradition: The Prophet (PBUH) led Taraweeh prayers, and his companions prayed behind him. This tradition continues today. So, praying Taraweeh in the mosque follows his example and is highly encouraged. It helps us follow his teachings and highlights its importance as a Sunnah.
Sharing Islamic Knowledge: When you pray with the community, you get to meet other Muslims and get a chance to exchange religious knowledge with them. This is indeed a great opportunity to learn more about Islam and enrich your understanding.
Time Of Prayer
Taraweeh prayers take place after the Isha prayer and before the Witr (Biter) prayer at night.
When do Taraweeh prayers start?
Taraweeh prayers start on the first night of Ramadan. The new moon marks the beginning of the holy month. People perform these prayers every night of Ramadan after Isha. Muslims also make taraweeh niyat during Ramadan.
How long does Taraweeh prayer take
Taraweeh prayer time depends on the number of rak'ahs. Some perform 8 rak'ahs, while others perform 20. It usually lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour. The Quran is recited in these prayers. Many aim to complete the entire Quran in Ramadan. The recitation length can also affect the prayer duration.
When Does Taraweeh End?
Salatul Taraweeh prayer ends when Ramadan ends. Eid al-Fitr is the celebration that follows the sighting of the new moon, signifying the end of the fasting month. Typically, the last night of Taraweeh coincides with the 28th or 29th night of Ramadan, depending on the lunar calendar.
The final night of Taraweeh is especially meaningful because it often marks the completion of the entire Quran recitation. This is a significant accomplishment for the congregation and the Imam leading the prayers. This completion is known as "Khatm al-Quran" and is a joyous occasion for the Muslim community.
Taraweeh How To Pray?
Here is a step-by-step guide from start to finish,
Step 1- Intention (Niyyah): Make a sincere intention to pray Taraweeh for Allah.
Step 3- Begin with Takbir: Raise your hands to your ears. Say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah (SWT) is the Greatest).
Step 4- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha: After Takbir, recite Surah Al-Fatiha. Then recite another Surah.
Step 5- Perform Ruku (bowing): Bow after reciting "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
Step 6- Stand Up (Qiyam): Return to standing. Say "Sami'Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah (SWT) hears those who praise Him). Then say "Rabbana lakal hamd" (Our Lord, to You belongs all praise).
Step 7- Perform Sujood (prostration): Prostrate. Say "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
Step 8- Sit and Prostrate Again: Sit for a moment. Perform a second Sujood in the same way.
Step 9- Stand Up for the Next Rak'ah: Stand up for the next Rak'ah. Repeat steps 4-8 then go to step 10.
Step 10- Finish with Salam: After the final Rak'ah, sit for Tashahhud. Turn your head to the right. Say "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah" (Peace and Mercy of Allah (SWT) be upon you). Turn to the left. Repeat the same words.
There are no specific rules for Tarawih prayer from the regular prayer.
How many rakats for taraweeh?
The number of Rak'ahs in Taraweeh prayers can vary depending on tradition. Different practices follow different numbers. Here are the most common ones.
20 Rak'ahs: This is the most followed practice among Muslims worldwide. It is performed in sets of two Rak'ahs. This makes a total of 20 Rak'ahs. Many mosques follow this practice. It is common in the Hanafi, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools of thought. You can take break after every 4 rakat.
8 Rak'ahs: Some traditions perform 8 Rak'ahs instead. Some contemporary practices follow this number. It is also done in sets of two.
Taraweeh Prayer Dua
There is no specific dua for Taraweeh prayers mentioned in Hadith. However, Muslims can recite any dua from the Quran or Sunnah or make personal supplications. A popular dua for forgiveness is:
"اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي"
"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni."
(O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and You love forgiveness. So forgive me.)
This dua is especially important during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, particularly on Laylatul Qadr. Many people also make group duas after Taraweeh, but it’s not mandatory.
Conclusion
Taraweeh is not an obligatory prayer but brings great rewards. It is a means to strengthen your connection with Allah. It is an opportunity to reflect and grow spiritually. So, pray Taraweeh with sincerity and devotion, whether at home or in the mosque.