<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Taraweeh prayer is performed in pairs of two rak’at (prayer units), similar to the obligatory prayer, but with longer recitations and resting pauses. It begins after the Isha prayer and can continue until dawn. Correct execution requires attention to the steps and following the Imam in congregation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA. The Prayer Method Step by Step<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAfter the Isha prayer and a short interval, the Imam steps forward and begins Taraweeh with the Takbir (Allahu akbar). The worshippers follow him in every movement: standing, bowing (ruku’), prostrating (sujud), and sitting position. After every two rak’at, the Imam concludes with the greeting of peace (salam) to the right and left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
B. What Are the Resting Pauses Between Units?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAfter every four rak’at (i.e., after two salams), a short pause is observed, called Tarwiha. During this pause, worshippers can make supplications, glorify Allah (tasbih), or rest quietly. These pauses give Taraweeh its name and help gather strength for the remaining units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C. How Is the Entire Quran Recited During Taraweeh?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMany mosques follow the tradition of completing the entire Quran during Taraweeh throughout Ramadan (Khatm al-Quran). The Imam divides the Quran into 30 approximately equal parts (juz’) and recites one part each night. This allows worshippers to hear the entire Quran within one month\u2014a special opportunity for spiritual reflection and connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSchool of Thought<\/strong><\/td>Number of Rak’at<\/strong><\/td>Main Argument<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Hanafi<\/td> 20 rak’at<\/td> Practice of Umar and the companions in Medina<\/td><\/tr> Maliki<\/td> 36 or 20 rak’at<\/td> Adaptation to the Medinan tradition<\/td><\/tr> Shafi’i<\/td> 20 rak’at<\/td> Consensus of scholars after the companions’ era<\/td><\/tr> Hanbali<\/td> 20 rak’at<\/td> Narration from Ahmad ibn Hanbal<\/td><\/tr> Some Scholars<\/td> 8 rak’at<\/td> Following the practice of the Prophet \ufdfa<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>2. How Many Rak’at Does the Taraweeh Prayer Have?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe number of rak’at in Taraweeh prayer is a frequently asked question, as it varies in different mosques. Essentially, there are two widespread narrations: eight or twenty rak’at, both based on the practice of the Prophet’s \ufdfa companions. Both numbers are legally valid and considered Sunnah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A. The Common Number: 8 or 20 Rak’at?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe majority of mosques worldwide follow the number of 20 rak’at, as it originates from Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab’s instruction and was unanimously accepted by the companions. The narration of 8 rak’at is based on the Prophet’s \ufdfa practice, though he did not pray it regularly in congregation out of concern it might become obligatory. Both numbers are permissible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
B. Why Does the Number Vary Between Mosques?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe differences stem from various narrations and interpretations by legal scholars. Some mosques choose a shorter number due to space constraints or to avoid overburdening the congregation. Other mosques maintain the longer tradition to include more Quranic recitation. What matters is that all variants have their valid basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C. Is There a Fixed Number That Cannot Be Exceeded?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNo, there is no fixed upper limit. Some companions and early scholars prayed even more than 20 rak’at to spend the night in worship. What counts is the quality of the prayer and inner devotion, not merely the quantity. Those wishing to pray more can add voluntary prayers after Taraweeh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>3. What Is the Taraweeh Prayer in Simple Terms?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTaraweeh is the nightly Ramadan prayer that Muslims perform after the evening prayer to draw closer to Allah and hear the Quran. It is not obligatory but a strongly emphasized Sunnah of the Prophet \ufdfa, associated with immense rewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A. Definition of Taraweeh Prayer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLinguistically, “Taraweeh” derives from “Tarwiha,” meaning “resting pause.” Technically, it refers to the prayers performed during Ramadan nights, which can be prayed in congregation or individually. It is part of Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer) and ranks among the most excellent deeds in Ramadan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
B. Why Is It Called Taraweeh?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe name comes from the resting breaks taken after every four rak’at. During these pauses, worshippers can regain strength, make supplications, or praise the Imam. This practice made congregational prayer more manageable and enabled longer nights of devotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C. When Did the Prophet \ufdfa First Pray It?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nThe Prophet \ufdfa prayed Taraweeh in congregation at the mosque, but only for a few nights, fearing it might become obligatory. He said: “I feared that it might be made obligatory upon you.” After his passing, Umar ibn al-Khattab gathered the Muslims again behind one Imam, reviving this Sunnah.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>4. When Does Taraweeh Time Begin and End?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe time for Taraweeh prayer begins immediately after the Isha prayer and lasts until the break of dawn (Fajr). Within this window, the prayer can be performed at any time, though the first part of the night after Isha is preferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A. Beginning After Isha Prayer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTaraweeh is only performed after the obligatory Isha prayer. It is not permissible to pray it beforehand. In practice, a short pause follows Isha, then the Imam begins Taraweeh. Those who pray Isha at the mosque can directly join the Taraweeh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
B. End Before Dawn<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe time ends with the onset of dawn. Those praying the last rak’at before Fajr should ensure that the Witr prayer (odd-numbered) is completed before dawn. Most mosques conclude Taraweeh about an hour before Suhur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C. Can Taraweeh Be Prayed After Suhur?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNo, after dawn, Taraweeh is no longer valid. Those who wake in the last part of the night can instead pray Tahajjud, which also belongs to Qiyam al-Layl. Taraweeh is specifically tied to the time after Isha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>5. Is Taraweeh Obligatory or Sunnah?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAccording to unanimous scholarly consensus, Taraweeh prayer is not obligatory (fard) but a strongly emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah mu’akkadah). The Prophet \ufdfa encouraged it without making it compulsory. Those who perform it receive great reward, while those who omit it commit no sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A. Legal Rulings in the Four Schools of Thought<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAll four schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali) classify Taraweeh as Sunnah. Imam Abu Hanifa stated: “Taraweeh is a confirmed Sunnah, and omitting it is disliked but not sinful.” Imam Malik emphasized the communal practice in Medina as its foundation. The Shafi’i and Hanbali schools consider it individually recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
B. Difference Between Taraweeh, Qiyam, and Tahajjud<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nQiyam al-Layl is the overarching term for all night prayers. Taraweeh refers specifically to Qiyam during Ramadan after Isha. Tahajjud is the prayer in the last part of the night after sleeping. Both are voluntary, though Tahajjud is considered higher in rank due to being performed in the stillness of the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C. What If Someone Deliberately Leaves It?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSince it is not obligatory, there is no sin in omitting it. However, the person misses a great reward and the opportunity to spend Ramadan nights in worship. Scholars strongly recommend performing it, especially in congregation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n