How to Pray Taraweeh
Taraweeh is a night prayer performed during Ramadan. It is prayed in sets of 2 until completion at 8, 12 or 20 rakats, and can pardon the past sins of a believer.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Prayers at night are offered in two followed by two. Then, if you fear dawn will come, pray witr with one.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown of how to pray Taraweeh:
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Pray 4 rakats Fardh of Isha
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Pray 2 rakats Sunnah of Isha
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Set intention to start praying Taraweeh/qiyam
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Pray the first 4 rakats of taraweeh, 2 rakats at a time
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Take a short break after each interval of 4 rakats
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Pray another 4 rakats of taraweeh
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Rest
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Either end Taraweeh here or pray the remainder until 12 or 20 total rakats are reached
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End the night with Witr prayer
What is Taraweeh?
Meaning rest or relaxation, Taraweeh is a voluntary prayer performed after the evening prayer, Isha, every single night during Ramadan. As it is a highly recommended Sunnah, mosques across the world hold congregational Tarawih prayers for men and women on every night of this blessed month.
Many believe those who pray Taraweeh throughout Ramadan will be rewarded immensely and have their sins forgiven.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He who observes optional prayer (Tarawih prayers) throughout Ramadan, out of sincerity of Faith and in the hope of earning reward will have his past sins pardoned.” (Al- Bukhari and Muslim)
How many rakats are in Taraweeh?
Taraweeh, like other voluntary prayers, is prayed in sets of 2 rakats at a time with the ability to rest after every 4 rakats.
Some narrations state that a complete Taraweeh is 8 rakats while others say it is 12 or 20. When attending Taraweeh at a masjid, the Imam will usually pray the full 20 rakats as all four schools of thought support these narrations.
When is Taraweeh performed?
Taraweeh prayer is observed at night any time after the obligatory Isha prayer but before Witr, as the Witr prayer is the last prayer of the night.
Can Taraweeh be performed at home?
Yes, Taraweeh can be performed at home. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed most of his Taraweeh prayers at home.
Taraweeh was never a nightly congregational prayer during his (PBUH) lifetime. Worshipping Allah (SWT) alone or with family at home is still greatly rewarding.