Tarawih: the nightly prayer of Ramadan.

Tarawih (Arabic: at-tarawih, from tarweeha meaning "rest") is a special voluntary prayer offered every night of Ramadan after the Isha prayer. It takes its name from the pauses worshippers take after each set of four rakat, a moment to rest before continuing. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan with faith and expecting the reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari 37)

This guide covers everything: the history, how many rakat, when to pray it, the full step-by-step method, and what makes Tarawih different from Tahajjud.

What is Tarawih?

Tarawih is a voluntary night prayer performed only during the month of Ramadan, immediately after the Isha (night) prayer. It consists of multiple sets of 2 rakat, with a salam after each set. The name comes from the Arabic word for "rest" because worshippers traditionally pause for breath after every four rakat, recitation in Tarawih is long, and the prayer can stretch for an hour or more.

Tarawih is classified as Sunnah Muakkadah, a strongly emphasized sunnah for both men and women. The Prophet ﷺ prayed it himself and praised it, but he did not make it obligatory, leaving it as an act of love and devotion rather than duty.

The Prophet ﷺ and the origins of Tarawih

Aisha (RA) was asked about the Prophet's ﷺ prayer in Ramadan. She replied: "He did not exceed eleven rakat in Ramadan or in any other month." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1147)

The Prophet ﷺ initially led the night prayer in congregation in the masjid for a few nights of Ramadan. When the gathering grew large, he stopped, explicitly so that the people would not believe it had become obligatory. He told them: "Verily, I feared that the night prayer might be enjoined upon you, and you would not be able to carry it out." (Sahih al-Bukhari 2012)

After the Prophet's ﷺ death, the Companions prayed Tarawih in scattered groups in the masjid. Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) saw this and decided to unite them behind a single imam, Ubayy ibn Ka'b (RA). When he saw the people praying together, he said: "What an excellent innovation this is." (Sahih al-Bukhari 2010)

This is the moment from which the modern congregational Tarawih in masjids derives, initiated by Umar (RA), endorsed by the Companions, and unbroken in Muslim practice ever since.

How many rakat: 8 or 20?

Both are valid. Both have a basis. Both are practiced across the Muslim world today.

The disagreement is not on validity, it is on which is preferable. Scholars across centuries have prayed both. If your local masjid prays 20, pray 20. If it prays 8, pray 8. Don't separate from the congregation over the number.

When to pray Tarawih

Tarawih is prayed after the Isha fard prayer and before Fajr enters. In most masjids it begins immediately after Isha, but technically the entire window is valid.

• Earliest: right after Isha fard and its sunnah rawatib.
• Latest: just before Fajr enters.
• Most rewarded: last third of the night, but this is rare in practice because most people are already asleep. Praying in congregation right after Isha is more practical and the standard everywhere.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever stands [in night prayer] with the imam until he finishes, it is written for him as having prayed the whole night." (Sunan Abi Dawud 1375, Sahih al-Tirmidhi 806)

How to pray Tarawih (step by step)

The structure is the same regardless of whether you pray 8 or 20. You repeat 2-rakat sets.

1. Niyyat: intend in your heart "2 rakat sunnah Tarawih for the sake of Allah."
2. Takbiratul ihram: say Allahu Akbar, raise hands.
3. Rakat 1: Al-Fatihah + a surah (long recitation is sunnah, many imams complete a juz' per night to finish the Qur'an over Ramadan). Ruku, two sujood.
4. Rakat 2: Al-Fatihah + a surah. Ruku, two sujood, tashahhud, salawat, and salam.
5. Repeat: stand for the next 2-rakat set. Continue until you complete 8 or 20.
6. Rest: after every 4 rakat (every two sets of 2), there is a brief sitting period, this is the tarweeha the prayer is named after. Use it to make du'a or rest quietly.
7. Close with Witr: end the night with 3 rakat of Witr. This is the universal closing, never skip it.

For Witr, see our complete Witr guide.

Etiquette in congregation

• Stand straight in the row. Fill gaps; align shoulders with those beside you.
• Follow the imam. Do not move into ruku or sujood before he does.
• Stay until the end if possible. The reward of "the whole night" is conditional on finishing with the imam.
• Listen to the recitation attentively. Many imams complete the entire Qur'an over the month, engage with it.
• Women may pray at home or in the masjid. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged women to attend, but their prayer at home is also fully rewarded.
• Don't rush. Tarawih is meant to be unhurried. Many short rakat is not better than fewer long ones.

Tarawih vs Tahajjud vs Qiyam al-Layl

These three terms overlap and confuse many. Here's the clean distinction:

In Ramadan, the congregational Tarawih is the standard Qiyam al-Layl. If you pray Tahajjud in the last third of the night during Ramadan, you've technically prayed Tarawih in its most rewarded form, but most people pray it earlier in congregation, which is also great.

FAQ

Is Tarawih obligatory?

No, Sunnah Muakkadah for men and women. The Prophet ﷺ deliberately stopped praying it in congregation so it would not become obligatory.

Can women attend Tarawih in the masjid?

Yes, the Prophet ﷺ permitted women to attend the masjid for prayer. Their prayer at home is also valid and rewarded.

What if I miss part of Tarawih in congregation?

Join the imam when you arrive. The rakat you catch are counted. After the imam concludes, complete what you missed individually if you wish, or simply finish with the imam's witr.

Can I pray Tarawih sitting?

Yes if you have a physical reason or in long Tarawih (many people sit during some rakat at home). For fard prayers standing is required if able; for Tarawih, sitting is permitted even without illness, though standing has more reward.

Should I pray Tarawih on the night of Eid?

No, Tarawih is specifically for Ramadan. The night before Eid (the last night of Ramadan) has Tarawih; the night after Eid does not.