Taraweeh – The Special Night Prayer of Ramadan

Introduction

Ramadan is a month of immense blessings, mercy, and spiritual upliftment. One of the most significant acts of

worship during this sacred month is Taraweeh, a voluntary night prayer performed after Isha. Taraweeh is a means to seek closeness to Allah, reflect on the Qur'an, and strengthen faith. It is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and holds great rewards for those who observe it sincerely.

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History of Taraweeh

The tradition of Taraweeh began during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Initially, he prayed it privately, and later, he led the companions in congregation for a few nights. However, he stopped leading them in Taraweeh regularly, fearing that it might be made obligatory.

After the Prophet’s passing, during the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), he noticed people praying in small groups. To unify the Ummah, he gathered them under the leadership of Ubayy ibn Ka’b (RA) and established the practice of 20 Rak’ahs in congregation. Since then, this format has been widely followed.

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Taraweeh in the Light of Qur’an and Hadith

Qur’anic References

While Taraweeh is not directly mentioned in the Qur'an, several verses emphasize the importance of Qiyam-ul-Layl (Night Prayer):

1. “And stand [in prayer] for a part of the night as an additional worship for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.”
   (Surah Al-Isra 17:79)

2. “Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and springs, accepting what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that doers of good. They used to sleep but little of the night, and in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness.”
   (Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:15-18)

These verses encourage night prayers, which include Taraweeh during Ramadan.

Hadith on Taraweeh

1. Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
   “Whoever prays at night in Ramadan with faith and hope for reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 37, Muslim 759)

2. Aisha (RA) reported:
   “The Prophet ﷺ prayed in the mosque one night, and people followed him. The next night, he prayed again, and the crowd increased. On the third or fourth night, the people gathered, but the Prophet ﷺ did not come out. In the morning, he said: ‘I was afraid that it might become obligatory upon you.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 924, Muslim 761)

This Hadith highlights that Taraweeh is not obligatory but a Sunnah.

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How Many Rak’ahs – 8 or 20?

There has been a long-standing discussion on whether Taraweeh should be 8 Rak’ahs or 20 Rak’ahs. Scholars and Islamic speakers have different viewpoints based on Hadith and historical practices.

Hadith Supporting 8 Rak’ahs

1. Aisha (RA) narrated:
   “The Prophet ﷺ never prayed more than 11 Rak’ahs (including Witr) in Ramadan or outside it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1147, Muslim 738)

2. Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA) said:
   “The Prophet ﷺ led us in prayer in Ramadan for eight Rak’ahs and then Witr.” (Ibn Hibban 2543)

Some scholars conclude that praying 8 Rak’ahs is closer to the Sunnah because the Prophet ﷺ did not exceed this number in his personal night prayers.

Hadith Supporting 20 Rak’ahs

1. Ibn Abbas (RA) reported:
   “The Prophet ﷺ used to pray 20 Rak’ahs in Ramadan apart from Witr.” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi 12102)

2. Salim ibn Abdullah (RA) said:
   “During the time of Umar (RA), the people used to pray 20 Rak’ahs in Ramadan.” (Muwatta Malik 1:115)

During Caliph Umar’s time, the practice of praying 20 Rak’ahs became common, as he saw it beneficial for the people.

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Opinions of Islamic Scholars and Speakers

Imams of Islam

• Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, and Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal support 20 Rak’ahs, considering it the practice of the Sahaba.
• Imam Shafi’i also stated, “I found the people in Makkah praying 20 Rak’ahs in Ramadan.”

Contemporary Scholars and Speakers

• Dr. Israr Ahmed: He emphasized that 8 Rak’ahs is closer to the Sunnah, but praying 20 is also valid.
• Dr. Zakir Naik: He argues that 8 Rak’ahs is sufficient and cites Hadith from Aisha (RA).
• Mufti Menk: He encourages praying whatever a person can manage, as the goal is to connect with Allah.
• Maulana Tariq Jameel: He believes that both 8 and 20 Rak’ahs are acceptable, as long as they are prayed with sincerity.
• Sheikh Asim Al-Hakeem: He states that praying in congregation is more important than the number of Rak’ahs.
• Tariq Masood: He explains that 20 Rak’ahs has historical precedence, but 8 is also valid.

Conclusion on Rak’ahs:
Both 8 and 20 Rak’ahs are valid. The Prophet ﷺ prayed 8, but the Sahaba continued with 20. One should pray as much as they can with sincerity.

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Benefits of Praying Taraweeh

Spiritual Benefits

• Strengthens faith and connection with Allah.
• Helps in seeking forgiveness for past sins.
• Increases patience and discipline.

Physical and Psychological Benefits

• Improves focus and concentration.
• Provides physical activity and health benefits.
• Reduces stress and brings peace of mind.

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How to Pray Witr After Taraweeh

After Taraweeh, Witr prayer is performed. It can be one, three, five, or more Rak’ahs.

Method of 3 Rak’ah Witr:

1. Pray two Rak’ahs as normal.
2. Stand for the third Rak’ah and recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah.
3. Before Rukoo’, raise hands and recite Dua-e-Qunoot (or any supplication).
4. Complete the prayer with Tashahhud and Salam.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Make Witr the last of your prayers at night.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 998, Muslim 751)

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Conclusion

Taraweeh is a special gift in Ramadan that brings immense rewards. Whether one prays 8 or 20 Rak’ahs, the key is devotion. This prayer strengthens our faith, purifies our hearts, and brings us closer to Allah. Let us make the most of this blessed month by standing in prayer, seeking forgiveness, and growing spiritually.

May Allah accept our Taraweeh and grant us the strength to perform it with sincerity. Ameen!