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Taraweeh is a voluntary night prayer that can be performed during Ramadan. It is prayed in units called rakahs, and can pardon the past sins of a believer. There are various traditions on the total number, with some reporting 8 and others 20.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
Prayers at night are offered in two followed by two. Then, if you fear dawn will come, pray witr with one. [Hadith | Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Prayers at night are offered in two followed by two. Then, if you fear dawn will come, pray witr with one.
[Hadith | Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Here’s one variation, with a simple step-by-step breakdown of how to pray Taraweeh:
Meaning rest or relaxation, taraweeh is a voluntary prayer performed after the evening prayer, isha, every night during Ramadan. As it is a highly recommended sunnah, mosques across the world hold congregational taraweeh prayers for men and women on every night of the blessed month.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
He who observes optional prayer (Tarawih prayers) throughout Ramadan, out of sincerity of Faith and in the hope of earning reward will have his past sins pardoned. [Hadith | Al- Bukhari and Muslim]
He who observes optional prayer (Tarawih prayers) throughout Ramadan, out of sincerity of Faith and in the hope of earning reward will have his past sins pardoned.
[Hadith | Al- Bukhari and Muslim]
Taraweeh, like other voluntary prayers, is prayed in sets of 2 rakahs at a time with the ability to rest after every 4 rakahs.
When attending taraweeh at a mosque, the most important aspect is to finish praying with the imam regardless of the number of rakahs he prays and not leaving early.
Taraweeh prayer is observed at night any time after the obligatory isha prayer but before witr, as the witr prayer is the last prayer of the night.
Yes, taraweeh can be performed at home. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed most of his taraweeh prayers at home, but it is highly encouraged for men to perform the prayer at the mosque as the reward is higher.
It’s encouraged to increase your supplications and remembrance of Allah (SWT) during taraweeh. There isn’t a specific dua that must be recited, but you can use this opportunity to ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings. A commonly recited dua for seeking forgiveness is:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Transliteration: ‘Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni’
Translation: O Allah, You are all Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.
This dua is particularly powerful during Ramadan, as it is a month of mercy and forgiveness. You can also make personal duas in your own language to connect with Allah sincerely.
Taraweeh is a wonderful opportunity to connect deeply with the Qur’an. Many mosques follow the tradition of completing one juz (chapter) each night, inspired by the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
It was narrated from ‘Aa’isha that Faatimah, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said:
He [the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)] told me: Jibreel used to review the Qur’an every year with him once or twice, but this year he reviewed it with him twice. He said: “I think that my death has drawn near, so fear Allah and be patient, for what a good example I am for you. [Hadith | Muslim 2450]
He [the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)] told me: Jibreel used to review the Qur’an every year with him once or twice, but this year he reviewed it with him twice. He said: “I think that my death has drawn near, so fear Allah and be patient, for what a good example I am for you.
[Hadith | Muslim 2450]
While completing the Qur’an during Taraweeh is a great goal, it is not compulsory. You can recite any surahs (chapter) you know, whether long or short. If needed, you may also hold a Qur’an to read during prayer, according to the Hanbali, Maliki and Shafi’i schools of thought.
Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, so focus on sincere recitation and reflection. Whether you recite a little or a lot, each effort brings you closer to Allah (SWT).
Find out more about the holy month of Ramadan here.