How to Pray Taraweeh: A Complete Guide to Taraweeh Prayer in Ramadan

What is Taraweeh Prayer?

Taraweeh Prayer is a specific prayer that Muslims perform at night in the month of Ramadan.

Taraweeh is derived from the Arabic word “to take rest,” as this prayer is done in sets of two rakats with breaks in between.

This is a sunnah prayer and comes with great virtues for the one who does it.

Why is Taraweeh Important in Ramadan?

Taraweeh prayer is an optional practice with a special status in Islam and is based on the deeds of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

It is meant to help Muslims connect deeper with Allah, ask for forgiveness, and ponder over the Quran.

In one of the Hadiths, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated: “Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking its reward from Allah will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

How to Perform Taraweeh Prayer Step by Step

Preparation Before Taraweeh

If you plan on doing Taraweeh, you need to begin with the Isha prayer, which has 4 Rakats Fardh and 2 Rakats Sunnah. Once you are done with Isha, make the intention (Niyyah) to perform Taraweeh.

Your intention can be as simple as saying, “I intend to pray Taraweeh for the sake of Allah.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Praying Taraweeh

Like the majority of voluntary duas, Taraweeh is performed in sets of two.
After every set of four Rakats, take a small break to reflect on your prayers. This is where the word Taraweeh comes from, as it means “rest.”
You have the option to pray 8, 12, or 20 Rakats based on your personal preference and the custom practised in your area.
Conclude your Taraweeh prayers with Witr Prayer, which is the last prayer of the night.

How Many Rakats in Taraweeh? (8 vs. 20 Debate)

The Prophet’s (PBUH) Taraweeh Practice

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would usually pray at night 11 Rakats, which included Witr.

This practice is backed by a Hadith narrated by Aisha (ra): “The Prophet (pbuh) never prayed more than 11 Rakats in Ramadan or any other month.” Bukhari.

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The 8 vs. 20 Rakats Discussion

Although the Prophet (PBUH) practised 11 Rakats, a good number of Islamic scholars and schools of thought, such as Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali, advocate the performance of 20 Rakats.

This practice is widely observed in Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) and Masjid al-Nabawi.

The difference is that some places place more importance on long recitation, while others place more importance on the number of Rakats.

Both ways are acceptable, and Muslims are encouraged to follow the customs of their locality.

When and Where to Pray Taraweeh

Best Time for Taraweeh Prayer

The time for Taraweeh starts with the Isha Prayer and ends before the Witr Prayer. While it is permissible to pray at any time during the night, it is best to do so during the last one-third of the night. This period is most preferred because Allah is said to descend to the lowest heaven and answer prayers during this time.

Can Taraweeh Be Prayed at Home?

Yes. Taraweeh can be performed at home individually, or it can be done with family members.

The way Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed Taraweeh at home is the same way everyone else should do it; it has the same reward.

Can Women Lead Taraweeh Prayer at Home?

Women can lead other women in Taraweeh Prayer at home.

The female imam must recite in an audible voice and remain in the same line as the women.

This is allowed in Islam and offers women the opportunity not only to participate in Taraweeh prayers but also to engage in communal worship during Ramadan.

Benefits and Spiritual Rewards of Praying Taraweeh

Hadith on Taraweeh and Its Rewards

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once stated, “The one who performs prayers during the nights of Ramadan with faith and expectation of Allah’s reward, all of his previous sins will be forgiven” (Bukhari, Muslim).

This Hadith places great emphasis on the spiritual benefits of practising Taraweeh prayers.

Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Benefits

Strengthening faith- Taraweeh helps Muslims to connect at a deeper level with Allah.
Improving discipline- The set timings for Taraweeh enable Muslims to develop a good routine of night prayers.
Social integration- Praying Taraweeh in a group brings Muslims together.

Can You Hold a Quran While Praying Taraweeh?

It’s possible to hold a Quran with you during the prayer; you can do so whether you’re leading or participating in the prayer. The Hanbali, Maliki and Shafi’i people allow both hard copy and digital copies to be held.

The Hanafi school of thought, on the other hand, disapproves of this deeply.

Keep in mind that if you don’t want to change your position too much, it’s best to keep the Quran in your hands so that further movements aren’t required.

Should You Complete the Whole Quran in Taraweeh?

One of the common practices for Ramadan is doing one Juz of recitation in the Taraweeh prayer every night of the month. This practice, along with most practices, is not obligatory.

If you do not know the Quran by heart, feel free to recite any part as long as it is comfortable for you.

What is important is for you to centre on submission and contemplation instead of the amount of recitation.

Special Duas for Taraweeh Prayer

You may recite the following Dua in between breaks of 4 Rakats:

سُبْحَانَ ذِی الْمُلْکِ وَالْمَلَکُوْتِ سُبْحَانَ ذِی الْعِزَّةِ وَالْعَظَمَةِ وَالْهَيْبَةِ وَالْقُدْرَةِ وَالْکِبْرِيَآئِ وَالْجَبَرُوْتِ سُبْحَانَ الْمَلِکِ الْحَيِ الَّذِی لَا يَنَامُ وَلَا يَمُوْتُ سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوْسٌ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّ الْمَلَائِکَةِ وَالرُّوْحِ ط اَللّٰهُمَّ اَجِرْنَا مِنَ النَّارِ يَا مُجِيْرُ يَا مُجِيْرُ يَا مُجِيْر

Translation: Exalted is the Possessor of the hidden and the manifest dominion. Exalted is the Possessor of Might, Greatness, Reverence, Power, Pride, and Majesty. Exalted is the Master, the Living, the one who neither sleeps nor dies. All-perfect, All-holy, Our Lord, and the Lord of the angels and the souls. O Allah, grant us refuge from the Hellfire. O Granter of refuge, O Granter of refuge, O Granter of refuge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Taraweeh

Skipping Isha: Isha has to be done for the night before starting Taraweeh.
Completing the prayer too quickly: Make sure that you take time to go through the Quran and reflect on what it is saying.
Causing disunity: Arguments over the number of Rakats that have to be done should be avoided, and the focus should be placed on the other aspects of Taraweeh besides counting the Rakats.

FAQ – Answering Common Questions About Taraweeh

Is Taraweeh Prayer Mandatory?

No, Taraweeh is always prayed by those who wish to do so, but not obligatory.

However, it’s always beneficial in terms of receiving spiritual rewards according to its procedures.

Can You Sleep and Pray Taraweeh Later?

Yes, you may go to sleep after Isha and then get up later for Taraweeh. The last third of the night, in particular, is blessed for night prayers.

Can You Pray Taraweeh If You Missed Isha?

No, Taraweeh must be performed after Isha. In the case that you have skipped Isha, then you must do it first before going to Taraweeh.

Is Taraweeh Different from Tahajjud?

Yes, the distinction between the two stands in the fact that Taraweeh is done only in the month of Ramadan, while Tahajjud is a night prayer throughout the year.

Can Women Pray Taraweeh in the Mosque?

Yes, women can practice the Taraweeh inside the mosque, but they can also do it at home, and this is equally correct.

How Long Does Taraweeh Take?

Taraweeh’s duration is dependent upon the number of Rakat’s performed as well as the level of recitation undertaken.

It can take anywhere between 1 and 2 hours.

Can You Pray Taraweeh Alone?

Yes, both in congregation and alone. Both ways are equally as rewarding.

What Should You Recite During Taraweeh?

Any portion of the Quran may be recited during Taraweeh.

A large number of mosques intend to complete the whole Quran by the end of Ramadan.

Can You Make Dua During Taraweeh?

Dua can be made in the breaks between Rakat’s or after completing Taraweeh.

Is It Better to Pray Taraweeh at Home or in the Mosque?

Praying in the mosque has the advantage of praying in a congregation, but praying at home has more flexibility.

Therefore, neither is superior.

How is Taraweeh Prayer Performed?

Taraweeh prayer is performed in sets of two at a time, like most other voluntary prayers.

After every four, it is a good idea to take a short pause to rest.

You can pray 8, 12, or 20, then finish off with the Witr. Whatever you do, be sincere and put your focus on the prayer.

How Many Rakats Are There in Taraweeh?

The number of Rakats in the Taraweeh is variable and depends on which Islamic school of thought one belongs to.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would perform 11 Rakats (with Witr).

In any case, most communities stick to 8, 12, or 20, which most Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali scholars support.

Both sides are correct, and it just depends on what custom you follow.

What Do You Say During Tarawih?

In each Rakat of Tarawih, you recite a portion of the Quran. It is preferable to say the following dua after every four rakats:

Why Do Shia Not Pray Tarawih?

The Shia do not pray Tarawih because they regard it as a bid’ah (innovation) which was added after the time of the Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Instead, they concentrate on Tahajjud or Qiyam al-Layl (night prayers) during the entire year, while Ramadan is inclusive.

What Is Tarawih Prayer Time?

Tarawih Prayer starts after Witr, and Isha Prayer is the preceding prayer.

It is optional to perform it anytime during the night, but it is highly recommended to be done in the last third of the night.

How to Pray Taraweeh for Ladies Step by Step

Women do not have to go to the mosque to pray Taraweeh, but they can do so at home on their own or with a group of women.

The procedure is the same as for males:

Perform Isha Prayer.
Make the intention (Niyyah) for Taraweeh.
Pray in sets of 2 Rakats, taking breaks after every 4 Rakats.
End with Witr Prayer.

Is There a Hadith About 8 Rakat Taraweeh?

Yes, the hadith reported by Aisha (RA) mentions that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed a total of 11 Rakats which included Witr.

Traditionally, this is understood as 8 Rakats of Taraweeh and 3 of Witr.

Is There a Hadith About 20 Rakat Taraweeh?

There is no direct hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding the 20 Rakats; however, the practice of praying the 20 Rakats is authenticated by so many Islamic scholars and has been conducted in the worship places of Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi for many decades.

Did the Prophet Pray Taraweeh?

Yes, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did pray Taraweeh, but he did not make it a nightly congregational prayer.

He would pray at home and sometimes lead his companions in prayer.

Is Namaz e Taraweeh Sunnah or Wajib?

Taraweeh is a sunnah Mu’akkadah (recommended practice) and not Wajib (obligatory).

It is an optional prayer but one with great reward.

What Is the Recitation in Taraweeh Prayer?

During this time, long portions of the Quran are recited, and there is an effort to ensure that the entire Quran is completed by the end of Ramadan.

Is Tarawih Prayed in Sets of Two Rak`ahs?

At Tarawih, we indeed pray in 2 sets of Rakats, with a small pause after every 4 Rakats.

Is It Permissible to Pray 30 Rak`ahs in Tarawih?

While 30 is not a common practice, there is some allowance for it by some Islamic scholars, while others opt for 8, 12, or 20.

Conclusion

H1: Conclusion

Taraweeh beautifully rewards the Muslims spiritually throughout the Ramadan season.

When praying 8, 12, or 20 Rakat’s, always ensure that you are being sincere and reflective.

Following this guide, you will make the most of this blessed practice, deepening your connection with Allah.

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