Taraweeh prayer is one of the most cherished acts of worship during Ramadan, observed by over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide. It offers a unique opportunity to strengthen our connection with Allah, deepen our understanding of the Quran, and experience the tranquility of night prayer. From bustling mosques in major cities to quiet homes in remote villages, Muslims across the globe come together in devotion. But many wonder: How to perform Taraweeh correctly? How long should it be? Can I pray at home? Understanding the significance and proper way to perform this special prayer can make it even more meaningful.
In this blog, we’ll take you through a detailed step-by-step process of performing Taraweeh, ensuring your experience is both fulfilling and spiritually uplifting. Whether you’re praying in the mosque or at home, this blog will help you make the most of this special prayer.
What is taraweeh prayer?
Taraweeh is a unique prayer that happens during the holy month of Ramadan. It is an additional prayer offered after the obligatory Isha (night) prayer, and it holds great spiritual significance. The word Taraweeh comes from the Arabic root meaning to rest or relax, indicating that this prayer is performed in a relaxed manner with short breaks in between.
Taraweeh is a form of Qiyam-ul-Layl (night prayer) but is specifically associated with Ramadan. It is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (an emphasized Sunnah) for both men and women, meaning Muslims are encouraged to follow it.
Why is taraweeh a special prayer?
Taraweeh stands out as a unique act of worship because it is exclusively performed during Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, when deeds are multiplied in reward. Unlike regular voluntary prayers, Taraweeh is deeply intertwined with the spiritual essence of Ramadan, serving as a nightly reminder of devotion, self-discipline, and gratitude. It is a rare opportunity where worshippers immerse themselves in extended recitations of the Quran, fostering a deeper appreciation of its message. The prayer’s unhurried rhythm and intentional breaks allow for a balance of worship and reflection, making it both physically and spiritually enriching. Additionally, the communal aspect of Taraweeh strengthens the bond among Muslims, as millions worldwide stand together in synchronized prayer, creating a shared experience of faith, unity, and tranquility.
Significance of praying taraweeh
- A Highly Recommended Sunnah: Taraweeh is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), making it an important act of worship in Ramadan.
- Opportunity for Spiritual Rewards: Each rak‘ah of Taraweeh earns immense rewards, providing a chance for believers to seek forgiveness, blessings, and mercy from Allah (SWT).
- Completing the Quran: In many mosques, the entire Quran is recited during Taraweeh over the month of Ramadan, allowing worshippers to engage deeply with the words of Allah.
- Strengthens Faith and Discipline: The prayer fosters self-discipline, patience, and dedication, reinforcing the spiritual benefits of fasting.
- Enhances Connection with Allah: It serves as a time for reflection, supplication, and deepening one’s relationship with Allah, strengthening the bond between the believer and their Creator.
- Encouraged in Congregation: While Taraweeh can be performed individually, it is commonly prayed in congregation at mosques, fostering a sense of unity and community spirit.
How many rakaat is taraweeh?
The number of rak‘ahs in Taraweeh is a subject of scholarly discussion, with different traditions and narrations supporting varying numbers. Some narrations indicate that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed a total of 11 rak‘ahs , while others suggest that he prayed more.
During the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), the practice of praying twenty rak‘ahs in congregation was formally established, a tradition that continues in most mosques today. This opinion is widely accepted and followed by all four major schools of thought. However, some individuals and communities opt for eight rak‘ahs. There are also references to twelve or even thirty-six rak‘ahs in historical traditions, further emphasizing the flexibility of the prayer.
Since Taraweeh is a voluntary prayer, there is no fixed obligation regarding the number of rak‘ahs a person must perform and individuals can choose to perform the number they are comfortable with. The essence of Taraweeh lies not in its length but in the sincerity and devotion with which it is performed, making it an opportunity for believers to increase their connection with Allah during the sacred nights of Ramadan.
Taraweeh prayer according to the four madhabs
The four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence –Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali—agree that the recommended number of rak‘ahs for Taraweeh is twenty, excluding the Witr prayer. This makes the total number of rak‘ahs twenty-three when including Witr. This opinion is based on the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions, as well as the continued tradition of the early generations of Muslims.
A narration from Ibn Abbas (RA) states that the Prophet (PBUH) prayed twenty rak‘ahs in Ramadan, followed by Witr, which has been reported in sources such as Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah and Al-Mu‘jam Al-Kabir by Al-Tabarani.
Despite the consensus on twenty rak‘ahs, other variations exist. Some narrations indicate that the Maliki school, in a lesser-known opinion, supports thirty-six rak‘ahs, a practice observed in certain regions historically. Additionally, in some places, Taraweeh has been performed with forty-one rak‘ahs, including Witr. The eight-rak‘ah opinion is also acknowledged within the four madhabs, as some scholars have referenced hadiths supporting a shorter version of the prayer.
While the most common and widely practiced form of Taraweeh is twenty rak‘ahs, scholars emphasize that the prayer is voluntary and flexible.
Taraweeh prayer at the time of prophet Muhammad
Taraweeh prayer was established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through both his words and actions as a means to increase rewards and spiritual devotion during Ramadan. Initially, the Prophet (PBUH) prayed Taraweeh in the mosque, and many companions joined him. However, after a few nights, he stopped leading it in congregation out of concern that it might become an obligatory act upon his followers. Instead, he continued to pray it privately at home while encouraging Muslims to perform it as a voluntary prayer.
This shows that while Taraweeh was not made compulsory, it was a highly recommended act of worship in Ramadan. After the Prophet’s passing, the prayer continued to be performed both individually and in small groups until Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) formally reintroduced it as a congregational practice, making it an enduring tradition in mosques worldwide.
How can a woman pray taraweeh at home?
Women can perform Taraweeh at home just as they would in a mosque, following the same structure and number of rak‘ahs.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for women to pray Taraweeh at home:
- Make the Intention (Niyyah): As with all prayers, start with the silent intention in the heart to pray taraweeh.
- Pray Isha First: As taraweeh is prayed after the obligatory Isha prayer. It is important to complete Isha before beginning Taraweeh.
- Decide the Number of Rak‘ahs: A woman can pray 8, 12, or 20 rak‘ahs, depending on her ability and preference.
- Recite from the Quran: If memorization is limited, she can recite short surahs after Surah Al-Fatihah or hold a mushaf to read while praying.
- Pray Witr After Taraweeh: Once Taraweeh is completed, it is recommended to end with Witr prayer, which can be prayed as one, three, or more rak‘ahs.
Women may pray individually or lead other female family members in Taraweeh. If leading, she should stand in the same row as the other women rather than ahead.
How to perform taraweeh alone at home?
Praying Taraweeh alone at home allows for personal reflection and flexibility in worship. Since it is a voluntary night prayer, there is no strict format, but following a structured approach helps maintain focus and consistency.
- Set a Spiritual Atmosphere: Create a peaceful and dedicated prayer space, free from distractions, to enhance concentration and devotion. This helps in maintaining the presence of heart during the prayer.
- Choose a Comfortable Number of Rak‘ahs: There is no fixed requirement for the number of rak‘ahs, so a person can choose the number depending on their energy and ability. Praying in sets of two rak‘ahs each is the Sunnah.
- Pacing and Reflection: Unlike a congregational prayer where the imam sets the pace, praying alone offers the advantage of pausing for deeper reflection, allowing for a more personal connection with the Quran. One can also take brief moments between rak‘ahs to make personal duas or reflect on the meaning of the verses recited.
- Stay Consistent: While praying alone provides flexibility, consistency throughout Ramadan is key. Even if only a few rak‘ahs are prayed, maintaining the habit regularly brings immense spiritual benefits.
How to perform taraweeh step by step?
Before starting Taraweeh, it is beneficial to prepare spiritually and mentally. Ensuring proper wudu, setting a sincere intention, and gaining knowledge about the deeper aspects of worship through an Aqidah online course can enhance focus and devotion.
Now, we will move to praying steps. How to pray 8 rakat taraweeh?
- Say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) and raise your hands to your ears or shoulders to start the prayer.
- Place your right hand over your left and recite the opening supplication.
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah and follow it with any additional short surah or verses from the Quran.
- Perform Ruku‘ (Bowing) by Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow down into Ruku‘, placing your hands on your knees with your back straight. While boiwng, recite “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
- Stand Up from Ruku and say “Sami‘Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him) while rising. Say “Rabbana lakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You belongs all honor) after you are completely upright.
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and go into Sujood, ensuring your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes are touching the ground.
- Recite “Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times while you are in a state of sujood.
- Sit up briefly while saying “Allahu Akbar”, then return to Sujood and repeat.
- Rise to a standing position while saying “Allahu Akbar”. You have now completed one rak‘ah.
- Perform the Second Rak‘ah by repeating steps 2 to 8 for the second rak‘ah.
- After the second Sujood, remain seated and recite Tashahhud:
“At-Tahiyyatu Lillahi was-Salawatu wat-Tayyibat…” - Turn your head to the right and say “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”. Then turn it to the left and repeat the Salam. And now you have completed the 2 rakat.
- To pray more rak‘ahs and continue the taraweeh; stand up and repeat from step 2
Making taraweeh more meaningful
- Understand What You Recite: Learn the tafseer (interpretation) of the Quran to connect deeply with the verses recited during Taraweeh.
- Unlock the Spiritual Secrets Through Online Learning: Enroll in an online Islamic course to explore the significance of Taraweeh and gain a deeper understanding of the Quran.
- Set a Personal Intention: Begin each night’s prayer with a specific niyyah (intention), such as seeking forgiveness, gratitude, or spiritual growth.
- Reflect Between Rak‘ahs: Take short pauses to absorb the meaning of recited verses and make personal duas.
- Pray with Focus (Khushu‘): Remove distractions, slow down your recitation, and fully immerse yourself in the prayer.
- Prioritize Sincerity Over Quantity: Focus on quality and devotion rather than just completing a certain number of rak‘ahs.
- Make Personal Duas: End your Taraweeh by asking Allah for guidance, mercy, and gratitude, making it a moment of deep connection.
- Stay Consistent: Set a realistic prayer goal and commit to Taraweeh throughout Ramadan for lasting spiritual benefits.
Enhance your taraweeh experience with E-Hoopoe online learning
Taraweeh is not just about prayer; it’s about connecting deeply with the Quran. To truly maximize the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, gaining knowledge in Quranic tafseer, proper recitation (Tajweed), and Islamic Aqidah (beliefs) can transform your experience. E-Hoopoe online learning provides structured courses that help you recite the Quran correctly, understand its meanings, and strengthen your faith.
By enrolling in E-hoopoe online Islamic courses you can:
- Learn Quranic Tafseer to grasp the deeper meanings behind the verses recited in Taraweeh.
- Improve your Tajweed to recite the Quran beautifully and accurately.
- Study at your own pace from knowledgeable scholars, anytime and anywhere.
Conclusion
Ramadan is temporary, but the knowledge and spiritual growth it brings can last a lifetime. Its true essence lies in carrying its lessons forward, deepening your faith, strengthening your connection to the Quran, and continuing your journey of learning. Understanding worship, such as how to perform Taraweeh, enhances your prayers and spiritual reflection. With E-Hoopoe’s online Islamic and Quran courses, you can sustain this momentum beyond Ramadan, ensuring that the wisdom gained remains a guiding light throughout the year.
Make this Ramadan more enlightening and spiritually fulfilling by combining your Taraweeh prayers with essential Islamic learning. Join E-Hoopoe and start your journey today. Book your free trial for an online Islamic course now!
Frequently asked questions
- How to perform taraweeh namaz?
Taraweeh is prayed after Isha in sets of two rak‘ahs each, with a recommended 8, 12, or 20 rak‘ahs, followed by Witr prayer. It follows the same structure as regular Salah but allows for extended Quranic recitation.
- Are women allowed to lead taraweeh at home?
Yes, women can lead Taraweeh for other women at home. The leader should stand in the same row rather than ahead, following the rulings for female-led congregations.
- Is it acceptable to read from the Quran app while praying taraweeh?
The Shafi‘i and Hanbali schools allow reading from a Quran app during prayer, just like a mushaf. However, Imam Abu Hanifa considered it invalid, though some Hanafi scholars permit it for non-memorized prayers like Taraweeh.
- Can I hold the mushaf while praying taraweeh?
Yes, holding a mushaf (physical Quran) while praying Taraweeh is allowed, especially for those who want to complete a full Quran recitation during Ramadan.
