Tarawih: the night prayer of Ramadan
The Tarawih prayers are among the most beloved acts of worship during the blessed month of Ramadan. They represent a unique opportunity to draw closer to Allah, listen to His Word being recited, and multiply rewards. The Prophet ﷺ said: «Whoever prays at night during Ramadan out of faith and hoping for reward from Allah, their past sins will be forgiven.» Understanding the meaning and correct practice of Tarawih allows the Muslim to gain maximum spiritual benefit from these blessed moments.
Learning objectives
- Understand the definition and merit of Tarawih prayer
- Distinguish Tarawih from Tahajjud and Qiyam al-Layl
- Know the recommendations regarding the number of rak'at
- Know how to organize between mosque and home prayer
- Adopt the right conduct during Tarawih to maximize concentration
Definition of Tarawih and distinction from Tahajjud / Qiyam al-Layl
The word «Tarawih» comes from the Arabic root «tarwihah» meaning «rest» or «pause». This name comes from the fact that the Companions would take a short rest after every four rak'at. Tarawih prayers are the supererogatory prayers performed after the obligatory Isha prayer during Ramadan.
Tarawih is part of the Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer) of Ramadan. Qiyam al-Layl is the general term for any voluntary prayer performed at night, whether during Ramadan or outside of it. Tarawih is therefore a specific form of Qiyam al-Layl specific to Ramadan.
Tahajjud is the night prayer performed after sleeping, usually in the last third of the night. During Ramadan, if a person prays Tarawih then sleeps and wakes in the last third of the night to pray, this prayer is called Tahajjud. Both are recommended, but Tarawih is done right after Isha, while Tahajjud is done after sleeping.
The Prophet ﷺ established the practice of Tarawih by praying some nights with his Companions, then stopped for fear it would become obligatory. After his death, Umar ibn al-Khattab gathered the Muslims behind an imam to pray Tarawih together, and this is how this practice became a communal sunnah.
Key points to remember
- •Tarawih = supererogatory prayers after Isha during Ramadan
- •Name comes from the pauses taken between the rak'at
- •Tarawih is a form of Qiyam al-Layl specific to Ramadan
- •Tahajjud = night prayer after sleeping, usually in the last third
- •Prophet ﷺ prayed Tarawih some nights, then Umar established it in congregation
- •It is a strongly recommended sunnah, not an obligation
Merits and rewards of the night prayer during Ramadan
Tarawih prayer carries immense merits. The Prophet ﷺ said: «Whoever prays at night during Ramadan out of faith and hoping for reward from Allah, their past sins will be forgiven.» This hadith shows that Tarawih is a cause of forgiveness of sins, provided it is performed with sincere faith (iman) and hope of reward (ihtisab).
Praying Tarawih in congregation at the mosque has a particular merit. The Prophet ﷺ said: «Whoever prays with the imam until he finishes, it is recorded for him as a night's worth of prayer.» This means that even if the prayer only lasts an hour or two, the reward equals that of having prayed the entire night.
Key points to remember
- •Tarawih with faith and hope = forgiveness of past sins
- •Fasting + night prayer during Ramadan = total purification
- •Listening to the Quran during Tarawih = multiplied rewards
- •Praying with imam until the end = reward of an entire night's prayer
- •Conditions: sincere faith (iman) and hope of reward (ihtisab)
- •Tarawih nourishes the soul and strengthens the bond with Allah
Praying at the mosque vs at home: situations, priorities, scholarly views
For men, the majority view is that it is preferable to pray Tarawih in congregation at the mosque. The merit of praying with the imam until the end strongly encourages communal prayer. However, if a person can pray at home with more concentration and khushu', some scholars say that home prayer may be better for them individually.
For women, scholars agree that praying at home is generally better. However, if a woman prefers to go to the mosque to benefit from the spiritual atmosphere, she is permitted to do so, while respecting the rules of modesty.
Key points to remember
- •Men: mosque prayer generally preferable (majority view)
- •Special merit: praying with imam until the end = entire night's reward
- •If home prayer is of better quality (khushu'), it may be preferable individually
- •Women: home prayer generally preferable according to the Sunnah
- •Women may go to the mosque if they wish, with proper conduct
- •The essential: perform Tarawih, regardless of the location
Number of rak'at: simply explaining that there is diversity in the Sunnah
The number of Tarawih rak'at is one of the subjects where there is a diversity of opinions among scholars. Aisha reported that the Prophet ﷺ never prayed more than eleven rak'at at night, whether during Ramadan or outside of it. Some scholars understand from this that the optimal number of Tarawih is eight rak'at, followed by three rak'at of Witr, totaling eleven.
However, other hadiths show that the Prophet ﷺ also prayed thirteen rak'at. Additionally, the Companions at the time of Umar prayed twenty rak'at of Tarawih, plus the Witr.
The important thing to remember: there is no fixed obligatory number for Tarawih. The Muslim can pray eight, eleven, thirteen, twenty, or even more, as long as they pray in pairs of two rak'at and end with Witr. Quality of prayer is more important than quantity.
Key points to remember
- •Diversity of opinions on number of rak'at: this is a mercy
- •Prophet ﷺ generally prayed eleven rak'at (including 3 Witr) according to Aisha
- •Other hadiths mention thirteen rak'at
- •The Companions prayed twenty rak'at under Umar
- •No fixed obligatory number, quality > quantity
- •Pray in pairs of two, ending with Witr
Conduct during Tarawih: concentration, recitation, listening, avoiding distraction
Tarawih is precious worship, and it is essential to adopt the right conduct. The first element is khushu' (humility and concentration). During the imam's recitation, the Muslim must listen attentively and reflect on the meaning of the verses. Allah says: «When the Quran is recited, listen to it attentively and remain silent, that you may receive mercy."
Do not speak during prayer or between rak'at. The phone should be turned off or on silent so as not to distract oneself or others. Pray as if it were your last prayer — this consciousness of the moment's importance helps maintain concentration.
Key points to remember
- •Khushu' (concentration and humility): absolute priority
- •Attentively listen to the imam's recitation and reflect
- •Do not speak during prayer or between rak'at
- •Turn off or silence your phone
- •Avoid excessive yawning, distracted glances, unnecessary movements
- •Pray as if it were the last prayer
- •Slow and thoughtful recitation of the Quran (tartil) rather than fast
Tarawih for women, children, the elderly or sick
Tarawih is recommended for all Muslims capable of performing it, but with adaptations according to situations.
For women, praying at home is generally preferable. If a woman prefers to go to the mosque, she is permitted, while respecting the rules of modesty.
For children, Tarawih is an excellent opportunity to accustom them to prayer and love of the mosque, but they must not disturb the other worshippers.
For the elderly or sick, Tarawih remains recommended within their capabilities. If they cannot stand for long, they pray sitting. The Prophet ﷺ said: «Pray standing, if you cannot, then sitting, and if you cannot, then lying on your side.»
Key points to remember
- •Women: home prayer preferable, mosque permitted with proper conduct
- •Children: accustom them gradually, without disturbing other worshippers
- •Elderly/sick: pray according to their capabilities (sitting if necessary)
- •Sitting prayer is valid if one cannot stand
- •Sincere intention and effort count before Allah
- •Do not deprive yourself of Tarawih due to surmountable difficulties
References (Dalil)
Hadith reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim — Exact reference and attribution to be confirmed.
"Whoever prays at night during Ramadan out of faith and hoping for reward from Allah, their past sins will be forgiven."
Hadith reported by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi — Exact reference and attribution to be confirmed.
"Whoever prays with the imam until he finishes, it is recorded for him as a night's worth of prayer."
Hadith reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim — Exact reference and attribution to be confirmed.
"Aisha said: «The Prophet ﷺ never prayed more than eleven rak'at at night, whether during Ramadan or outside of it.»"
Hadith reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim — Exact reference and attribution to be confirmed.
"The best prayer of a person is the one they perform at home, except the obligatory prayers."
Surah Al-A'raf, verse 204
"When the Quran is recited, listen to it attentively and remain silent, that you may receive mercy."
Hadith reported by Al-Bukhari — Exact reference and attribution to be confirmed.
"Pray standing, if you cannot, then sitting, and if you cannot, then lying on your side."