Taraweeh prayer is one of the most special acts of worship in Ramadan. It is an extra night prayer performed after Isha prayer, bringing immense rewards and spiritual blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged this prayer, and it became a cherished practice in the Muslim world.
In this article, we will explain Taraweeh in hadith, how to perform Taraweeh, the number of rakaat in Tarawih, recommended duas, and how to pray Taraweeh at home.
Taraweeh in Hadith
Taraweeh has its roots in the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He initially prayed it in congregation, but later stopped leading it publicly, fearing it might become obligatory.
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed one night in the mosque, and some people joined him. The next night, more people gathered. On the third or fourth night, the mosque was filled, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not come out. When morning came, he said: ‘I saw what you did, but what prevented me from coming out was that I feared it would become obligatory upon you.’” (Muslim)
This hadith shows that Taraweeh is an emphasized Sunnah, but it is not obligatory. The Prophet prayed it at times, both individually and in congregation, and his companions continued the practice after him.
Taraweeh Prayer & Duas
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to pray ten rakats at night, praying two by two, then he would finish with one Witr.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
She also said about The Prophet (peace be upon him): “He did not pray more than eleven rak`at in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to pray four rak`at – let alone their beauty and length -and then he would pray four -let alone their beauty and length – and then he would pray three rak`at (witr)” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
During the time of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), the companions prayed twenty rakats in congregation. Many mosques today follow this practice.
Dua After the Last Rakat of Taraweeh
It is recommended to raise your hands in supplication after Taraweeh, seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings. A simple yet powerful Taraweeh dua is: “Our Lord, accept from us our fasting, our prayers, and all our good deeds.”
How to Perform Taraweeh Prayer
Taraweeh, like other voluntary prayers, is prayed in sets of two rakats with the option to rest after every four rakats.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Prayers at night are offered in two followed by two. Then, if you fear dawn will come, pray Witr with one.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Pray Taraweeh
- Pray 4 rakats Fardh of Isha.
- Pray 2 rakats Sunnah of Isha.(optional)
- Set your intention for Taraweeh.
- Pray the first 4 rakats of Taraweeh, in sets of 2 rakats each.
- Take a short break after every four rakats.
- Pray another 4 rakats of Taraweeh.
- Continue until reaching 8, 12, or 20 rakats.
- End the night with Witr prayer (recommended but optional).
Rakaat Tarawih: How Many Rakaats is Taraweeh?
- 8 rakats – Some narrations suggest the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed 8 rakats of Taraweeh.
- 20 rakats – During Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s time, the companions prayed 20 rakats.
- 12 rakats – Some scholars mention 12 rakats as an option.
- Unlimited – Since Taraweeh is a voluntary night prayer, a person can pray as much as they wish.
Tarawih Prayer Time
- Starts: After Isha prayer.
- Ends: Before Fajr prayer.
How to Pray Taraweeh at Home?
Praying Taraweeh at home is a great option for those who cannot attend the mosque. Taraweeh can be prayed at home, alone or in congregation with family, just as it is in the mosque. Whether you pray alone or with family, the method remains the same as outlined in How to Perform Taraweeh Prayer under Step-by-Step Guide on How to Pray Taraweeh.
The spiritual rewards of praying Taraweeh at home remain immense, and it offers a great opportunity for personal reflection and connection with Allah in a comfortable setting. Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed some Taraweeh prayers at home.
