During Ramadan, Muslims perform the uplifting spiritual act of worship known as Taraweeh prayer. Muslims have a special chance to find closeness with Allah through this unique prayer performed following Isha. Believers perform Taraweeh or Tarawih prayer during Ramadan to deepen their spiritual connection with Allah while focusing on Quranic understanding.
What is Taraweeh?
Taraweeh prayer is a special night prayer performed during Ramadan after Isha Salah. It consists of multiple Rakats and is a Sunnah practice where Muslims recite the Quran in Taraweeh and seek Allah’s mercy through Taraweeh ki dua.
Significance of Taraweeh
Islam considers Taraweeh as a highly recommended Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established for Muslims. Muslims all around the world continue to practice Taraweeh because the Prophet (PBUH) motivated his companions to perform this prayer. Through Taraweeh prayer, Muslims deepen their spiritual connection with Allah, which leads to receiving His blessing of forgiveness and mercy.
Benefits of Taraweeh
Praying Taraweeh has numerous mental, spiritual and physical benefits:
- Promotes Physical Health: Prolonged standing, bowing, and prostration improve flexibility and circulation.
- Strengthens Faith: Engaging in extra prayers deepens one’s connection with Allah.
- Cleanses Sins: The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
- Boosts Mental Well-being: It provides peace of mind, reduces stress, and enhances emotional well-being.
- Enhances Focus & Discipline: Long-standing prayers improve patience and self-control.
Quranic Reference To Taraweeh
Although Taraweeh is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, Allah encourages extra prayers. In Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:20), Allah says:|
“And establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - You will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward.”
This verse highlights the rewards of voluntary prayers, which include Taraweeh prayer.
Number of Rak’ahs In Taraweeh Prayer
The number of rak’ahs in Tarawih prayer has been debated among scholars. The common practices include:
- 8 Rak’ahs: Some follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who initially prayed 8 rak’ahs with extended recitation.
- 20 Rak’ahs: The practice of 20 rak’ahs was formalized during Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s (RA) time and is widely followed.
- Other Numbers: Some mosques pray 36 or more rak’ahs, but 8 or 20 remain the most common.
Do You Know How To Pray Taraweeh?
Taraweeh is prayed in sets of two rak’ahs, like other voluntary prayers. Here’s a simple guide:
- Begin With Isha Prayer: Perform the obligatory 4 rak’ahs of Isha, followed by 2 rak’ahs of Sunnah.
- Make the Intention: In your heart, intend to pray Taraweeh for the sake of Allah.
- Pray In Pairs: Each set consists of two rak’ahs. You can pray 8, 10, 12 or 20 rak’ahs as per your preference.
- Recite The Quran: In each rak’ah, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by another Surah.
- End with Witr Prayer: Conclude with Witr prayer, which is usually 3 rak’ahs.
Taraweeh Prayer Dua
One of the commonly recited duas during Taraweeh prayer is:
Arabic:
سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْمُلْكِ وَالْمَلَكُوْتِ ، سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْعِزَّةِ وَالْعَظَمَةِ وَالْهَيْبَةِ وَالْقُدْرَةِ وَالْكِبْرِيَائِ وَالْجَبَرُوْتِ ، سُبْحَانَ الْمَلِكِ الْحَيِ الَّذِي لَا يَنَامُ وَلَا يَمُوْتُ سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّ الْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالرُّوْحِ اللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنَا مِنَ النَّارِ يَا مُجِيرُ يَا مُجِيرُ يَا مُجِير -
Taraweeh DUA Transliteration
“Subhana dhil Mulki wal Malakuti, Subhana dhil izzati wal aDhmati wal haybati wal Qudrati, wal kibriyaa’i wal jabaroot Subhanal Malikil hayyil ladhi, la yunaamu wa layamut, Subbuhun Quddusun Rabbul malaa’ikati war-ruh. Allahumma ajirna minan-naar Ya Mujiru ya Mujiru ya Mujiru.
Translation:
"Glory be to the Possessor of the Kingdom and the Dominion, Glory be to the Possessor of Might, Majesty, Awe, and Power, and to the Possessor of Greatness and Omnipotence. Glory be to the Living King who never sleeps or dies, the Holy and Pure, Lord of the angels and the spirit. O Allah, save us from the fire. O protector, O protector, O protector."
Rewards of Praying Taraweeh
The rewards of praying Taraweeh prayer are immense:
- Each night of Ramadan carries blessings equivalent to 1000 months of worship (Laylatul Qadr).
- The Prophet (PBUH) promised forgiveness of past sins for those who stand in prayer during Ramadan (Bukhari & Muslim).
- Engaging in Taraweeh brings peace, guidance, and spiritual purification.
Conclusion
In short, we conclude that Taraweeh is a beautiful act of worship that strengthens faith, cleanses sins, and brings immense rewards. Whether prayed in a mosque or at home, it remains a powerful spiritual practice. Let’s make an effort to pray Taraweeh prayer regularly in Ramadan and reap its blessings.
FAQs
How important is the Taraweeh prayer?
Taraweeh prayer is highly recommended as it is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged it and its rewards are great as well.
How many rak’ahs are in Taraweeh?
There can be 8, 10, 12, or 20 rak’ahs in Taraweeh prayer. The most common considered practice is 8 or 20.
When to pray Taraweeh?
Taraweeh prayer is prayed after Isha's prayer and before Witr in Ramadan.
What is the history of Taraweeh?
Taraweeh was established by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and later normalised into a congregational prayer during Caliph Umar’s time.
Why is Taraweeh called Taraweeh?
The name "Taraweeh" means “rest” because worshippers take short breaks between sets of rak’ahs.
Is Taraweeh Sunnah, Nafl or Wajib?
Taraweeh prayer is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly recommended Sunnah).
Can I pray Taraweeh at home?
Yes, you can perform Taraweeh prayer at home individually or in congregation, reciting Taraweeh namaz dua and other supplications.
What is the best time to perform Taraweeh?
The best time for Taraweeh prayer is after Isha Salah and before Tahajjud, making it an essential part of how to perform Taraweeh prayer.
Do I need to complete the whole Quran in Taraweeh?
Completing the Quran in Taraweeh is Sunnah, but it is not obligatory; you can recite any Surahs and make Taraweeh prayer dua.
