Taraweeh is a special night prayer in Ramadan prayed after Isha, usually in sets of two rak‘ahs, aiming for calm, focused worship rather than speed. It can be prayed in the mosque behind an imam or at home, alone or with family.

What is Taraweeh?

  • Taraweeh is a voluntary night prayer specific to Ramadan, prayed after the obligatory Isha prayer and before Witr.
  • Its purpose is to stand in prayer, recite Qur’an, and seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy during the blessed nights of Ramadan.
  • The number of rak‘ahs can vary (8, 20 or more); what matters most is sincerity and consistency, not a fixed number.

Before You Start (Basic Requirements)

  • Pray the fard of Isha first, then the Sunnah of Isha as you usually do.
  • Make a quiet intention in your heart, such as: “I intend to pray Taraweeh for the sake of Allah.”
  • Taraweeh time: from after Isha until Fajr; many people pray it soon after Isha, others later at night.
  • You may pray in congregation behind an imam or pray on your own; both are valid and rewarded.

Core Structure: How Taraweeh is Organized

  • Taraweeh is typically prayed in sets of two rak‘ahs, ending each pair with tasleem (salām).
  • You repeat two‑rak‘ah sets until you reach your planned total (for example, 8 rak‘ahs = four sets of 2; 20 rak‘ahs = ten sets of 2).
  • After finishing Taraweeh, you pray Witr (odd-numbered prayer) to close your night prayers, such as 1, 3, or more odd rak‘ahs.

Step‑by‑Step: One Rak‘ah of Taraweeh

A rak‘ah of Taraweeh is performed just like a normal rak‘ah of any regular prayer.

Step 1: Opening the Prayer

  1. Stand facing the qiblah, with proper wudu.
  2. Raise your hands to your ears or shoulders and say “Allahu Akbar” to begin.
  1. Place your right hand over your left hand while standing.
  1. You may recite an opening supplication (du‘a al‑istiftah) as you do in normal salah.

Step 2: Recitation While Standing

  1. Recite Surah Al‑Fatihah.
  1. Recite another surah or some verses from the Qur’an; it can be short (for beginners) or longer if you are able.

Step 3: Ruku‘ (Bowing)

  1. Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow into ruku‘, placing your hands on your knees, back straight.
  1. In ruku‘, say “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.

Step 4: Standing After Ruku‘ (I‘tidal)

  1. Rise saying “Sami‘Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him).
  1. When standing straight, say “Rabbana wa lakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You belongs all praise).

Step 5: Sujood (Prostration)

  1. Say “Allahu Akbar” and go into sujood with forehead, nose, palms, knees and toes on the ground.
  1. In sujood, recite “Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
  1. Sit briefly (jalsah) saying “Allahu Akbar”, then go into a second sujood and repeat.

Step 6: Second Rak‘ah

  • Stand up saying “Allahu Akbar” and repeat Steps 2–5 (recitation, ruku‘, standing, two sujoods).

Step 7: Tashahhud and Tasleem

  1. After the second sujood of the second rak‘ah, sit and recite the Tashahhud.
  1. Complete with salawāt on the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the final du‘a as in regular salah.
  1. Turn your head to the right and say “Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah”, then to the left and say the same.
  1. You have now completed two rak‘ahs of Taraweeh.

How Many Rak‘ahs? Different Views

There are several established practices among Muslims:

  • 8 rak‘ahs + Witr (often 3) is common, especially in many masajid today.
  • 20 rak‘ahs + Witr is also widely practiced across the Muslim world and has a long historical precedent.
  • Some communities may pray a different total; scholars emphasize that Taraweeh is flexible in number, and the key is devotion and endurance in worship.

You can choose what is manageable for you: if you’re new, even 4 or 8 rak‘ahs regularly throughout Ramadan is a beautiful start.

Praying Taraweeh at Home vs. Masjid

In the Masjid

  • You follow the imam’s recitation and movements, saying “Ameen” and other quiet adhkar, but not reciting aloud behind him in most schools.
  • The imam often recites longer passages to cover more of the Qur’an during Ramadan, sometimes finishing the whole Qur’an by the end of the month.

At Home (Alone or with Family)

  • You may lead your family if you are able, or each person may pray individually.
  • You can recite what you know by heart, even if it is only short surahs such as those in Juz ‘Amma; that is completely sufficient.
  • Some scholars allow reciting from the mushaf while praying Taraweeh at home if you have not memorized much.

Simple Sample Plan for Beginners

If you’re just starting and want something realistic:

  • Pray Isha as usual (fard + Sunnah).
  • Pray 4 or 8 rak‘ahs of Taraweeh in sets of two:
    • Every rak‘ah: Al‑Fatihah + a short surah (e.g., Al‑Ikhlas, Al‑Falaq, An‑Nas, Al‑Kawthar).
  • End with Witr (1 or 3 rak‘ahs) to complete your night prayer.

Over the course of Ramadan, you can increase the number of rak‘ahs or the length of your recitation as you feel more comfortable.

Tips for a Meaningful Taraweeh

  • Focus on khushu‘ (humble concentration) and understanding, not rushing.
  • Keep your phone away, minimize distractions, and remind yourself that these nights only come once a year.
  • Make du‘a in sujood and after the prayer for forgiveness, guidance, and whatever you need in this life and the next.
  • Stay consistent, even if the number of rak‘ahs is modest; continuity is beloved to Allah.

Brief FAQ Style Notes

  • Do I have to finish the whole Qur’an in Taraweeh?
    No; it is recommended in many masajid but not an individual obligation. Recite what you can.
  • Is Taraweeh invalid if I miss some rak‘ahs in the masjid?
    No; you get reward for what you prayed, and you can complete extra at home if you wish.
  • Can I still pray other night prayers (like extra nafl) after Taraweeh and Witr?
    Many scholars recommend making Witr your final prayer, but views differ; follow the fiqh opinion you trust.

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