Because the prayers of the righteous people in the past were so long, they would take a break after every four rak’at. This is why Qiayam al-Layl during Ramadan after {Isha’ is termed taraweeh. The sunnah mu’akkadah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is called taraweeh.

The Prophet came out one night in the latter year of his life and prayed taraweeh. A few individuals joined him in prayer that evening. As word got out on the second night, more people joined in taraweeh. On the third, there were even more attendees. The masjid was crowded on the fourth night as people awaited the coming of the Prophet.

The Prophet, however, prayed at home by himself. after Fajr, he said:

“Nothing prevented me from coming out to you except the fact that I feared that it would be made obligatory for you.” (Muslim)

People prayed in small groups or alone from the time of Abu Bakr until the start of `Umar’s reign. Later, after gathering everyone behind one imam, ‘Umar led the eight Rak`at prayers. In the end, it was raised to 20 raka’at to facilitate the populace.

How to Pray Taraweeh

It is not necessary to conduct tarawih right away following `Isha.’ Muslims are free to wait till later, however in a mosque, it always happens after two Sunnah rak’ahs after the ‘Isha’ prayer.

When doing tarawih, two rak`ahs are performed back-to-back, exactly like when performing the Fajr prayer. Although the exact number of rak`ahs varies, it often ranges from 8 to 20. It’s advised to take a little rest following every four rak`ahs. At this time, there might be a brief religious discourse, du`aa’ (supplication), or dhikr (memory of Allah) in a mosque.

The Tarawih prayer is said out loud. Muslims who are proficient in Arabic and who are leading others in prayer are permitted to hold the Qur’an in their hands and recite passages aloud during Tarawih. (However, Muslims are required to recite the Qur’an from memory during the fard [obligatory] prayers; new Muslims who are still learning how to pray are exempt.) You can recite the Qur’an from memory if you are illiterate in Arabic.

Tarawih can be as long or short as you choose, based on your energy level and reading/reciting proficiency. In a mosque, the Tarawih will last for an hour and a half if one juz is recited; however, other mosques recite less. You may find out how long each prayer takes and how much they recite. You are free to select the mosque in your neighborhood to visit if there are several.

The three rak’ah Witr prayer is said after Tarawih. In Ramadan, they can be performed in congregation and aloud. During these rak`ahs, brief surahs are typically performed in a mosque. It is customary for the imam to make an audible suppliant after the final rak`ah, known as ruku`, before bowing. The assembly is expected to respond with “ameen” following every line of the duaa’ (prayer). This is called qunoot, the prayer said after ruku.

The final prayer spoken before dawn should be the Witr. Therefore, you can omit the Witr in congregation and perform it after Tahajjud if you are praying Tarawih in congregation and would like to perform additional Tahajjud (optional Late Night) Prayers later.

Dua for Taraweeh

The full Taraweeh dua text is available here in Arabic, English, and transliteration:

Taraweeh Dua

Transliteration:

Subhana zil mulki wal malakooti subhana zil izzati wal jabaroot wal kibriyaai wal jabaroot. Wal azamati wal hayati allati la yanamu wala yamoot. Subboohun qud’doosur-rabuna warabbul malaa’ikati warruh.

English Translation:

Glory be to Allah, the Possessor of might, dominion, magnificence, and the manifest dominion. He is the Owner of the kingdom of the earth and the heavens. He is free from any imperfection, and none is worthy of worship except Him. He is the Lord of the angels and the Spirit.

An integral component of this optional prayer is reciting the Dua at Taraweeh. Reciting this dua at Taraweeh prayer is strongly advised, particularly on the final 10 nights of Ramadan.

“And Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness” [Quran 8:33]

Allah reminds us in this verse of the strength of his mercy and the significance of pleading for pardon. Among Allah’s most magnificent deeds are acts of mercy and compassion. As Muslims, we should find comfort in the knowledge that, through persistent and heartfelt prayer for forgiveness, we are all capable of receiving it, inshallah. This verse serves as a reminder to never give up on the possibility of always being able to pray for mercy and forgiveness.

“He created the heavens and earth in truth and formed you and perfected your forms; and to Him is the [final] destination” [Quran 64:3]

The Quran underlines that our entire existence and purpose are centered around this precise fact: Allah has refined us in our own special form, and we will finally return to our Creator by reminding us all that everyone’s end destiny on earth is back to Allah. This Quranic passage is a timely source of inspiration if you feel lost in life since it reminds us that our ultimate objective and destination should be the return to Allah.

“And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent” [Quran 65:3]

For those who feel alone in this world, this passage offers hope because it reminds us that Allah is and always will be sufficient for all of us. This gives us hope that we will never truly be alone in this world. The fact that Allah is always there for us can be a powerful reminder that all we really need is knowledge of the Holy Quran and confidence in Allah.

 “My mercy encompasses all things” [Quran 7:156]

This verse serves as a helpful reminder of Allah’s mercy for individuals who are afraid that their earnest prayers and repentance may go unanswered. This Quranic verse asserts that Allah’s kindness is infinite and all-encompassing, thus whatever we are pleading for, we should always do so sincerely and with confidence that we will receive it.

 “The truth is from your Lord, so do not be among the doubters” [Quran 3:60]

Living in a world full of constant confusion and distractions may be very taxing. According to this verse, there is only one true source of knowledge, and trusting in the Oneness of God will benefit us in both this life and the next.

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” [Quran 2:286]

When facing hardship, suffering, or various life challenges, it’s critical to keep in mind that Allah only puts people through as much as they can uniquely bear and conquer. Knowing that Allah is more aware of your strength than you are at times becomes powerful when you realize that every adversity was intended for you to conquer.

“So verily, with the hardship, there is relief. Verily, with the hardship, there is relief” [Quran 94:5-6]

This verse, which is among the most often repeated passages in the Quran, serves as a reminder to everyone who reads the text that Allah will always provide respite from all forms of affliction. This passage, which reminds us that Allah gives and takes, and also provides the best for all of us, might help folks feel more hopeful when it seems like there is nothing left.

“Do what is beautiful. Allah loves those who do what is beautiful” [Quran 2:195]

Another lovely passage from the Quran, this one can serve as a helpful reminder to live morally and virtuously and to make an effort to be the best Muslims, even when it seems like no one is watching. Deeper down, beauty is frequently associated with Allah’s benevolence. By keeping in mind that our deeds should be motivated by having a beautiful heart, we can, perhaps, become nearer to Allah.

“The people will depart separated [into categories] to be shown [the result of] their deeds. So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it” [Quran 99:6-7]

This verse serves as a timely reminder that even the smallest, seemingly most insignificant act of goodness will not go unnoticed by Allah. Encouraging us to do good even when it seems as if we are completely alone or at our lowest, this verse can give us inspiration in the goodness of every act of charity or kindness in this world, no matter what the scale may be.

“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful’” [Quran 39:53]

For those who require a gentle reminder that Allah is always there for them, this passage from the Holy Quran serves as another source of inspiration, highlighting the enormity of Allah’s mercy. This verse serves as another testament to the majesty of Allah’s kindness and compassion, knowing that we can and will be forgiven by Him if we repent sincerely.

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