21st January 2026
Taraweeh is a voluntary night prayer performed during Ramadan, often in congregation at mosques after the compulsory Isha prayer. It is a deeply spiritual practice that allows Muslims to seek forgiveness, reflect on the Quran, and strengthen their connection with Allah (SWT). As you seek forgiveness through your prayers tonight, remember those who are praying for relief from hunger. Multiply your rewards this Ramadan by donating to our Ramadan Appeal.
The word Taraweeh comes from the Arabic root meaning “to rest,” referring to the short breaks taken between cycles of prayer. Taraweeh is an emphasised Sunnah of Ramadan, highlighted in the Hadith:
“Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan with faith and hoping for reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Taraweeh consists of cycles called rakats and often involves long recitations of the Quran. Many mosques aim to complete the full Quran during Ramadan, making it a unique spiritual opportunity.
Taraweeh provides immense spiritual and psychological rewards. Standing in prayer with sincerity and devotion strengthens faith and fosters reflection on the Quran.
It is often referred to as the “Prayer of the Quran”, as worshippers aim to complete the entire Quran over the month. Performing Taraweeh helps believers grow closer to Allah (SWT) while nurturing peace, discipline, and mindfulness.
Taraweeh is performed after the Isha prayer and before the Witr prayer. It begins on the eve of the first day of fasting and continues nightly until the night before Eid.
Physical preparation
Avoid overeating at Iftar to prevent sluggishness during long standing periods.
Drink plenty of water between Iftar and Isha to stay hydrated.
Spiritual preparation
Renew your intention (niyyah), making the prayer for the sake of Allah alone.
Arrive early for Isha to transition calmly into Taraweeh.
Step-by-step guide
1. Perform the Isha prayer.
2. Set your intention (niyyah) to pray Taraweeh.
3. Pray the first 4 rakats (2 rakats at a time).
4. Take a short break after each interval of 4 rakats.
5. Continue with another 4–8 rakats, repeating breaks as needed.
6. End the night with the Witr prayer.
This structure allows worshippers to pray comfortably while following the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).
Yes! Taraweeh can be prayed at home, making it accessible for those who are ill, elderly, have childcare responsibilities, or prefer a quieter environment. The steps are the same as in the mosque: perform Isha, set intention, pray in cycles of 2–4 rakats, and end with Witr. Even if you can’t make it to the Masjid, your home can be a place of immense blessing. Bring barakah to your home and hope to those in need—donate to our Ramadan Appeal today.
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Taraweeh prayer traditionally consists of either 8 or 20 rakats, depending on scholarly opinion and community practice. These rakats are performed in sets of two, meaning you make salam after every two rakats. After completing Taraweeh, Muslims usually pray Witr, which is considered an emphasized sunnah and completes the night prayer. Both 8 and 20 rakats are valid, and Muslims should follow what is most comfortable and sustainable for them.
Taraweeh is prayed every night during the month of Ramadan, beginning after the Isha prayer and before the Witr prayer. It can be performed immediately after Isha or later in the night, even close to suhoor, depending on personal schedule and energy level. Praying Taraweeh consistently throughout Ramadan is highly encouraged due to its great spiritual rewards.
No, you do not have to pray all 8 or 20 rakats for your prayer to count as Taraweeh. Taraweeh is a voluntary (nafl) prayer, so even praying a smaller number of rakats is valid and rewarded. Islam encourages ease and consistency, so it is better to pray fewer rakats regularly than to overburden yourself.
Taraweeh is prayed by reciting verses from the Quran in Arabic while standing. You may recite any surahs you know, whether short or long. Many mosques aim to complete the entire Quran over Ramadan, dividing it across nightly prayers.
At home, you can recite at your own pace, even repeating familiar surahs if needed. The key is sincerity, focus, and reflection.
To pray Taraweeh at home, begin by making your intention (niyyah) for voluntary night prayer during Ramadan. Pray in 2-rakat intervals, just like regular salah, taking short breaks if needed. You may pray alone or with family, leading them if you are able. After completing your Taraweeh rakats, conclude with Witr. The spiritual reward is the same whether prayed at home or in the mosque, as long as it is done sincerely.
Yes! Children, elderly individuals, and those with limited physical ability can all participate in Taraweeh. If standing is difficult, it may be performed sitting or lying down, and shorter recitations or fewer rakats are perfectly acceptable. Allah rewards effort and intention, so even small acts of worship during Ramadan carry great blessings.
Taraweeh rakats are the voluntary night prayers offered during Ramadan, commonly totaling 8 or 20 rakats, performed in pairs of two. These rakats are distinct from the obligatory prayers and are concluded with Witr. The structure allows flexibility, making Taraweeh accessible to Muslims of all ages and abilities.
