Tarawih is one of the most cherished and spiritually uplifting acts of worship during the blessed month of Ramadan. Every year, millions of Muslims around the world gather in mosques or pray at home, standing in extended night prayers while listening to the beautiful recitation of the Quran. Through these prayers, believers seek forgiveness, mercy, reward, and a deeper closeness to Allah.
Taraweeh is far more than an additional night prayer. It is a spiritual journey within Ramadan itself. It softens the heart after a day of fasting, strengthens faith through consistent worship, and revives the believer’s relationship with the Quran. For many Muslims, Tarawih becomes the highlight of Ramadan nights, a time when the atmosphere of the mosque, the sound of recitation, and the collective devotion of the community create a powerful and unforgettable spiritual experience.
What Is Tarawih Prayer?
Tarawih is a special voluntary night prayer performed only during the month of Ramadan after Isha prayer. It is prayed in congregation in mosques, but it can also be prayed at home individually or with family.
The word Tarawih comes from the Arabic root rahah, which means rest or relaxation. This name was given because the companions of the Prophet used to take short breaks after every few units of prayer due to the length of the recitation.
Tarawih is classified as Sunnah Muakkadah, a highly emphasized Sunnah that the Prophet consistently practiced and encouraged.
Is Tarawih Mentioned in the Quran?
The word Tarawih itself is not directly mentioned in the Quran, but the practice is rooted in the Quranic encouragement of night prayer. Allah says:
Arabic: يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُزَّمِّلُ قُمِ اللَّيْلَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا
Transliteration: Ya ayyuhal muzzammil qumil layla illa qaleela
English Translation: O you who are wrapped up, stand in prayer at night except for a little. (Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:1 to 2)
This command highlights the importance of night prayer, which Tarawih is a part of during Ramadan.
Tarawih in the Sunnah of the Prophet
The practice of Tarawih comes directly from the Sunnah of Muhammad peace be upon him. Aisha may Allah be pleased with her said:
Arabic: مَا كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ يَزِيدُ فِي رَمَضَانَ وَلَا فِي غَيْرِهِ عَلَى إِحْدَى عَشْرَةَ رَكْعَةً
Transliteration: Ma kana Rasoolullahi yazeedu fi Ramadana wa la fi ghayrihi ala ihda ashra rakah
English Translation: The Messenger of Allah did not pray more than eleven rakahs in Ramadan or outside of it. (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
This hadith is often referenced in discussions about the number of rakahs in Tarawih.
How Many Rakahs Are in Tarawih?
One of the most common questions about Tarawih prayer is how many rakahs should be prayed.
There are two well-known practices:
- Eight rakahs plus three rakahs of Witr
- Twenty rakahs plus Witr
Both practices are valid and supported by scholarly opinions. The companions of the Prophet prayed Tarawih in congregation during the caliphate of Umar ibn Al Khattab with twenty rakahs.
What matters most is sincerity, consistency, and focus, not the number.
Tarawih Prayer and the Quran
One of the greatest features of Tarawih is the recitation of the Quran. In many mosques, the entire Quran is completed over the course of Ramadan during Tarawih prayers. Allah says:
Arabic: شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ
Transliteration: Shahru Ramadana allathee unzila feehi al-Quran
English Translation: The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed. (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
Listening to the Quran during Tarawih strengthens understanding, reflection, and emotional connection with the words of Allah.
03 Spiritual Benefits of Tarawih Prayer
Some of the spiritual benefits of Tarawih prayer are given as below:
Forgiveness of Past Sins
One of the greatest rewards of Tarawih prayer is forgiveness. The Prophet peace be upon him said:
Arabic: مَنْ قَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ
Transliteration: Man qama Ramadana eemanan wahtisaban ghufira lahu ma taqaddama min dhanbihi
English Translation: Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward will have his past sins forgiven. (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Tarawih is included in this promise of forgiveness.
Strengthening the Relationship with Allah
Standing before Allah at night, reciting His words, and listening attentively builds a deep spiritual bond. Tarawih trains the heart to submit and the soul to soften.
Increased Love for the Quran
Regular exposure to the Quran during Tarawih creates familiarity and love for its message. Many people begin or renew their Quran memorisation journey during Ramadan because of Tarawih.
Physical and Mental Benefits of Tarawih
Tarawih also provides physical and mental benefits:
- Improves focus and patience
- Encourages discipline and routine
- Helps reduce stress
- Promotes spiritual calm
The repeated movements of prayer combined with Quran recitation create balance between body and soul.
Can Women Pray Tarawih?
Yes, women are encouraged to pray Tarawih. They may pray in the mosque or at home. The Prophet peace be upon him said:
Arabic: لَا تَمْنَعُوا إِمَاءَ اللَّهِ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ
Transliteration: La tamnaoo imaa Allahi masajid Allah
English Translation: Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from the mosques of Allah. (Sahih Muslim)
However, praying at home is also highly rewarded and valid.
How to Pray Tarawih at Home
For those unable to attend the mosque, Tarawih can be prayed at home. Steps:
- Pray Isha and Sunnah prayers
- Pray Tarawih in sets of two rakahs
- Recite from the Quran or Mushaf
- Pray Witr at the end
Tarawih at home still carries great reward.
Tarawih and Community Unity
Tarawih strengthens community bonds. Standing shoulder to shoulder reminds Muslims of equality, unity, and shared purpose. Mosques become centers of warmth, mercy, and brotherhood during Ramadan nights.
Common Misconceptions about Tarawih
Some common misconceptions about Tarawih often create confusion, especially during Ramadan. It is important to clarify them with proper understanding.
One widespread misunderstanding is that Tarawih is obligatory. This is incorrect. Tarawih is Sunnah Muakkadah, meaning it is a highly recommended practice of the Prophet peace be upon him, but it is not fard. A Muslim is rewarded for performing it, but not sinful for missing it.
Another misconception is that missing Tarawih invalidates the fast. This is also false. Fasting and Tarawih are separate acts of worship. A person’s fast remains completely valid even if they do not pray Tarawih.
Some people also believe that only those who are Hafiz benefit from Tarawih. In reality, every believer who stands in prayer and listens attentively to the recitation of the Quran earns reward. Even if someone does not fully understand Arabic, the act of listening with humility and focus carries immense spiritual benefit and reward in Ramadan.
The Last Ten Nights and Tarawih
Tarawih becomes even more special in the last ten nights of Ramadan when Laylatul Qadr is sought. Allah says:
Arabic: لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
Transliteration: Laylatul qadri khayrun min alfi shahr
English Translation: The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)
Night prayers during these nights carry unmatched reward.
Tarawih Prayer Step by Step Guide
Tarawih is a special night prayer performed only during Ramadan. It is a Sunnah prayer established by the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and practiced by Muslims around the world. Many people ask how to pray Tarawih step by step, how many rakahs in Tarawih, and how to pray Tarawih at home. This guide answers all of that in a simple, easy to follow way.
Step 1
Make Intention for Tarawih
There is no need to say the intention out loud. Intention is made in the heart. Example intention in the heart:
“I intend to pray Sunnah Tarawih for the sake of Allah.”
This applies whether you are praying:
- In the mosque
- At home alone
- At home in congregation
Step 2
Pray Isha Prayer First
Tarawih cannot be prayed before Isha.
The correct order is:
- Pray Isha fard
- Pray Isha Sunnah
- Then begin Tarawih
If praying in the mosque, simply follow the imam.
Step 3
Decide the Number of Rakahs
Tarawih can be prayed in:
- 8 rakahs, or
- 20 rakahs
Both are correct and accepted.
Important rule:
- Tarawih is prayed in sets of 2 rakahs
- After every 2 rakahs, you say salam
Do not pray 4 rakahs together with one salam.
Step 4
Begin the First Two Rakahs of Tarawih
Each set of 2 rakahs is prayed like a normal Sunnah prayer.
First Rakah
- Say Allahu Akbar
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah
- Recite any portion of the Quran
- Complete ruku, sujood, and standing as usual
Second Rakah
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah
- Recite another portion of the Quran
- Complete the prayer
- Sit for tashahhud
- Say salam to end the 2 rakahs
Step 5
Take a Short Rest
The word Tarawih comes from rest. It is Sunnah to take short breaks, especially if praying many rakahs.
During the break you may:
- Sit quietly
- Make dhikr
- Make dua
- Listen to reminders (in mosque)
Resting is recommended but not required.
Step 6
Continue Praying Remaining Rakahs in Pairs
Repeat the same steps for each set of 2 rakahs until you complete:
- 8 rakahs, or
- 20 rakahs
If praying behind an imam, follow their pace and recitation.
Step 7
Recitation During Tarawih
If you are praying:
- In the mosque: listen attentively to the imam
- At home: you may recite from memory or read from the Mushaf
Listening quietly to the Quran also brings reward. Allah says:
Arabic: وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ وَأَنصِتُوا
Transliteration: Wa idha quri al-Quranu fastami oo lahu wa ansitoo
English Translation: When the Quran is recited, listen to it attentively and remain silent. (Surah Al-Araf 7:204)
Step 8
Pray Witr after Tarawih
Witr prayer is prayed after Tarawih, usually as:
- 1 rakah, or
- 3 rakahs
If praying in the mosque:
- Follow the imam for Witr
- It is recommended to complete Witr with the imam
The Prophet peace be upon him said:
Arabic: اجْعَلُوا آخِرَ صَلَاتِكُم بِاللَّيْلِ وِتْرًا
Transliteration: Ij aloo akhira salatikum bil-layli witran
English Translation: Make the last of your night prayer Witr. (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
How to Pray Tarawih at Home Step by Step
Praying Tarawih at home follows the same method. Simple home method:
- Pray Isha
- Pray Tarawih in 2 rakah sets
- Recite short surahs if tired
- Take breaks if needed
- End with Witr
You can pray:
- Alone
- With family
- With children
How Long Is Tarawih Prayer?
Length depends on:
- Number of rakahs
- Length of recitation
Approximate times:
- 8 rakahs: 30 to 45 minutes
- 20 rakahs: 60 to 90 minutes
There is no fixed length. Quality and sincerity matter more than duration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Tarawih
Common mistakes to avoid in Tarawih are
- Thinking Tarawih is obligatory
- Rushing without focus
- Leaving early out of laziness
- Arguing about number of rakahs
- Discouraging others from shorter prayers
Tarawih is about mercy, not hardship.
Tips for Beginners and Busy People
Some tips for beginners and busy people for Tarawih are:
- Start with 8 rakahs if needed
- Pray shorter surahs
- Sit briefly if tired
- Be consistent even if short
- Focus on sincerity, not perfection
The Prophet peace be upon him said:
Arabic: خَيْرُ الْأَعْمَالِ أَدْوَمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ
Transliteration: Khayrul aamaali adwamuha wa in qalla
English Translation: The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if small. (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Tarawih is a gift of Ramadan. Pray as much as you can, with a present heart, and trust Allah with the reward.
Final Thoughts
Tarawih is a gift from Allah to the Ummah of Muhammad. It is a time of forgiveness, reflection, and renewal. Whether prayed in congregation or at home, long or short, what matters is sincerity and presence of heart.
Do not let perfection stop you from participation. Stand for as much as you can. Listen with humility. Pray with hope. Ramadan nights are short, but their rewards are eternal.
FAQs:
1. Is Tarawih prayer obligatory in Islam?
No. Tarawih is not obligatory. It is a highly emphasized Sunnah performed during the month of Ramadan and carries great reward.
2. How many rakahs are there in Tarawih prayer?
Tarawih can be prayed as 8 rakahs or 20 rakahs, followed by Witr. Both practices are valid and accepted in Islam.
3. Can Tarawih be prayed at home?
Yes. Tarawih can be prayed at home individually or with family, and it carries the same reward if done sincerely.
4. Can women pray Tarawih in the mosque?
Yes. Women are allowed to pray Tarawih in the mosque or at home. Both options are permissible and rewarded.
5. Is it a sin to Miss Tarawih prayer?
No. Missing Tarawih is not a sin, and it does not affect the validity of fasting. However, praying it brings great spiritual reward and forgiveness.
