What Is Tarawih Prayer?
Tarawih (Arabic: تَرَاوِيح) comes from the word raaha(rest/relaxation). It is the special nightly prayer of Ramadan, prayed in sets of two rak'aat with a brief rest between each four rak'aat. Those rest pauses are what give it the name.
The legal ruling is Sunnah Mu'akkadah — a confirmed practice of the Prophet ﷺ that is strongly encouraged for every Muslim who is able. Missing it without excuse is blameworthy but not sinful in the way missing a fard prayer is.
The Prophet ﷺ said about Ramadan night prayer:
مَنْ قَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ
Man qāma Ramaḍāna īmānan wa-iḥtisāban ghufira lahu mā taqaddama min dhanbih
Whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.
Sahih Bukhari 2009 | Sahih Muslim 759
This hadith is the primary proof for Tarawih's immense reward. The key phrase is īmānan wa-iḥtisāban — doing it with sincerity and expectation of reward from Allah, not for show or habit.
When Is Tarawih Prayer Time?
Tarawih's time window opens as soon as Isha prayer is completed and stays open until the start of Fajr. This is a wide window — roughly 8 to 10 hours on most nights in the US.
| Time Slot | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| After Isha | Valid — most common mosque time | Immediately after Isha congregational prayer |
| Middle of night | Valid | Good option for those praying at home |
| Last third of night | Best time — Tahajjud timing | Harder to sustain but highest reward |
| After Fajr begins | Not valid | Tarawih window closes at Fajr |
The standard mosque practice in most US cities is to begin Tarawih 15–30 minutes after the Isha congregational prayer ends, completing all rak'aat plus Witr by 11 PM–midnight. Check your local mosque's Ramadan schedule as timing varies significantly.
How Many Rak'aat Is Tarawih? The 8 vs 20 Question
This is one of the most frequently debated topics in Ramadan fiqh. The short answer: both 8 and 20 rak'aat are correct, supported by authentic evidence, and scholars from all major madhabs have accepted both.
The 8 Rak'aat Evidence
'A'ishah (RA) was asked about the Prophet's ﷺ night prayer in Ramadan:
مَا كَانَ يَزِيدُ فِي رَمَضَانَ وَلَا فِي غَيْرِهِ عَلَى إِحْدَى عَشْرَةَ رَكْعَةً
Mā kāna yazīdu fī Ramaḍāna wa-lā fī ghayrihi ʿalā iḥdā ʿashrata rakʿah
He did not pray more than eleven rak'aat in Ramadan or at any other time.
Sahih Bukhari 2013 | Sahih Muslim 738
These 11 rak'aat are understood as 8 rak'aat Tarawih + 3 rak'aat Witr. This is the practice emphasized by many scholars, including Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim, and is the dominant practice in Madinah (Masjid an-Nabawi prays 8 rak'aat Tarawih + 3 Witr).
The 20 Rak'aat Evidence
After the Prophet's ﷺ death, Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) gathered the people to pray 20 rak'aat behind Ubayy ibn Ka'b (RA):
كَانُوا يَقُومُونَ عَلَى عَهْدِ عُمَرَ بِعِشْرِينَ رَكْعَةً
Kānū yaqūmūna ʿalā ʿahdi ʿUmara bi-ʿishrīna rakʿah
They used to pray twenty rak'aat during the time of Umar (RA).
Al-Bayhaqi, Sunan al-Kubrā 4617 — Hasan chain
The 20-rak'aat practice became the standard in Makkah and across the four madhabs for centuries. It is the majority practice in mosques across North America, South Asia, and much of the Muslim world.
| Rak'aat | Primary Evidence | Followed By | Witr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Bukhari 2013 (Aisha RA) | Masjid an-Nabawi, Salafi communities, some Shafi'i | + 3 rak'aat Witr = 11 total |
| 20 | Bayhaqi 4617 (Umar RA) | Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali majority; Masjid al-Haram | + 3 rak'aat Witr = 23 total |
How to Pray Tarawih: Step-by-Step
Tarawih is prayed in sets of 2 rak'aat, with Salaam (tasleem) at the end of every two. After every four rak'aat, a short rest (the tarwihah) is taken — typically 5–10 minutes — during which the imam or congregation may sit quietly, make du'a, or read Quran silently.
Make intention (niyyah)
Silent in the heart: 'I intend to pray two rak'aat of Tarawih prayer for the sake of Allah.' No need to verbalize it.
Open with Takbeer al-Ihram
Raise hands to earlobes and say 'Allahu Akbar' to begin.
Opening du'a (Thana) — optional Sunnah
'Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka wa ta'ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghayrak.'
Recite Al-Fatihah then a surah
In congregation, the imam recites aloud. Mosques completing the full Quran recite one juz' per night across all rak'aat.
Complete the rak'ah (ruku', sujud) as normal
Exactly like a regular prayer — ruku', i'tidal, sujud ×2, sitting between.
After 2 rak'aat: tasleem (Salaam)
Turn head right: 'Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah', then left. One set complete.
Tarwihah rest after 4 rak'aat
Sit or stand quietly for 5–10 minutes. May perform dhikr, du'a, or listen to the imam's reminder. Not obligatory but Sunnah.
Continue until all rak'aat complete
Pray 8 or 20 rak'aat in 2-rak'ah sets. Then pray Witr (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 rak'aat) to close the night.
Congregation vs Praying Alone at Home
The Prophet ﷺ led Tarawih in congregation for three nights, then stopped. Why?
فَخَشِيتُ أَنْ تُفْرَضَ عَلَيْكُمْ فَتَعْجِزُوا عَنْهَا
Fa-khashītu an tufraḍa ʿalaykum fa-taʿjizū ʿanhā
I feared that it would be made obligatory upon you and you would be unable to do it.
Sahih Bukhari 2012 | Sahih Muslim 761 — from Aisha (RA)
After the Prophet's ﷺ death, Umar (RA) revived congregational Tarawih, reasoning that the fear of it becoming obligatory no longer applied. He famously said about seeing people praying together: "What an excellent innovation this is."(Bukhari 2010 — meaning: an excellent practice revived, not a religious innovation in the blameworthy sense.)
🕌 Mosque (Congregation)
- • Preferred and more rewarding
- • Full Quran completed by night 27
- • Social and spiritual cohesion
- • Easier to stay consistent
- • Imam carries recitation burden
🏠 Home (Alone or Small Group)
- • Fully valid — same reward for forgiveness
- • More flexible timing
- • Recite whatever you have memorized
- • 2 rak'aat also counts if you can't do more
- • Close with Witr to complete the night
Dhikr During the Tarwihah Rest
During the rest period after every four rak'aat, there is no specific dhikr mandated in an authentic hadith. However, reading tasbeeh, making du'a, or listening to a short reminder are all encouraged. Some mosques recite the following during the rest:
سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْمُلْكِ وَالْمَلَكُوتِ سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْعِزَّةِ وَالْعَظَمَةِ وَالْهَيْبَةِ وَالْقُدْرَةِ
Subḥāna dhī'l-mulki wa'l-malakūt, subḥāna dhī'l-ʿizzati wa'l-ʿaẓamati wa'l-haybati wa'l-qudrah
Glory be to the Owner of dominion and sovereignty; glory be to the One possessing might, greatness, awe, and power.
Practiced in many mosques — not established from hadith as a specific Tarawih dhikr; general dhikr during rest
The rest period is also a good time to make personal du'a for forgiveness, family, the ummah, or anything weighing on your heart — especially in Ramadan when du'a is at its most powerful.
Virtues and Rewards of Tarawih
Previous sins forgiven
"Whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven."Bukhari 2009 | Muslim 759
Night of Qadr reward
Whoever prays the Night of Qadr (Laylat al-Qadr) in Tarawih gains the reward of worship better than a thousand months — if they pray consistently every night seeking it.Quran 97:3 | Bukhari 1901
Equivalent to spending the whole night in prayer
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever prays with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he prayed the whole night."Abu Dawud 1375 | Tirmidhi 806 — Sahih
مَنْ قَامَ مَعَ الإِمَامِ حَتَّى يَنْصَرِفَ كُتِبَ لَهُ قِيَامُ لَيْلَةٍ
Man qāma maʿa'l-imāmi ḥattā yanṣarifa kutiba lahu qiyāmu laylah
Whoever prays with the imam until he finishes, it is recorded for him as if he prayed the whole night.
Abu Dawud 1375 | Tirmidhi 806 — graded Sahih
This hadith is a tremendous mercy: even those who can only manage a portion of the rak'aat are encouraged. If you join late, finish with the imam; if you need to leave early, you still get partial reward. Pray as much as you can.
Completing the Quran in Tarawih (Khatm al-Qur'an)
One of the most beloved practices in mosques during Ramadan is completing the entire Quran in Tarawih — one juz' (part) per night over 30 nights, so the full Quran is recited by the 27th or 29th night.
The Quran has 604 pages and 30 ajzaa (parts). With 8 rak'aat: approximately 2–3 pages per rak'ah. With 20 rak'aat: approximately 1 page per rak'ah. This is why 20-rak'aat mosques can complete the Quran with shorter individual recitations per rak'ah.
When praying at home, there is no obligation to complete the Quran. Recite whatever you have memorized — even Surah Al-Ikhlas after Al-Fatihah in every rak'ah is valid and carries full Tarawih reward.
Tarawih vs Tahajjud: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Tarawih | Tahajjud |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Ramadan only | Year-round |
| Best time | After Isha (before sleep) | After waking from sleep (last third) |
| Sleep before | Not required | Required (majority opinion) |
| Congregation | Strongly encouraged | Mostly individual |
| Replaces other? | Majority: replaces Tahajjud in Ramadan | Year-round night prayer |
| Status | Sunnah Mu'akkadah | Sunnah (Nafl) |
Can you pray both? Yes — some scholars encourage praying fewer rak'aat at the mosque (e.g., 8 with the imam) and then waking before Fajr for additional rak'aat as Tahajjud, closing with Witr. Others say Tarawih fully serves as Qiyam al-Layl in Ramadan. Follow what your scholar advises and what you can sustain.
What If You Miss Tarawih?
Since Tarawih is Sunnah (not fard), there is no qada (makeup) for missed nights — you do not pray missed Tarawih the next day. What you can do:
- If you miss congregational Tarawih, pray whatever you can at home before sleeping. Even 2 rak'aat with sincere intention earns reward.
- If you come late to the mosque, join the imam wherever he is. Pray what you missed after the imam finishes (complete your own count to 8 or 20 before Witr).
- If you are ill, traveling, or unable to pray, make du'a and remember Allah — the intention to pray if you were able earns a portion of the reward (Bukhari 2996).
- The last 10 nights of Ramadan are the most important. If you miss early nights, make extra effort in the last third — especially the odd nights when Laylat al-Qadr is sought.
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Start 14-Day Free TrialWitr After Tarawih: Where It Fits
Witr is the closing prayer of the night and is prayed after Tarawih. In congregation, the imam usually leads Witr immediately after Tarawih is complete. The Prophet ﷺ said:
اجْعَلُوا آخِرَ صَلَاتِكُمْ بِاللَّيْلِ وِتْرًا
Ijʿalū ākhira ṣalātikum bi'l-layli witran
Make Witr the last of your night prayers.
Sahih Bukhari 998 | Sahih Muslim 751
If you intend to pray Tahajjud after sleeping, delay Witr until after Tahajjud. If Tarawih is your last night prayer, close with Witr immediately after. Do not pray two Witr prayers in one night (Abu Dawud 1439).
Practical Tips for Consistent Tarawih
🕐
Check your mosque's schedule
Tarawih times vary by mosque. Some start 20 min after Isha, others 40 min. Know your local time.
🍽️
Eat light at Iftar
A heavy stomach makes standing in long rak'aat difficult. Eat moderately, then pray.
😴
Plan your sleep
If attending mosque Tarawih, adjust sleep to wake for Suhoor and Fajr. Protect Fajr first.
📖
Review Quran you know
If praying at home, revise memorized surahs so recitation is confident and focused.
👨👩👧
Bring your family
Children who observe Tarawih — even partially — build a lifelong connection to Ramadan.
🎯
Set a rak'aat goal
If 20 is hard, commit to 8. Quality and consistency beat sporadic maximums.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Tarawih prayer?
After Isha prayer and before Fajr. Most mosques begin 15–30 minutes after the Isha congregational prayer, typically between 9:30 PM and 11 PM depending on your city and time of year.
How many rak'aat is Tarawih?
8 rak'aat (based on Aisha RA's narration in Bukhari 2013 that the Prophet ﷺ never exceeded 11 in Ramadan or outside it) or 20 rak'aat (Umar's established community practice, Bayhaqi 4617). Both are valid scholarly positions. Pray with your local mosque for community unity.
Is Tarawih obligatory?
No. It is Sunnah Mu'akkadah — highly recommended but not obligatory. Missing it is not a sin, but consistently abandoning it without excuse is discouraged.
Can you pray Tarawih at home?
Yes. Praying at home alone or in a small group is fully valid. You can recite whatever surahs you have memorized. The reward for forgiveness (Bukhari 2009) applies whether at the mosque or home.
What surah do you recite in Tarawih?
No specific surah is required. At home, recite whatever you have memorized after Al-Fatihah. At mosque, the imam chooses — most complete one juz' per night to finish the full Quran in Ramadan.
Is Tarawih the same as Tahajjud?
They are different prayers. Tarawih is Ramadan-specific, prayed right after Isha. Tahajjud is year-round and best prayed in the last third of the night after waking from sleep. Most scholars say Tarawih serves as Qiyam al-Layl in Ramadan, though some pray both.
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