Taraweeh: Ramadan Night Prayer, Rak’ahs & How to Pray

By the Editorial Team · reviewed against our sources · updated September 2026 · guidance, not a fatwa

What is Taraweeh?

Taraweeh is a voluntary prayer offered during the nights of Ramadan after the obligatory Isha prayer and before witr. The name derives from an Arabic word connected to rest, because worshippers traditionally paused briefly to rest after every few units of the long prayer. It is one of the most visible and beloved features of Ramadan, drawing large congregations to mosques throughout the month.

The ruling: an emphasised Sunnah

Taraweeh is classed as sunnah mu’akkadah — a strongly emphasised, confirmed Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ prayed it in congregation on several nights but then refrained from leading it consistently, out of concern that it might be made obligatory upon the community. This voluntary status means missing it is not sinful, yet establishing it carries great reward and is part of the recommended practice of the month.

The virtue of standing in Ramadan

It is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim that whoever stands (in night prayer) during Ramadan out of faith and in hope of reward will have their past sins forgiven. Taraweeh is the practical, communal expression of this “standing” (qiyam) that the Prophet ﷺ encouraged.

How Taraweeh developed in congregation

After the Prophet ﷺ, during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the people who had been praying in scattered small groups were gathered to pray behind a single imam. This organised congregational form is what most Muslims recognise as taraweeh today, and it has been the practice in the two Holy Mosques and across the Muslim world for centuries.

The number of rak’ahs: 8 vs 20

One of the most discussed questions is how many rak’ahs taraweeh should be. Both major positions are grounded in evidence and the practice of respected scholars, and it is important to approach the matter with mutual respect:

• Eight rak’ahs: Some scholars point to the narration of Aisha (RA) describing the Prophet’s night prayer as not exceeding eleven rak’ahs (understood as eight of qiyam plus three of witr), and hold this to be the preferred number.
• Twenty rak’ahs: Many scholars and the four major schools’ broad practice support twenty rak’ahs of taraweeh (with witr in addition), based on the established practice of the companions and the continuous tradition of the Muslim community.

Neither view should be declared wrong. What matters most is the quality and tranquillity of the prayer. A worshipper may follow the practice of their mosque or the guidance of their trusted scholars without dispute.

How Taraweeh is prayed

Taraweeh is offered in sets of two rak’ahs, with the worshipper giving the closing salam after each pair. This continues for the chosen number of units. After completing taraweeh, the night prayer is sealed with witr, an odd-numbered prayer (commonly one or three rak’ahs). If a person intends to pray tahajjud later before dawn, some prefer to delay their witr until then.

When praying behind an imam, the worshipper follows the imam’s recitation and movements and should remain until the imam finishes, including the witr. There is a narration encouraging the one who prays with the imam until he departs to be recorded as having stood the whole night in prayer, which underscores the merit of staying for the complete congregation rather than leaving partway through.

Praying with calm and presence

Whatever number of rak’ahs a person prays, scholars consistently stress that the manner of the prayer matters more than the count. Taraweeh should be performed with unhurried movements, proper bowing and prostration, and attention to the meaning of what is recited. A shorter prayer offered with tranquillity and sincerity is more valuable than a longer one rushed without focus. This principle helps put the difference over numbers into perspective: the goal is a heart engaged in worship, not merely the completion of units.

At the mosque or at home

Praying taraweeh in congregation at the mosque is highly encouraged and reflects the practice established under Umar (RA). At the same time, praying at home is entirely valid, and some scholars note the merit of voluntary prayers performed at home. Those who cannot attend the mosque — due to distance, health, or family responsibilities — still attain the reward of qiyam Ramadan by praying at home.

Completing the Qur’an in Taraweeh

A cherished tradition is the khatm — completing a full recitation of the Qur’an over the nights of Ramadan during taraweeh. Many mosques recite roughly one thirtieth (a juz’) each night so that the entire Qur’an is finished by the end of the month. This is a recommended practice, not a requirement, and mosques vary in how much they recite.

Women praying Taraweeh

Women may pray taraweeh at home or attend the mosque. The Prophet ﷺ instructed that women should not be prevented from attending the mosques, while also noting the merit of prayer offered in the privacy of the home. Both options are legitimate, and a woman may choose according to her circumstances, safety, and family situation.

Learn more

Deepen your Ramadan practice with our guides to Laylatul Qadr, the retreat of I’tikaf, and Zakat al-Fitr. Planning ahead? See our Ramadan 2027 guide, and visit the Islamic information hub for more.

This article is general educational guidance, not a fatwa. Religious rulings can vary by school of thought and individual circumstance; for decisions that affect your worship or obligations, please consult a qualified local scholar.

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