Tarawih Prayer in Ramadan: Virtues, Rulings, and Spiritual Benefits

Introduction

The blessed month of Ramadan brings with it many forms of worship, and one of its most spiritually uplifting acts is the Tarawih prayer. Also referred to as Qiyam al-Layl during Ramadan, this Islamic prayer is highly emphasized in the Sunnah and practiced widely across the Muslim world. This comprehensive guide will explore the virtues of Tarawih, its rulings, timing, method, and key insights from the Quran, Hadith, and opinions of renowned scholars.

What is Tarawih Prayer?

The term Tarawih comes from the Arabic word raaha, meaning "rest", because early Muslims would rest briefly after every four rak'ahs. It is a night prayer in Ramadan performed after the obligatory Isha prayer and before the Witr prayer.

It is considered Sunnah Mu’akkadah (a strongly recommended Sunnah) and part of the Qiyam al-Layl. It was regularly observed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and he encouraged his Companions to perform it consistently throughout Ramadan.

Virtues of Offering Tarawih Prayer

1. Forgiveness of Sins

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever stands (in prayer) during the nights of Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This Hadith emphasizes the enormous virtues of Tarawih, including total forgiveness of sins for those who pray with sincerity and belief.

2. Becoming Among the Righteous

In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ affirmed that praying at night in Ramadan, along with the other core acts of Islam, elevates a person to the ranks of the truthful (Siddeeqeen) and martyrs (Shuhadaa).

Tarawih Prayer in Congregation

Virtues of Congregational Qiyam

Though Tarawih is valid if prayed individually, it holds greater reward when performed in congregation, especially in the mosque. The Prophet ﷺ once led Tarawih for a few nights, and when the Companions requested continuation, he refrained out of concern that it might become obligatory.

Later, Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) revived the practice during his caliphate by gathering Muslims behind Ubayy ibn Ka’b, saying:

“What a good innovation this is.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This set the precedent for praying with an Imam during Ramadan nights, a practice now widely upheld.

Women and Tarawih Prayer

Women are encouraged to pray Qiyam al-Layl, including Tarawih, either individually or in congregation. During Umar’s time, a separate Imam was appointed for women in the mosque to ensure they could also participate in the spiritual benefits of night prayer in Ramadan.

As long as the mosque setup maintains privacy and respect, it is permissible and rewarding for women to attend and pray in congregation.

Number of Rak’ahs in Tarawih Prayer

Sunnah Practice

Aisha (RA) stated that the Prophet ﷺ did not pray more than eleven rak’ahs in Ramadan or outside of it. This includes eight rak’ahs of Tarawih and three rak’ahs of Witr.

Flexibility in Practice

Though eleven is most authentic, praying more rak’ahs (e.g., twenty) is also permissible, as practiced in many mosques. Scholars like Sheikh al-Albani and Sheikh Abd al-Aziz ibn Baaz affirm the flexibility in the fiqh of Tarawih, depending on community needs.

Reciting Quran in Tarawih

There is no fixed amount of Quran to be recited during Tarawih. The Prophet ﷺ varied his recitation—sometimes long and at other times moderate. During the time of Umar (RA), Ubayy ibn Ka’b would recite hundreds of verses, causing the congregation to lean on staffs due to the prayer’s length.

Reciting the entire Quran over the course of Ramadan is highly encouraged and commonly practiced.

Time for Qiyam Prayer

The time for Tarawih begins after Isha prayer and continues until Fajr. The best time to pray is in the last third of the night, as this is when Allah’s mercy descends and duas are accepted.

However, if a person is praying in congregation early in the night, it is better to join the Imam than to pray alone later.

Witr Prayer and Its Rulings

Witr is the closing prayer of the night and is Sunnah Mu’akkadah. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Make Witr your last prayer at night.”
(An-Nasai)

How to Pray Witr

Witr can be prayed as one, three, or five rak’ahs. The most common method is three rak’ahs with Du’a al-Qunut in the final rak’ah. The Prophet ﷺ taught his grandson, al-Hasan, the following Qunut:

“Allahumma ihdinee feeman hadayta…”

This heartfelt supplication includes seeking guidance, protection, and forgiveness from Allah.

Offering Two Rak’ahs After Witr

It is reported in Hadith that the Prophet ﷺ, while traveling, would sometimes pray two short rak’ahs after Witr, indicating its permissibility.

What to Recite During Witr

According to Sunnah, one may recite:

• Sabbih isma Rabbika al-A‘laa in the 1st rak’ah

• Qul ya ayyuhal-kaafiroon in the 2nd

• Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad in the 3rd

Some narrations include Al-Falaq and An-Naas as additional recitations in the last rak’ah.

Following the Imam in Tarawih

Even if the Imam prays more than eleven rak’ahs, the reward is in completing the prayer with him. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever prays with the Imam until he finishes, it will be recorded as if he prayed the entire night.”
(An-Nasai)

Leaving after fewer rak’ahs is allowed, but it is better to stay until the end for maximum reward.

Reading Quran vs Voluntary Prayers in Ramadan

Some may ask which is better—reading Quran or praying voluntary (nafl) prayers during the day. The answer varies by person. The Prophet ﷺ increased in all forms of worship during Ramadan—Quran, prayer, charity, and dhikr.

The best act is what brings the individual closer to Allah.

Adding Another Rak’ah After Imam’s Witr

Some worshippers delay their Witr prayer to later in the night. In such cases, if they pray Witr with the Imam, they may add one rak’ah to make it even, allowing them to perform Witr later.

Scholars, including Sheikh Abd al-Aziz ibn Baaz, confirm this is permissible and does not negate the reward of praying with the Imam.

Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Power

The most significant night in Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr, likely to fall on the 27th night. Praying Qiyam al-Layl on this night out of sincere belief and hope for reward leads to complete forgiveness of sins.

The sign of Laylat al-Qadr is a peaceful night followed by a morning where the sun rises without rays, as described in Hadith.

Conclusion

The Tarawih prayer is one of the most rewarding spiritual acts in Islam during Ramadan. Whether prayed alone or in congregation, it brings immense blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual purification. Following the Sunnah, understanding its fiqh, and maintaining humility throughout enhances our closeness to Allah and strengthens our faith.

May Allah accept our Ramadan prayers, make us steadfast in Qiyam al-Layl, and grant us the immense rewards promised in the Quran and Hadith.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Tarawih prayer and when is it performed?

Tarawih is a special night prayer offered during Ramadan, performed after the obligatory Isha prayer and before Witr.

2. How many rak’ahs should I pray in Tarawih?

The Sunnah is 11 rak’ahs, including Witr. However, praying 20 or more rak’ahs is also allowed based on scholarly opinions.

3. Can women attend Tarawih prayers in the mosque?

Yes, women can attend Tarawih in congregation. Separate arrangements should be made to maintain privacy and comfort.

4. What is the benefit of praying Tarawih with the Imam?

If you pray Tarawih with the Imam until he finishes, it’s counted as if you prayed the entire night.

5. Can I delay Witr and pray it later in the night?

Yes, you can add one rak’ah after the Imam’s Witr to make it even, then pray Witr later on your own.