Taraweeh (also known as Qiyam Ramadan) is the emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) nightly prayer performed exclusively during the blessed month of Ramadan following the obligatory Isha prayer. Originating from the Arabic word Tarweehah (meaning "to rest or pause"), Taraweeh is characterized by standing in prolonged Quranic recitation, interspersed with short resting pauses between sets. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) promised immense spiritual rewards for this devotion: "Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari 37). Below is a comprehensive guide to the history, 8 vs 20 Rak'ahs rulings, step-by-step method, and Witr Qunoot Dua.
1. The History of Taraweeh: From the Prophet ﷺ to Umar (RA)
The establishment of congregational Taraweeh developed through two historical milestones:
- The Prophet’s Sunnah: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ led the Sahabah in nightly Ramadan prayers in congregation for three consecutive nights. On the fourth night, when the entire community gathered, the Prophet ﷺ deliberately stayed home, explaining: "Nothing prevented me from coming out to you except that I feared it would be made obligatory upon you, and you would not be able to bear it." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1129).
- The Unification under Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA): During his caliphate, Caliph Umar (RA) noticed people praying in scattered small groups across the Prophet’s Mosque. He united the community under one official Quran reciter (Qari), Ubayy ibn Ka'b (RA), establishing the permanent 20-Rak'ah congregational Taraweeh that continues in Makkah and Madinah to this day.
2. The 8 vs. 20 Rak'ahs Ruling Explained
Both 8 Rak'ahs and 20 Rak'ahs are authentically grounded in Islamic tradition:
| Practice | Evidence / School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Rak'ahs | Hadith of Aisha (RA) (Sahih al-Bukhari 2013) |
Based on Aisha's statement that the Prophet ﷺ did not exceed 11 Rak'ahs (8 Taraweeh + 3 Witr) with long, beautiful standing. |
| 20 Rak'ahs | Consensus of the Sahabah (Ijma') & the 4 Madhhabs | The established standard in the Four Sunni Jurisprudence Schools (Hanafi, Shafi'i, Hanbali, Maliki) and officially practiced in Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) and Masjid an-Nabawi (Madinah). |
Conclusion: Praying 8 Rak'ahs or 20 Rak'ahs are both permissible and rewarded. The core objective is devotion, peace, and contemplation of the Quran.
3. Step-by-Step Method of Performing Taraweeh
- Perform Isha Prayer & Sunnah: Pray the 4 obligatory (Fard) Rak'ahs of Isha, followed by the 2 confirmed Sunnah Rak'ahs.
- Form the Intention (Niyyah): Make the intention in your heart to pray Taraweeh / Qiyam Ramadan for the sake of Allah.
- Pray in Sets of Two Rak'ahs:
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a portion of the Quran.
- Perform normal Ruku (bowing) and Sujood (prostrations).
- Conclude each 2 Rak'ahs with the Tashahhud and Tasleem (Salam to right and left).
- Take the Tarweehah Rest Interval: After every 4 Rak'ahs (two sets), sit for a few moments of rest, silent Dhikr, Salawat, or Dua before standing for the next set.
- Conclude with the Witr Prayer: After finishing all Taraweeh sets (8 or 20), offer the odd-numbered Witr prayer (1 or 3 Rak'ahs) containing the Dua al-Qunoot.
4. The Witr Dua al-Qunoot (Arabic, Transliteration & Translation)
In the final Rak'ah of Witr (either before bowing or after rising from Ruku), recite this beloved supplication taught by the Prophet ﷺ to his grandson Hasan ibn Ali (RA):
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ، وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ، وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ، وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ، وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلَا يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ، وَإِنَّهُ لَا يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ، وَلَا يَعِزُّ مَنْ عَادَيْتَ، تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ
Transliteration:
Allahumma-hdini feeman hadayt, wa 'afini feeman 'afayt, wa tawallani feeman tawallayt, wa barik li feema a'tayt, wa qini sharra ma qadayt, fa-innaka taqdi wa la yuqda 'alayk, wa innahu la yadhillu man walayt, wa la ya'izzu man 'adayt, tabarakta Rabbana wa ta'alayt.
Translation:
"O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided, grant me well-being among those whom You have granted well-being, take me into Your care among those whom You have taken into Your care, bless me in what You have given, and save me from the evil of what You have decreed. For indeed, You decree and none can decree against You. He whom You hold as friend will never be disgraced, and he whom You hold as an enemy will never be honored. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted." (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 464).
5. Taraweeh for Women & Praying at Home
- Attending the Mosque: Women are completely welcome to attend Taraweeh in congregation at the mosque, provided modest dress and separate prayer areas are observed.
- Praying at Home: Praying Taraweeh individually or leading other female family members in congregation at home carries equal, immense spiritual reward.
- Holding the Mus'haf (Quran): When praying at home, it is permissible according to the majority of scholars (including Aisha's practice) to hold and read directly from a printed Mus'haf or digital Quran tablet if you have not memorized long surahs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What if I arrive at the mosque late while the Imam is already praying Taraweeh?
If you have not yet prayed the obligatory Isha prayer, you must first pray your 4 Rak'ahs of Isha (either alone or joining the Imam with the intention of Isha), then pray your 2 Sunnah Rak'ahs, and finally join the congregation in Taraweeh.
2. Can I pray Tahajjud later in the night if I already prayed Taraweeh and Witr?
Yes. If you wish to wake up for additional Tahajjud prayers in the last third of the night, you may pray voluntary sets of 2 Rak'ahs without repeating the Witr prayer, as the Prophet ﷺ said: "There are no two Witrs in one night." (Sunan Abi Dawud 1439).
May Allah (SWT) accept our Taraweeh prayers, illuminate our hearts through the Holy Quran, and grant us the full rewards of Ramadan. Ameen!
