Taraweeh does not have one single fixed number of rakats for all Muslims; the most common practice today is 20 rakats in congregation, but 8, 11, and even 36 are also recognized in different communities and schools of fiqh.

Quick Scoop: Core Answer

  • The majority of classical scholars and all four major Sunni madhhabs regard 20 rakats (plus Witr) as the standard congregational Taraweeh format.
  • Many masjids, especially in Saudi Arabia and some Western communities, pray 8 or 11 rakats including Witr , based on the night-prayer of the Prophet as described by Aisha.
  • Some Maliki scholars historically considered 36 rakats as the fuller practice in places like Madinah, to match the spiritual effort of Makkah’s worshippers.
  • Scholars across the spectrum agree that Taraweeh is flexible : it is a voluntary night prayer in Ramadan prayed two by two , and a person can pray what they are able without sin for praying fewer than 20.

Different Practice, Same Goal

  • 20 rakats :
    • Adopted by the Companions in the time of Umar ibn al‑Khattab; many Hanafi, Shafi‘i and Hanbali jurists treat this as the established Sunnah of the Ummah.
  • 8–11 rakats :
    • Based on the hadith of Aisha that the Prophet did not exceed eleven rakats in his night prayer, in or out of Ramadan; some communities structure Taraweeh around this count.
  • More than 20 :
    • Maliki texts mention 36 rakats , and some explanations say this developed as a local, praiseworthy custom to increase worship, not as a contradiction of the core Sunnah.

An easy way to remember it:

If you follow the majority mosque practice , you’ll probably pray 20 ; if you follow the “pure night prayer” model , you might pray 8 or 11 ; and if you can only manage a few, you still gain reward.

What Most People Do Today

  • Many South Asian, Turkish, and Arab masjids: 20 rakats plus Witr in congregation.
  • Many masjids influenced by Haramain style: 8 or 11 rakats including Witr , with longer recitation.
  • Online forum and Q&A discussions strongly emphasize:
    • Don’t fight over numbers.
    • Focus on khushu‘ (presence of heart) and consistency.

Simple Practical Advice

  • Pray with your local masjid and follow their number, whether 8, 11, or 20.
  • If you are praying at home:
    1. Pray in pairs of two.
    2. Aim for a number you can do with calm, unhurried recitation (for many people that’s 8 or 10).
3. Finish the night with **Witr**.

Mini Table: Common Counts in Taraweeh

[7][5] [3][7] [7][3] [3][7] [1][5][9][3] [9][1][3] [9][3] [3][9]
Rakat count Who uses it? Notes
8 Some modern masjids, home prayersOften tied to hadith on the Prophet’s night prayer.
11 Haramain style, many scholars citing Aisha’s report.Usually counted as 8 + 3 Witr or similar structure.
20 Most traditional Sunni mosques worldwide.Backed by the four madhhabs and practice from time of Umar.
36 Classical Maliki view in some regions.Local practice to increase worship, still considered valid nafl.

Bottom line: If you’re asking “how many rakats in Taraweeh,” the safest short answer is 20 rakats (plus Witr) as the majority practice, but praying any valid number in pairs of two with sincerity fulfills the spirit of Taraweeh.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.