Mumbai: As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Muslims around the world prepare for a period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual devotion. One of the most significant religious observances during this time is the Taraweeh prayer, a special night prayer performed after the Isha (night) prayer. Considered a highly rewarding Sunnah, Taraweeh holds a special place in Islamic traditions and is widely practised in mosques and homes throughout the month.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is regarded as a time of immense blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. It is a period when Muslims strengthen their faith through fasting, charity, and additional prayers, including Taraweeh. The significance of Taraweeh lies in its deep-rooted connection to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who established its practice. The prayer is an opportunity for believers to engage in extensive Quran recitation and seek divine rewards, making it a fundamental spiritual activity of the holy month.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, is considered the holiest month in Islam. It is a time of worship, mercy, and blessings. This year, Ramadan is set to begin on March 1 or March 2, depending on the sighting of the moon. For Muslims around the world, this sacred month holds great significance.
With the sighting of the Ramadan moon, the period of prayers, worship, and supplications commences. During this month, Muslims observe fasting (Roza) from dawn to dusk, engaging in deep devotion to Allah. Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which include Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), Zakat (charity), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
Performing five daily prayers is a fundamental part of Islam. Every Muslim, regardless of gender or social status, is required to offer these prayers. In addition to the obligatory prayers, there is a special prayer observed during Ramadan called Taraweeh.
Taraweeh is a special prayer performed after the Isha (night) prayer during the month of Ramadan. It is classified as a Sunnah prayer, meaning that while it is not obligatory, it is highly recommended and offers great spiritual rewards. In Islam, Sunnah refers to the practices and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Unlike Fard (obligatory) prayers, missing Sunnah prayers does not count as a sin, but performing them is considered highly virtuous.
The five obligatory prayers in Islam are:
Taraweeh falls under the category of Sunnah Mu’akkadah, which refers to prayers that the Prophet Muhammad consistently performed. According to Islamic teachings, Prophet Muhammad was the first to offer Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan, making it a highly encouraged practice. Islamic traditions and Hadiths mention that Taraweeh consists of 20 Rakats (units of prayer).
Taraweeh prayers are performed in sets of two Rakats, totalling up to 20 Rakats. Unlike the five daily prayers, which consist of a varying number of Rakats (2, 3, or 4), Taraweeh follows a structured format. Each Rakat includes the recitation of different chapters (Surahs) from the Quran, whereas in daily prayers, there is more flexibility in Surah recitation.
Islamic scholars highlight the immense rewards associated with Taraweeh. Mufti Salauddin Qasmi explains that each prostration in Taraweeh earns believers 1,500 good deeds. It is believed that Allah looks upon those who offer Taraweeh with great mercy, making Ramadan a month of divine blessings. Worship performed during Ramadan is considered to hold multiple times the usual reward.
Taraweeh prayers typically consist of either 8 or 20 Rakats, performed in sets of two. Following every two Rakats, the prayer ends with Salam (salutation). Additionally, after every four Rakats, a special Taraweeh supplication or Tasbeeh is recited. The entire prayer session concludes after the completion of all 20 Rakats.
The prayer begins with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah in each Rakat. During Taraweeh, worshippers seek blessings for their nation, well-being of their families, and prosperity in their livelihoods. It is believed that offering Taraweeh prayers invites divine mercy and blessings.
Worshippers can recite any Surah from the Quran during Taraweeh. The intention (Niyyah) behind the prayer is of utmost importance, and those who may not have memorised many Surahs can recite the ones they know.
Taraweeh is classified as a Sunnah prayer, not a Fard (obligatory) prayer. This means that skipping Taraweeh does not count as a sin, regardless of the reason. However, performing it is highly rewarding in Islam.
For men, offering Taraweeh in congregation at the mosque is preferred. However, if someone is unable to attend due to valid reasons, they may perform it alone at home. Women, on the other hand, traditionally perform Taraweeh at home. Listening to the Quran after Taraweeh prayers is also considered highly beneficial throughout the blessed month of Ramadan.
Taraweeh remains an essential part of Ramadan, allowing Muslims to deepen their spiritual connection with Allah and seek His divine blessings during this holy month.
