Tarawih Prayer: Complete Guide to the Special Ramadan Night Prayer

Tarawih (تراويح) is the special voluntary night prayer performed during the month of Ramadan after the Isha (night) prayer. It is one of the most cherished acts of worship during Ramadan, filling mosques around the world with worshippers throughout the night. The word "Tarawih" comes from the Arabic root "raha," meaning "rest" — referring to the practice of resting between sets of four rak'ahs during the prayer.

The Prophetic Basis for Tarawih

Tarawih is established by the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ prayed Tarawih with his companions on several nights in Ramadan but stopped congregational Tarawih out of concern that it might become obligatory. He said to his companions:

"Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Tarawih as an organized congregational prayer was established during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), when he organized the Muslims to pray behind a single imam, Ubayy ibn Ka'b. Umar observed the separate groups and said: "What a good bid'ah (innovation) this is!" — using the word in its linguistically positive sense to mean a praiseworthy new organization of an established act.

How Many Rak'ahs is Tarawih?

The number of Tarawih rak'ahs is one of the most discussed topics in Islamic jurisprudence. There are two main positions:

8 Rak'ahs

Many scholars, particularly those following the Shafi'i school and influenced by Salafi scholarship, hold that the Sunnah is 8 rak'ahs of Tarawih plus 3 rak'ahs of Witr (total 11 rak'ahs). This is based on the hadith of Aisha (RA) who said:

"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ did not pray more than eleven rak'ahs in Ramadan or at any other time — four, then four, then three." (Bukhari)

20 Rak'ahs

The majority of classical scholars — including the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools — hold that 20 rak'ahs of Tarawih is the Sunnah, based on the established practice of the companions during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, and on the practice of the scholars of Medina. This is the practice in Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina.

Both positions are considered valid. The most important thing is to perform Tarawih with sincerity and focus, regardless of the number of rak'ahs.

The Structure of Tarawih Prayer

Tarawih is prayed in sets of 2 rak'ahs:

1. Make the intention (niyyah) for Tarawih Sunnah prayer
2. Pray 2 rak'ahs with Surah Al-Fatiha and another surah in each rak'ah
3. After every 4 rak'ahs (2+2), rest for a brief period (this is the "Tarawih" rest)
4. Continue until the full 8 or 20 rak'ahs are complete
5. Conclude with Witr prayer (typically 3 rak'ahs, with a du'a qunut in the last rak'ah)

In congregational Tarawih at a mosque, the imam typically recites from memory, often completing the entire Quran during the 30 nights of Ramadan (approximately one Juz'/part per night). This completion of the Quran during Tarawih is called a "khatm" and is considered highly meritorious.

Tarawih at Home vs. in the Mosque

Tarawih can be performed both at home and in the mosque. Opinions differ on which is preferred:

Arguments for Mosque Tarawih

• Following the established tradition of Umar (RA) and the companions
• Congregational prayer earns 27 times more reward than individual prayer
• Opportunity to listen to extensive Quran recitation
• Maintains community bonds during Ramadan
• Completing the Quran in congregation during Tarawih has special significance

Arguments for Home Tarawih

• The Prophet ﷺ performed Tarawih at home for much of Ramadan
• He said: "The best prayer is one's prayer in one's house, except for obligatory prayers" (Bukhari)
• Allows for longer recitation and more personal devotion
• Convenient for those with children, health issues, or distance from mosque

Many scholars recommend going to the mosque for at least part of Ramadan, especially during the last ten nights when the Tarawih in many mosques includes special supplications (du'a al-khatm) upon completing the Quran.

How to Perform Tarawih at Home

If you prefer or need to pray Tarawih at home, here is how:

1. Time: Pray after Isha and before Fajr (any time during the night)
2. Intention: Make the intention for "Salat al-Tarawih Sunnah"
3. Format: Pray 2 rak'ahs at a time, reciting Al-Fatiha and any surah you know
4. Pace: You can pray at your own pace, spending more time on recitation and reflection
5. Number: Pray as many rak'ahs as you comfortably can — even 2 rak'ahs count
6. Witr: End your night prayer with Witr (1 or 3 rak'ahs)

A practical plan for home Tarawih: Pray 2 rak'ahs, rest, pray 2 more, rest, and so on. Use a mushaf (Quran) if needed — there is no prohibition on reading from the Quran during prayer.

Benefits of Tarawih Prayer

The spiritual benefits of Tarawih are extensive:

• Forgiveness of past sins: The Prophet ﷺ promised that consistent Tarawih leads to forgiveness of previous sins
• Spiritual training: Long standing in prayer trains the soul and body for devotion
• Quran connection: Hearing or reciting extensive Quran passages deepens familiarity with the Book of Allah
• Community building: Mosque Tarawih strengthens bonds between Muslims
• Night worship reward: Nighttime worship is particularly valued in Islam — it reflects sincerity, as no one can see you worshipping

Tarawih and the Completion of the Quran (Khatm)

One of the most meaningful aspects of Tarawih in large mosques is the nightly recitation of one Juz' (thirtieth) of the Quran, completing the full Quran over 30 nights. This completion is called "khatm al-Quran" and is followed by a special du'a ceremony in many mosques.

At HijriGuide.com, you can use the Hijri calendar to track Ramadan nights and plan your Quran completion schedule. If you are reading at home, you might aim to complete approximately 20 pages per day to finish the Quran by the end of Ramadan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tarawih

Is Tarawih obligatory?

No. Tarawih is a strongly recommended (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) prayer, not obligatory (Fard). Missing it does not constitute a sin, but consistently performing it earns significant reward and blessings.

Can women pray Tarawih in the mosque?

Yes. Women are permitted to pray Tarawih in the mosque, and this was practiced in the time of the Prophet ﷺ and the companions. Many mosques provide dedicated spaces for women during Ramadan Tarawih. Women may also pray at home, which is generally considered more meritorious for them according to most classical scholars.

Can I pray Tarawih alone?

Yes. Tarawih can be prayed individually at home. While congregational Tarawih in the mosque carries greater communal reward, individual Tarawih at home is valid and carries the same spiritual benefits promised by the Prophet ﷺ.

What if I join Tarawih late?

If you arrive at the mosque after some rak'ahs have been completed, join the prayer where it is and complete your missed rak'ahs after the imam ends. You receive the full reward for all rak'ahs you complete, even if you joined late.

Is it Sunnah to complete the Quran in Tarawih?

Many scholars recommend completing the Quran at least once during Tarawih. The companion tradition during the time of Umar (RA) included completing the Quran multiple times during Ramadan. However, a slow and focused Tarawih with shorter recitation is also valued — quality of focus matters alongside quantity of recitation.