What is taraweeh and do I have to pray it?
No, you don't have to pray it, but it's highly recommended. Taraweeh is a special voluntary night prayer in Ramadan, prayed after the Isha (night) prayer, often in long congregations at the mosque. It's a sunnah, not an obligation, so you won't be sinful for missing it. You can pray as much or as little as you're able.
What is taraweeh?
Taraweeh is the night prayer (qiyam) of Ramadan. The name comes from an Arabic word for "resting," because people used to rest between every few units of prayer. It's prayed in sets of two rakat (units of prayer), followed by witr, a short odd-numbered prayer that closes the night.
In many mosques, the imam recites a portion of the Quran each night so that the whole Quran is completed by the end of the month.
Is taraweeh compulsory?
No. The five daily prayers are obligatory; taraweeh is extra. The Prophet ﷺ prayed it with people in the mosque for a few nights, then stopped coming out. He explained: "I was afraid lest the night prayer (Qiyam) should be enjoined on you and you might not be able to carry it on" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2012).
Later, the caliph Umar gathered people behind one reciter, Ubayy ibn Ka'b, and that congregation has continued ever since (Sahih al-Bukhari 2010).
Even though it's voluntary, the reward is huge. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven" (Sahih al-Bukhari 37).
How many rakat is it?
- 20 rakat: the common position in the Hanafi, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools, and what is prayed in Mecca.
- 36 rakat: the historical practice in Madinah held by the Maliki school.
- 8 rakat: followed by many Muslims today, based on reports of how the Prophet ﷺ prayed at night.
Scholars agree there's flexibility here. Pick what your mosque does, or what you can manage at home. Two rakat prayed sincerely still count.
Tips for new Muslims
- Start small: pray 2 or 4 rakat at home with short surahs you know, then witr.
- Try the mosque: following an imam is easier than you think. You can leave after 8 rakat if you're tired.
- Don't worry about understanding every word: standing and listening is worship too. See What if I don't feel anything when I pray?
- Read along later: look up the night's portion in translation the next day. See How much Quran should I read every day?
Women are welcome at taraweeh in most mosques, and praying at home is equally valid.
- Taraweeh is a voluntary Ramadan night prayer.
- It's prayed after Isha, in sets of two rakat.
- 8 or 20 rakat are both accepted views.
- Praying it sincerely brings forgiveness.
People also ask
Does kissing break your fast?
No, kissing your spouse doesn't break your fast by itself, as the Prophet did, but it's disliked if it may lead further. Scholars' views.
Read the full answer →How do I prepare for my first Ramadan as a new Muslim?
To prepare for your first Ramadan as a new Muslim, learn the basics, do practice fasts, plan sleep and work, and keep your goals small.
Read the full answer →What is iftar and how do I break my fast?
Iftar is the sunset meal that ends the fast. Break your fast promptly with dates or water, say a short dua, pray Maghrib, then eat.
Read the full answer →What is suhoor and what should I eat?
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal before a fast. It's a blessed sunnah. Eat slow-energy foods like oats and eggs, and drink plenty of water.
Read the full answer →What are the benefits of fasting in Islam?
The benefits of fasting in Islam: it builds taqwa, trains self-control, wipes past sins and earns a special reward from Allah Himself.
Read the full answer →