Salatul Taraweeh

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The nightly Ramadan prayer of the Prophet ﷺ

Salatul Taraweeh

صَلَاةُ التَّرَاوِيحِ

Time

Every night of Ramadan, after Isha and before Fajr. Traditionally prayed in congregation soon after Isha.

Rak'ahs

8 or 20 rak'ahs (both are established), prayed in pairs of two, followed by Witr (usually 3).

Overview

Taraweeh is the special nightly Sunnah prayer of Ramadan. Its name comes from ‘tarwiha’ (a pause for rest), as worshippers rest briefly after every four rak'ahs. Praying it, especially behind an imam who completes the Qur'an, is one of the great blessings of the month.

Virtue

"‘Whoever stands (in prayer) in Ramadan out of faith and hope of reward, his previous sins are forgiven.’ (Bukhari & Muslim). ‘Whoever prays with the imam until he finishes, it is recorded for him as standing the whole night.’ (Tirmidhi)"

How to perform

1

Pray Isha in congregation. Taraweeh begins after the Isha fard and its sunnah.

2

Make the intention for Sunnah Taraweeh, then pray in pairs — two rak'ahs at a time, giving tasleem after each pair.

3

In each rak'ah, recite al-Fatiha followed by any portion of the Qur'an. Imams typically recite about one juz' per night so the whole Qur'an is completed in Ramadan.

4

After every four rak'ahs, pause briefly (this is the ‘tarwiha’) for dhikr, du'a, or silent reflection.

5

Continue until you complete 8 or 20 rak'ahs — both are authentically established; follow your local congregation.

6

Conclude the night's prayer with Witr (usually 3 rak'ahs). If praying behind the imam, stay with him until Witr finishes so it counts as ‘standing the whole night’.

7

In the last ten nights, many increase in length, khushu' and du'a — especially seeking Laylatul Qadr.

Du'a between the rest-pauses (widely reported practice)

سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْمُلْكِ وَالْمَلَكُوتِ، سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْعِزَّةِ وَالْعَظَمَةِ وَالْهَيْبَةِ وَالْقُدْرَةِ وَالْكِبْرِيَاءِ وَالْجَبَرُوتِ، سُبْحَانَ الْمَلِكِ الْحَيِّ الَّذِي لَا يَنَامُ وَلَا يَمُوتُ، سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّ الْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالرُّوحِ

Subhana dhil-mulki wal-malakut. Subhana dhil-'izzati wal-'azamati wal-haybati wal-qudrati wal-kibriya'i wal-jabarut. Subhanal-Malikil-Hayyilladhi la yanamu wa la yamut. Subbuhun Quddusun, Rabbuna wa Rabbul-mala'ikati war-ruh.

"Glory be to the Owner of dominion and sovereignty. Glory be to the Possessor of might, majesty, awe, power and greatness. Glory be to the Living King who neither sleeps nor dies. All-Glorious, All-Holy — our Lord and the Lord of the angels and the Spirit."

Notes

  • 💡 Praying at home is valid, but praying in congregation with the imam carries the reward of standing the whole night.
  • 💡 Both 8 and 20 rak'ah traditions are authentically transmitted — do not let it become a source of division.
  • 💡 Quality of recitation and khushu' matter more than speed or number.