Embrace the sacred beauty of Ramadan with Taraweeh, a profound and immersive prayer ritual that connects you with the Divine. Immerse yourself in the ethereal atmosphere of a mosque as you join thousands of fellow believers in a collective act of devotion. With each synchronized movement and whispered supplication, feel a sense of unity and spiritual upliftment that transcends the boundaries of earthly existence.
Taraweeh is a prayer performed during the holy month of Ramadan, a time of deep introspection and spiritual cleansing. It is a series of 20 rak’ahs, or prayer units, performed after the mandatory Isha prayer and before the optional Witr prayer. The Taraweeh prayer is a Sunnah, a recommended practice in Islam, and is considered a highly rewarding act of worship. It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged his followers to perform Taraweeh during Ramadan, and many Muslims consider it an essential part of their observance of the holy month.
The Taraweeh prayer is typically performed in congregation, with a designated leader known as an Imam leading the prayers. The Imam recites the Quranic verses and supplications aloud, while the congregation follows along silently. The Taraweeh prayer is often performed slowly and deliberately, allowing for deep contemplation and reflection on the meanings of the verses being recited. The atmosphere during Taraweeh is one of tranquility and reverence, as Muslims come together to seek Allah’s forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.
Establishing the Intent
Performing Taraweeh prayers is a significant act of devotion during the holy month of Ramadan. It involves reciting specific prayers or surahs (chapters) from the Quran while standing, bowing, and prostrating. Before embarking on this spiritual journey, it is crucial to establish a clear intention (niyyah) to fulfill this religious obligation.
The intent should be sincere and focused solely on seeking Allah’s (SWT) pleasure and reward. It should not be driven by any external factors, such as competition or social recognition. When establishing your niyyah, it is recommended to use the following supplication:
“I intend to pray the prescribed Taraweeh prayers in Ramadan, seeking Allah’s (SWT) reward and forgiveness. I pray for my sins to be erased, my faith to be strengthened, and my connection with Allah (SWT) to be deepened. Oh Allah (SWT), accept my prayers and guide me to perform them with sincerity and devotion.”
By setting a clear intention, you align your actions with the spiritual purpose of Taraweeh prayers. This helps purify your motives and enhances the significance and reward associated with this act of worship.
Ritual Ablution
Performing ablution before offering Taraweeh prayers is crucial for purification. The steps involved are as follows:
- Intention: Begin with the intention of making ablution for Taraweeh prayers.
- Washing Hands: Wash your hands up to the wrists three times.
- Mouth: Rinse your mouth three times.
- Nose: Inhale water three times and exhale it.
- Face: Wash your face three times, ensuring that your hair and beard are thoroughly wet.
- Arms: Wash your arms from your elbows to your fingertips three times.
- Head: Take some water in your hand and wipe the front, back, and sides of your head once.
- Ears: Wipe the inside and outside of your ears once.
- Feet: Wash your feet up to the ankles three times, ensuring that your toes are washed thoroughly.
- Sequence: Perform each step in the correct order and ensure that each body part is adequately moistened.
Time
Taraweeh Prayer Times
Taraweeh prayers generally begin after Isha prayers and continue until the last third of the night. Here’s a table with approximate prayer times:
| Prayer Time | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Isha | After sunset |
| Taraweeh | After Isha until the last third of the night |
Length of Taraweeh Prayers
The length of Taraweeh prayers varies depending on the number of rak’ahs performed. Each rak’ah consists of two prostrations. The common practice is to pray 8 rak’ahs or 20 rak’ahs, with each rak’ah comprising a specific number of verses from the Quran.
Reciting the Opening Surah
Taraweeh prayers commence with the recitation of the Opening Surah, also known as Surah Al-Fatihah. This crucial step sets the tone for the rest of the prayer and holds immense significance in Islamic tradition.
Step 1: Niyyah (Intention)
Before reciting the Opening Surah, it is essential to establish a clear intention (niyyah) to perform Taraweeh prayers. This entails acknowledging that you are offering this prayer solely to please Allah (SWT) and seek His reward.
Step 2: Hands by the Ears
As you begin reciting the Opening Surah, raise your hands to the level of your ears, with your palms facing outward. This signifies that you are starting a ritual act of worship and signifies submission to Allah’s will.
Step 3: Reciting the Surah
Recite the Opening Surah aloud, paying careful attention to its pronunciation and meaning. The Surah consists of seven verses, each containing profound messages about Allah’s attributes and our dependence on Him. Below is a table summarizing the verses and their meanings:
| Verse | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. |
| 2 | All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. |
| 3 | The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. |
| 4 | Master of the Day of Judgment. |
| 5 | You alone we worship, and You alone we seek help from. |
| 6 | Guide us to the straight path. |
| 7 | The path of those You have favored, not of those who have incurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray. |
After reciting the Opening Surah, continue with the rest of the prayer as prescribed by the sunnah.
Performing the Rakat
Step 1: Niyyah (Intention)
Before commencing Taraweeh, it is essential to set an intention, declaring that you are praying Taraweeh to seek Allah’s pleasure.
Step 2: Takbiratul Ihram (Opening Takbir)
Raise your hands to your ears and say, “Allahu Akbar,” which marks the beginning of the prayer.
Step 3: Seeking Refuge and Reciting the Fatihah
After the opening takbir, seek refuge in Allah from Satan and recite the Fatihah (the opening chapter of the Quran).
Step 4: Reciting the Quran
After the Fatihah, recite a portion of the Quran, typically a short Surah or a few Ayahs (verses). Taraweeh prayers involve extensive Quranic recitation, and Muslims often strive to recite the entire Quran during the month of Ramadan.
| Night | Pages of Quran | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-3 | 30 minutes |
| 5 | 4-7 | 35 minutes |
| 10 | 8-12 | 40 minutes |
| 15 | 13-17 | 45 minutes |
| 20 | 18-22 | 50 minutes |
| 25 | 23-27 | 55 minutes |
| 30 | 28-30 + 1 | 60 minutes + |
This schedule provides an estimate of the time required for Quranic recitation during Taraweeh based on the number of pages covered each night. However, the actual time may vary depending on the length of the Surahs recited.
Concluding the Prayer
As you come to the end of your Taraweeh prayers, there are a few specific actions you should take to conclude the prayer properly.
Salutation (Tasleem)
After completing the final sujood (prostration), lift your head and turn your right cheek to the right, saying, “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah). Then, turn your left cheek to the left, repeating the same salutation.
Supplication (Du’a)
After the salutation, raise your hands in supplication (du’a) and recite any personal supplications or prayers you wish. Consider using the following common supplication:
| Arabic | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa, fa’afu ‘anni | O Allah, You are the Forgiver and love forgiveness, so forgive me. |
Seeking Allah’s Forgiveness (Istighfar)
After your supplication, seek Allah’s forgiveness by saying, “Astaghfirullah” (I seek Allah’s forgiveness).” Repeat this several times.
Invocations (Azkar)
Conclude your prayers with the following invocations:
- “Subhanallah” (Glory be to Allah)
- “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah)
- “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest)
Blessings and Benefits
Taraweeh is a spiritually rewarding practice with numerous blessings and benefits:
1. Increased Reward: Taraweeh is an optional prayer, but its performance is highly recommended and greatly rewarded by Allah (SWT).
2. Forgiveness of Sins: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever prays Taraweeh out of faith and seeking reward from Allah, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)
3. Spiritual Growth: Taraweeh helps us connect with Allah (SWT) deeply through extended periods of worship and reflection.
4. Strengthened Night Prayers: Regular Taraweeh practice strengthens our commitment to night prayers in general, improving our overall devotion.
5. Community Bonding: Taraweeh prayers bring the Muslim community together, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
6. Protection against the Fire: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever prays for twenty nights during Ramadan, not missing a single night, it will be recorded for him as if he had prayed for a whole year.” (Abu Dawud)
7. Specific Virtues of the Nights of Ramadan: Taraweeh prayers coincide with the nights of Ramadan, each of which holds special significance and blessings:
| Night | Blessings |
|---|---|
| 1st Night | The night of Forgiveness |
| 7th Night | The night of Power (Laylat ul-Qadr) |
| 15th Night | The night of Mid-Sha’ban |
| 21st Night | The night of Divine Decrees |
| 27th Night | The night of Mercy |
| 29th Night | The night of Blessing |
Precautions and Etiquette
Purification
Perform wudu (ablution) before each prayer to purify yourself.
Punctuality
Arrive at the mosque on time for the first prayer to join the congregation in supplication.
Prayer Mat
Bring a prayer mat to spread out in the designated prayer area.
Modest Attire
Men should wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their bodies from the shoulders to the ankles, while women should wear clothing that covers their entire bodies except their faces, hands, and feet.
Concentration
Focus your mind and heart on the prayer, minimizing distractions.
Respect for the Congregation
Maintain silence during prayers and avoid causing disturbances to others.
Remaining in the Mosque
It is recommended to remain in the mosque after the last prayer for additional worship and supplications.
Duration of the Prayer
Taraweeh prayers typically last around two to three hours, so be prepared to allocate sufficient time.
How To Pray Taraweeh
Taraweeh is a special prayer performed during the month of Ramadan. It is a sunnah prayer, meaning it is not obligatory, but it is highly recommended. Taraweeh is typically performed in congregation, but it can also be prayed individually.
Common Mistakes and Corrections
1. Not making the intention
Before beginning Taraweeh, it is important to make the intention to pray Taraweeh. This can be done by saying, "I intend to pray Taraweeh for Allah."
2. Not praying in congregation
Taraweeh is typically prayed in congregation. This is because it is a communal act of worship. However, it is permissible to pray Taraweeh individually if there is no congregation available.
3. Praying too many rak’ahs
Taraweeh is typically prayed in 8 or 20 rak’ahs. It is not permissible to pray more than 20 rak’ahs of Taraweeh.
4. Not reciting the Quran
Reciting the Quran is an important part of Taraweeh. It is recommended to recite at least one juz’ (part) of the Quran each night.
5. Not making sujood
Sujood is the act of prostration. It is an important part of Taraweeh.
6. Not making dua
Dua is the act of supplication. It is recommended to make dua at the end of each rak’ah of Taraweeh.
7. Talking during Taraweeh
Talking during Taraweeh is not permissible. This is because it is a time for concentration and worship.
8. Not wearing appropriate clothing
It is important to wear appropriate clothing when praying Taraweeh. This means covering the awrah (private parts).
9. Thinking that Taraweeh is Obligatory
Taraweeh is a Sunnah prayer, meaning it is not obligatory. However, it is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "Whoever prays Taraweeh out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven."
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| Not making the intention | Make the intention to pray Taraweeh before beginning. |
| Praying more than 20 rak’ahs | Limit Taraweeh to 8 or 20 rak’ahs. |
Spiritual Significance
Taraweeh is a form of extra ritual prayers performed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan. It is a time of spiritual reflection and growth, where Muslims seek to strengthen their connection with God through extended prayers and supplications. The spiritual significance of Taraweeh can be summarized in several key points:
- Increased Reward: Taraweeh prayers are considered highly rewarding by Allah, as they are performed during a special time of the year when His blessings are amplified.
- Spiritual Purification: Taraweeh helps purify the soul from sins, fostering a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
- Strengthening Faith: The prolonged prayers and supplications in Taraweeh strengthen one’s faith and trust in Allah.
- Forgiveness of Sins: Taraweeh prayers seek forgiveness from Allah for past mistakes, offering an opportunity for spiritual renewal.
- Seeking Mercy: Muslims supplicate to Allah for His mercy and compassion during Taraweeh, asking for protection and guidance.
- Community Bonding: Taraweeh is often performed in congregation, fostering a sense of unity and community among believers.
- Recitation of Quran: Muslims recite portions of the Quran during Taraweeh, deepening their understanding and connection with the sacred text.
- Remembrance of Allah: Taraweeh prayers are a constant reminder of Allah’s presence and the importance of staying connected with Him.
- Spiritual Growth: The extended and intensive prayers of Taraweeh serve as a means of spiritual growth and self-improvement.
- Preparation for Laylat al-Qadr: Taraweeh prayers are believed to increase the chances of encountering the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), the holiest night in Islam.
How to Perform Taraweeh Prayer
Taraweeh is a non-obligatory prayer performed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan. It is traditionally performed in congregation at a mosque after the Isha prayer (the fourth of the five daily prayers). The prayer consists of eight units, each followed by a Witr (a special supplication) and concluding with a final Witr. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pray Taraweeh:
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After performing the Isha prayer, line up in rows facing the qiblah (the direction of Makkah). The imam (prayer leader) will lead the prayer.
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Begin by reciting the Takbiratul Ihram (“Allahu Akbar”), raising your hands to your ears.
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Recite the Surah Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Quran) and any other Surah or verses of the Quran.
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Perform ruku’ (bowing) by bending at the waist and placing your hands on your knees.
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Return to the standing position and recite the Surah Fatiha and any other Surah or verses of the Quran.
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Perform sujud (prostration) by going down on your hands and knees, touching your forehead to the ground.
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Return to the sitting position and repeat the Surah Fatiha and any other Surah or verses of the Quran.
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Perform sujud again, then return to the sitting position.
Repeat steps 2-8 for the remaining units of the prayer. After completing the eighth unit, perform the Witr as follows:
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Recite the Surah Fatiha and any other Surah or verses of the Quran.
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Perform ruku’, then return to the standing position.
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Perform sujud, then return to the sitting position.
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Repeat steps 2-3 two more times for a total of three Witrs.
Conclude the prayer by reciting the Taslim (“As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah”), turning your head to the right and then to the left.
People Also Ask
What is the purpose of Taraweeh prayer?
Taraweeh prayer is a way for Muslims to seek forgiveness and blessings during the holy month of Ramadan. It is also a time for spiritual reflection and community building.
How many units are in Taraweeh prayer?
Taraweeh prayer consists of eight units, with each unit followed by a Witr. The final Witr is performed after the eighth unit.
Who can perform Taraweeh prayer?
Taraweeh prayer can be performed by both men and women. However, it is recommended that women pray in their homes, as it is considered more appropriate for them to remain in seclusion during Ramadan.
What are the benefits of praying Taraweeh?
Praying Taraweeh has many benefits, including earning forgiveness for sins, gaining blessings, and strengthening one’s faith.
