How To Pray Taraweeh is a special prayer performed during the blessed month of Ramadan. It is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah) and is highly recommended for Muslims to observe. This guide explains the method of praying Taraweeh, its significance, and related rulings.

Read More: How to Recite Safar Ki Dua

What is Taraweeh?

Taraweeh is a voluntary night prayer offered after Isha during Ramadan. The word “Taraweeh” comes from the Arabic root “raaha,” which means “to rest,” as worshippers traditionally take short breaks between sets of Rak’ahs.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 37)

How Many Rak’ahs in Taraweeh?

The number of Rak’ahs for Taraweeh varies based on different traditions. The most common practices include:

• 8 Rak’ahs – Some follow the Sunnah of praying 8 Rak’ahs, as done by the Prophet ﷺ.
• 20 Rak’ahs – The majority of Islamic scholars and mosques follow the tradition of 20 Rak’ahs, which was established by Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA).

How to Perform Taraweeh Prayer

Taraweeh is performed in sets of two Rak’ahs (like regular Sunnah or Nafl prayers). The following is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Make Intention (Niyyah)

Before starting Taraweeh, silently make the intention in your heart:

“I intend to pray Taraweeh for the sake of Allah in this blessed month of Ramadan.”

Step 2: Start the Prayer

• Begin with Takbir (raising hands and saying “Allahu Akbar”).
• Recite Surah Al-Fatiha followed by any other Surah (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas).
• Complete the two Rak’ahs as you do in regular Salah.
• End with Tasleem (saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” to both sides).

Step 3: Continue with the Next Sets

• After completing two Rak’ahs, continue the same method until you complete 8 or 20 Rak’ahs.
• Some people take short rests after every 4 Rak’ahs, following the tradition of the Companions (Sahabah).

Step 4: Perform Witr Prayer

After finishing Taraweeh, Witr Salah is prayed. It is usually performed in 1, 3, or 5 Rak’ahs with an additional supplication, Dua-e-Qunoot, in the final Rak’ah.

Can Taraweeh be Prayed Alone?

Yes, Taraweeh can be prayed alone at home if one cannot attend the congregation in the mosque. However, it is more rewarding to pray in a congregation.

Benefits of Praying Taraweeh

1. Forgiveness of sins – The Prophet ﷺ promised the wiping away of past sins for those who perform it sincerely.
2. Increased rewards – Every prayer in Ramadan carries multiplied blessings.
3. Closeness to Allah – It is an opportunity to connect with the Quran and strengthen faith.
4. Spiritual purification – Helps in self-discipline and purification of the heart.

Tasbeeh e Taraweeh Dua MP3 Download

How to Pray Taraweeh at Home

Praying Taraweeh at home is a great option for those who cannot go to the mosque. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Perform Isha Salah – Taraweeh is prayed after Isha prayer, so make sure to complete it first.
2. Make the intention (Niyyah) – Intend in your heart that you are offering Sunnah Taraweeh for the sake of Allah.
3. Pray in sets of 2 Rakats –
   • Start by reciting Surah Al-Fatihah in each Rakat.
   • Recite any additional Surah from the Quran.
   • Complete 2 Rakats and end with Salaam.
   • Repeat this until you have prayed 8 or 20 Rakats.
4. Pray Witr after Taraweeh – It is Sunnah to pray 3 Witr at the end of Taraweeh.
5. Make Dua – You can recite Dua-e-Qunoot in Witr and make personal supplications.

How to Pray Taraweeh Dua

There is no specific Taraweeh Dua that must be recited between Rakats, but some mosques recite the following supplication:

سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْمُلْكِ وَالْمَلَكُوتِ، سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْعِزَّةِ وَالْعَظَمَةِ، وَالْهَيْبَةِ وَالْقُدْرَةِ، وَالْكِبْرِيَاءِ وَالْجَبَرُوتِ، سُبْحَانَ الْمَلِكِ الْحَيِّ الَّذِي لَا يَنَامُ وَلَا يَمُوتُ، سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّ الْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالرُّوحِ، اللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنَا مِنَ النَّارِ، یَا مُجِیْرُ یَا مُجِیْرُ یَا مُجِیْرُ۔

Translation: “Glory be to the Owner of the Kingdom and Dominion. Glory be to the One who possesses honor, greatness, reverence, power, grandeur, and might.”

This dua is optional and can be recited after every 4 Rakats, but it is not mandatory.

How Many Rakats in Taraweeh?

The number of Rakats in Taraweeh has two common practices:

1. 20 Rakats (Preferred & Sunnah practice) –
   • The majority of scholars agree that the Prophet ﷺ and the Sahaba prayed 20 Rakats.
   • This is the practice followed in Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought.
2. 8 Rakats (Allowed but less preferred) –
   • Some people pray 8 Rakats based on the Hadith where Aisha (RA) mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ prayed long night prayers.

In both cases, Taraweeh is prayed in sets of 2 Rakats and is followed by 3 Rakats of Witr prayer.

How to Pray Taraweeh in Mosque

Praying Taraweeh in a mosque is highly rewarding. Here’s how it is performed:

1. Arrive on time – Taraweeh starts after Isha Salah.
2. Pray behind the Imam – Follow the Imam’s recitation and complete 20 Rakats (or 8 Rakats in some mosques).
3. Pause after every 4 Rakats – Some mosques take a short break after every 4 Rakats.
4. Pray Witr in congregation – After completing Taraweeh, 3 Witr Rakats are prayed in congregation.
5. Stay for Dua – Many mosques make special supplications after Taraweeh.

It is best to complete all 20 Rakats to follow the Sunnah practice of the Prophet ﷺ.

Did the Prophet Pray Taraweeh?

Yes, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ prayed Taraweeh, but he did not make it a regular congregation.

• The Prophet ﷺ prayed Taraweeh in the mosque for a few nights, but he stopped because he feared it might become obligatory for his followers.
• During the time of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), Taraweeh was established as a congregational prayer of 20 Rakats in the mosque.

Thus, Taraweeh remains a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Highly Recommended Sunnah) and is practiced in congregation during Ramadan.

How Long is Taraweeh Prayer?

The length of Taraweeh prayer depends on the speed of recitation and the number of Rakats:

1. Fast recitation (Shorter time) – Some mosques complete 20 Rakats in 45 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Moderate pace (Standard time) – On average, Taraweeh takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
3. Slow recitation (Longer time) – If the full Quran is recited over 30 nights, Taraweeh may take 2-3 hours per night.

The reward increases if a person listens to or recites the entire Quran during Taraweeh in Ramadan.

Taraweeh Prayer Time

Taraweeh prayer is performed after Isha Salah and can be prayed until Fajr time.

• Recommended time: Immediately after Isha.
• Last time to pray: Before Fajr begins.

It is best to pray with the Imam in congregation to gain the maximum reward, as mentioned in the Hadith:

“Whoever prays Qiyam (Taraweeh) with the Imam until he finishes, Allah will record for him the reward of praying the whole night.” (Tirmidhi 806)

Conclusion:

Taraweeh is a great way to earn immense rewards in Ramadan. Whether you pray at the mosque or at home, performing it with sincerity brings countless blessings. May Allah accept our prayers and grant us the ability to observe Ramadan with devotion. Ameen!

Read More: Top 7 Religious Sites in Saudi Arabia

FAQs:

What is Taraweeh prayer?

Taraweeh is a special night prayer performed during Ramadan after the Isha prayer.

Is Taraweeh prayer obligatory?

No, Taraweeh is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly recommended but not obligatory).

How many rakats are in Taraweeh prayer?

The common practice is 20 rakats, but some people pray 8 rakats based on different opinions.

Can women pray Taraweeh at home?

Yes, women can pray Taraweeh at home individually or in a congregation.

Can I pray Taraweeh alone?

Yes, Taraweeh can be prayed individually, but it is more rewarding to pray in congregation.

What is the best time to pray Taraweeh?

Taraweeh is prayed right after Isha Salah and can continue until Fajr time.

Can I recite from the Quran while praying Taraweeh?

Yes, you can read from the Mushaf (Quran) while praying, especially if you are not a Hafiz.

Do I need Witr prayer after Taraweeh?

Yes, Witr prayer is performed after Taraweeh and is considered Wajib (necessary) in some schools of thought.

Can I pray 8 rakats instead of 20?

Yes, you can pray 8 rakats, but the Prophet ﷺ and the Sahaba commonly prayed 20 rakats.

Can I pray fewer than 8 rakats if I am tired?

Yes, you can pray as many rakats as you can manage, but it is recommended to complete the full set.

What is the intention (Niyyah) for Taraweeh prayer?

The intention is: “I intend to pray Sunnah Taraweeh for the sake of Allah.”

Can I make dua after Taraweeh?

Yes, making dua after Taraweeh is highly recommended.

What surahs should I recite in Taraweeh?

You can recite any surahs, but longer surahs are preferred to follow the Sunnah.

Do I need to say Salaam after every 2 rakats?

Yes, Taraweeh is performed in sets of 2 rakats with Salaam after each.

Can I join Taraweeh late in the congregation?

Yes, you can join the Taraweeh prayer at any point and continue with the Imam.

Is Taraweeh prayer shorter in some mosques?

Yes, some mosques complete 8 rakats while others do 20 rakats. The duration varies.

Can I drink water during Taraweeh?

You can drink water between rakats, but not while in Salah.

Can I sit and pray Taraweeh if I am sick?

Yes, you can sit and pray if you are unable to stand.

Is Taraweeh prayer mentioned in the Quran?

No, but it is established from Hadith as a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Can I pray Taraweeh if I missed Isha Salah?

No, you must pray Isha first, then you can perform Taraweeh.