Taraweeh prayer is one of the greatest acts of worship that Muslims are keen on in the blessed month of Ramadan. It is a nightly worship full of humility and tranquility, and it is considered a great opportunity to get closer to God Almighty and obtain double reward.
In this comprehensive guide, we will learn about everything related to Taraweeh prayer, its virtue, the number of its Rakats, and how to perform it step by step.
What is Taraweeh Prayer?
Taraweeh prayer is a voluntary prayer (Sunnah) performed in the nights of Ramadan after Isha prayer. It was named ‘Taraweeh’ because Muslims used to rest after every four rak’ahs because of the long reading in it.
It is not obligatory, but it is recommended, as Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) prayed it in congregation in the mosque for several nights, then he stopped gathering for it fearing it would be made obligatory on the Ummah. However, it has a great reward, and the Prophet encouraged praying in the nights of Ramadan with sincerity and faith.
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The Virtues of Taraweeh Prayer
There are immense virtues that Muslims gain from performing the Taraweeh prayer, most notably:
- Forgiveness of Sins: For those who pray with sincere faith and hope for Allah’s reward.
- Multiplication of Rewards (Hasanat): Gaining immense blessings and multiplied good deeds during the holy month.
- Closeness to Allah: A powerful way to draw nearer to the Almighty.
- Self-Discipline & Devotion: Training the soul in patience, Khushu (humility in prayer).
How Many Rakats is Taraweeh?
The scholars differed regarding the number of Rakats for the Taraweeh prayer, as it is not strictly specified. Some pray 10 Rakats plus one Rak’ah of Witr, as reported from the Prophet. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to pray eleven Rakats during the night, offering the Taslim after every two, and then he would pray Witr with one.
And there are those who pray 20 Rakats, and some who increase beyond that according to their ability. The matter in this is flexible; what is important is Khushu (humility) and tranquility, not just the number of Rakats.
How to Perform Taraweeh: Step-by-Step?
- First: Perform the obligatory Isha prayer, then two Rakats of Sunnah after Isha (optional).
- Second: Make the intention (Niyyah) for Taraweeh prayer for Allah, and start the prayer by performing two Rakats then Taslim (ending the prayer), then another two Rakats then Taslim, and so on (Recite Al-Fatiha + what is easy for you from the Quran, if you want to improve your recitation, check our Tajweed lessons).
- Third: After finishing the ten Rakats, conclude your night with the Witr prayer (one Rak’ah or three Rak’ahs).
- Fourth: Taraweeh prayer is not limited to the mosque only; you can also perform it at home.
Conclusion
Taraweeh prayer is a great opportunity in the month of Ramadan to renew faith, review oneself, and draw closer to Allah Almighty. So, do not waste these blessed days, and make for yourself a share of the night prayer, even if it is a few rak’ahs with humility and sincerity.
Knowing that Taraweeh is prayed from after the Isha prayer until before the Fajr call to prayer, and the best of it is in the last third of the night for those who are able.
