Taraweeh (تَرَاوِيْح) is the special night prayer performed only in Ramadan, prayed after Isha. The name comes from "raha" — rest — because the early Muslims would rest between every four rak'ahs. The Prophet ☮ said: "Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for reward, all their previous sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari 37, Muslim 759).
★ Status: Taraweeh is Sunnah Muakkadah — a highly emphasised voluntary prayer — not fard. It is one of the great blessings of Ramadan and missing it without reason means missing enormous reward. Both praying in congregation at the mosque and praying at home are valid.
8 Rak'ahs vs 20 Rak'ahs — The Scholarly Debate
🟢 8 Rak'ahs
Based on 'A'ishah's report: "The Prophet never prayed more than 11 rak'ahs in the night — in Ramadan or outside it." (Bukhari, Muslim). Supported by Ibn Taymiyya, Ibn al-Qayyim, ibn Baz, Albani and many contemporary scholars. This includes 8 rak'ahs Taraweeh + 3 Witr.
🟨 20 Rak'ahs
Based on the practice established by Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) for the community of Madinah (20 rak'ahs + 3 Witr). Followed by the Hanafi, Maliki and Shafi'i schools, and the practice of most mosques worldwide. Ibn Abbas and other Companions participated in 20-rak'ah Taraweeh.
The scholarly consensus: Both 8 and 20 rak'ahs are valid Sunnah. Muslims should not argue over this. If praying in a mosque, follow the imam regardless of whether it is 8 or 20. If praying at home, choose based on your madhab or scholarly preference.
Step-by-Step: How to Pray Taraweeh
1
Pray Isha First
Taraweeh begins after completing the 4-rak'ah Isha prayer (including the 2 Sunnah after). Never pray Taraweeh before Isha.
2
Make the Intention
Form the intention in your heart: "I intend to pray 2 rak'ahs of Sunnah Taraweeh." The intention needs only to be in the heart — saying it aloud is not required (though permissible in Hanafi school).
3
Begin: Takbiratul Ihram
Raise both hands to ear level (men) or shoulder level (women) and say Allahu Akbar to start the prayer.
4
First Rak'ah: Recite Al-Fatiha + Surah
After the opening supplication (Thana), recite Surah Al-Fatiha aloud (Taraweeh is prayed aloud, like Maghrib and Isha), then follow with any surah or verses. Longer recitation is the Sunnah for Taraweeh.
5
Perform Ruku', I'tidal, Two Sujud
Bow (ruku'), stand straight (i'tidal), then prostrate twice (sujud) with the sitting between them — exactly as in any other prayer. See the full Salah guide for details.
6
Second Rak'ah and Tasleem
Stand for the second rak'ah, recite Al-Fatiha + surah aloud, perform ruku' and two sujud, then sit for tashahhud and end with Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah to both sides. This completes one set of 2 rak'ahs.
7
Rest Between Sets (Tarwihah)
After every 4 rak'ahs (2 sets of 2), take a short rest of 3–5 minutes. Use this time for dhikr, dua, Quran recitation or listening to an Islamic reminder. This is the "tarwihah" that gives Taraweeh its name.
8
Repeat Until 8 or 20 Rak'ahs
For 8 rak'ahs: complete 4 sets of 2 rak'ahs (with a rest after every 4). For 20 rak'ahs: complete 10 sets of 2 rak'ahs (with 5 rests total).
9
End with Witr Prayer
After Taraweeh, pray Witr: either 1 rak'ah or 3 rak'ahs (most common). In the Hanafi school, 3 rak'ahs Witr is prayed continuously with one tasleem, followed by Dua al-Qunoot. In other schools, 1 rak'ah is prayed separately. Witr is wajib (Hanafi) or Sunnah muakkadah (others).
★ How to Maximise Taraweeh:
• Pray
all Ramadan nights — the reward is highest for those who complete the full month
• Try to pray in congregation: "Whoever stands in prayer with the imam until he finishes, it will be counted as a full night of prayer." (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)
• Read along with the imam in your heart even if you don't know the surah
• During the rests, make dua and dhikr rather than chatting
• Aim for Laylatul Qadr (the last 10 nights) — see the
Laylatul Qadr guide
Dua al-Qunoot for Witr in Ramadan
In the Hanafi school (and other schools during Ramadan), Dua al-Qunoot is recited in the third rak'ah of Witr in the standing position before or after ruku' (depending on the school).
اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنَا فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ، وَعَافِنَا فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ، وَتَوَلَّنَا فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ، وَبَارِكْ لَنَا فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ، وَقِنَا شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ
Allahumma ihdina fiman hadayt, wa 'afina fiman 'afayt, wa tawallana fiman tawallayt, wa barik lana fima a'tayt, wa qina sharra ma qadayt...
Meaning: "O Allah, guide us among those You have guided, grant us well-being among those You have granted well-being, take us under Your protection among those You have taken under protection, bless for us what You have given us, and protect us from the evil of what You have decreed..."
Abu Dawud, Nasai, Tirmidhi (sahih)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rak'ahs is Taraweeh prayer?
Both 8 and 20 rak'ahs are valid scholarly positions. 8 rak'ahs is based on the authentic hadith that the Prophet never exceeded 11 rak'ahs. 20 rak'ahs was established by Caliph Umar for the community and is the practice of most mosques. Both are correct — follow your madhab or local imam without dispute.
Can I pray Taraweeh at home?
Yes. Taraweeh can be prayed at home, alone or in a small congregation. The Prophet himself prayed it at home initially. Praying in congregation at the mosque is preferred for men, but praying at home is valid and encouraged when you cannot attend the mosque.
What time is Taraweeh prayer?
Taraweeh is prayed after Isha and before Fajr. Most mosques begin Taraweeh 30–60 minutes after Isha. The last third of the night is spiritually the best time for night prayer, but starting Taraweeh right after Isha is the community practice and fully valid.
Is Taraweeh obligatory (fard)?
No. Taraweeh is Sunnah Muakkadah (strongly recommended voluntary prayer), not obligatory. However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) greatly emphasised it, and said those who pray Ramadan nights with sincere faith will have all previous sins forgiven (Bukhari, Muslim). Missing it consistently means missing enormous reward.
What surah should I recite in Taraweeh?
Any surah or verses from the Quran are valid. In congregation, the imam typically completes the whole Quran over 30 nights. When praying alone, recite whatever you have memorised — even repeating short surahs like Al-Ikhlas is valid. Longer recitations carry the Sunnah spirit of Taraweeh.
Ramadan & Prayer Resources