How to Pray Taraweeh: Taraweeh is a special prayer performed by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. It is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah, meaning a highly recommended practice established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to perform Taraweeh, drawing from the Quran and authentic Hadiths.
What is Taraweeh?
Taraweeh refers to the voluntary night prayers conducted after the obligatory Isha (evening) prayer during Ramadan. The term “Taraweeh” is derived from the Arabic word for “rest” or “relaxation,” indicating the brief pauses taken after every four rak’ahs (units of prayer). This practice offers Muslims an opportunity to engage in additional worship, seek forgiveness, and recite the Quran extensively throughout the blessed month.
Why is Taraweeh Important?
Observing Taraweeh holds significant spiritual benefits. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of performing night prayers during Ramadan, promising forgiveness for past sins.
What is the Significance of Taraweeh?
Observing Taraweeh holds immense spiritual benefits. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
This Hadith underscores the importance of performing Taraweeh with sincere faith and the hope of earning Allah’s reward.
When is the Optimal Time to Perform Taraweeh?
Taraweeh is performed after the Isha prayer and before the Witr prayer. It can be observed individually at home or collectively in a mosque. The Prophet (peace be upon him) led Taraweeh in congregation on a few occasions but primarily performed it at home to avoid it becoming obligatory upon his followers.
How to pray Taraweeh for Women Step by Step
Preparation:
- Perform Wudu: Ensure you are in a state of purity by performing ablution (wudu).
- Wear Modest Clothing: Dress appropriately in clean, loose-fitting, and modest attire, including a headscarf.
- Find a Clean Space: Designate a quiet and clean area to pray, ideally facing the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).
Step-by-Step Taraweeh Prayer:
🔹 Step 1: Intention (Niyyah)
- Make the intention in your heart to pray Taraweeh for the sake of Allah.
🔹 Step 2: Start the Prayer
- Stand and Say ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Takbeer) while raising your hands.
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Quran).
- Recite Any Other Surah (e.g., Surah Ikhlas, Surah Al-Asr, or any other short surah).
- Perform Ruku (Bowing):
- Say ‘Allahu Akbar’ and bend down with your hands on your knees.
- Say ‘Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem’ (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) 3 times.
- Stand Up (Qawmah):
- Rise while saying ‘Sami’Allahu liman hamidah’ (Allah hears those who praise Him).
- Then say ‘Rabbana wa lakal hamd’ (Our Lord, and to You is all praise).
🔹 Step 3: Sujood (Prostration)
- First Sujood:
- Say ‘Allahu Akbar’ and go down into prostration.
- Say ‘Subhana Rabbiyal A’la’ (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) 3 times.
- Sit Up (Jalsa):
- Sit briefly while saying ‘Rabighfir li’ (My Lord, forgive me).
- Second Sujood:
- Repeat the prostration with the same supplication.
🔹 Step 4: Complete the First Rak’ah
- Stand up to begin the second rak’ah, repeating the same steps as above.
🔹 Step 5: Complete Two Rak’ahs
- After the second rak’ah, remain seated.
- Recite the Tashahhud (Attahiyyatu…).
- Say Salam by turning your head right then left, saying ‘As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah’.
Can Taraweeh Be Performed at Home?
Yes, Taraweeh can be performed at home, individually or in congregation with family members. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Perform some of your prayers in your houses, and do not make them graves.”
This Hadith encourages Muslims to enliven their homes with voluntary prayers, including Taraweeh.
How Many Rakat in Taraweeh
Taraweeh is a special prayer performed during the nights of Ramadan. The number of rak’ahs (units) for Taraweeh has been a topic of discussion among scholars, with differing opinions based on interpretations of Islamic texts and practices. Below is an analysis with references from the Quran and Hadith:
1. The Practice of the Prophet Muhammad (ï·º):
The Prophet Muhammad (ï·º) prayed Taraweeh in congregation during Ramadan, but there is no explicit mention in the Hadith of a fixed number of rak’ahs. The following Hadith provides insight:
- Hadith (Sahih Bukhari, Book 32, Hadith 227):
“The Prophet (ï·º) prayed in the mosque one night, and people followed him. He prayed again the next night, and more people gathered. On the third or fourth night, they gathered again, but the Prophet (ï·º) did not come out to them. In the morning, he said:Â ‘I saw what you did, and nothing prevented me from coming out to you except that I feared it might be made obligatory upon you.’“
This Hadith indicates that the Prophet (ï·º) prayed Taraweeh in congregation but did not fix a specific number of rak’ahs, likely to avoid making it obligatory.
2. The Practice of the Companions:
After the Prophet’s (ï·º) time, the practice of Taraweeh evolved. During the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه), he unified the Muslims to pray Taraweeh in congregation, and the practice of 20 rak’ahs became common.
- Hadith (Muwatta Malik, Book 6, Hadith 248):
“Umar (رضي الله عنه) gathered the people to pray behind Ubayy ibn Ka’b (رضي الله عنه) and Tamim Ad-Dari (رضي الله عنه), and they prayed 20 rak’ahs.”
This practice of 20 rak’ahs was widely accepted and continued by the majority of the companions and subsequent generations.
3. Differing Opinions Among Scholars:
Scholars have differing opinions on the number of rak’ahs for Taraweeh, based on their interpretations of the Hadith and the practices of the companions:
- 20 Rak’ahs: This is the view of the Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools of thought, based on the practice of Umar (رضي الله عنه) and the consensus of the companions.
- 8 Rak’ahs: This is the view of the Maliki school and some scholars, based on the Hadith of Aisha (رضي الله عنها) where she mentioned that the Prophet (ï·º) did not pray more than 11 rak’ahs (including Witr) during Ramadan or otherwise (Sahih Bukhari, Book 32, Hadith 230).
4. Quranic Reference:
While the Quran does not specify the number of rak’ahs for Taraweeh, it emphasizes the importance of night prayers and worship during Ramadan:
- Quran (Surah Al-Muzzammil, 73:2-4):
“Stand (in prayer) at night, except for a little – Half of it or a little less than that Or a little more. And recite the Quran with measured recitation.”
This verse highlights the virtue of night prayers, which includes Taraweeh.
Conclusion
Taraweeh is a cherished practice during Ramadan, offering Muslims a means to draw closer to Allah through additional nightly prayers. Whether performed in the mosque or at home, in eight or twenty rak’ahs, the emphasis is on sincerity, devotion, and seeking Allah’s pleasure. By adhering to the guidance from the Quran and Hadith, believers can ensure their Taraweeh prayers are both rewarding and spiritually enriching.
