Tarawih prayers are a highly recommended (sunnah muakkadah) night prayer performed only during Ramadan. It is usually prayed in congregation at the mosque but can also be done individually at home.
If you’re wondering how to perform Tarawih properly, here’s a simple step-by-step guide!
1. Intention (Niyyah) for Tarawih Prayer
Before starting, make an intention in your heart to perform Tarawih prayers. Here’s the Arabic niyyah:
🌙 If praying in congregation:
“Usolli sunnatat-tarawihi rak‘ataini ma’muman lillahi ta’ala”
(I intend to pray two rakaat of Sunnah Tarawih as a follower for the sake of Allah Ta’ala)
🌙 If praying alone:
“Usolli sunnatat-tarawihi rak‘ataini lillahi ta’ala”
(I intend to pray two rakaat of Sunnah Tarawih for the sake of Allah Ta’ala)
2. How to Perform Tarawih Prayer
Tarawih is performed in sets of two rakaat each, and the number of rakaat may vary:
✅ 8 rakaat (4 sets of 2) – Common for home prayers
✅ 20 rakaat (10 sets of 2) – Traditionally performed in mosques
Each set is performed like a regular two-rakaat Sunnah prayer:
1️⃣ Start with Takbiratul Ihram (Allahu Akbar)
2️⃣ Recite Surah Al-Fatihah
3️⃣ Recite any short Surah (e.g., Al-Ikhlas or Al-Kafirun)
4️⃣ Perform Ruku’ (bowing)
5️⃣ Stand back up (I’tidal)
6️⃣ Perform Sujood (prostration)
7️⃣ Sit between the two Sujood
8️⃣ Perform the second Sujood
9️⃣ Stand for the second rakaat and repeat the steps
🔟 After the second Sujood in the second rakaat, sit for Tashahhud (final sitting) and give Salam
👉 Repeat this process until you reach your desired number of rakaat!
3. Du’a (Supplication) After Tarawih
After completing Tarawih, many people recite Du’a Kamilin, which asks for forgiveness and blessings during Ramadan.
If you don’t know the Arabic supplication, you can make any personal dua in your own language, asking for guidance, forgiveness, and success in both this world and the Hereafter.
4. Best Time & Rewards for Tarawih Prayer
🕌 Time: After Isha prayer until before Fajr
⭐ Rewards: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan with faith and hoping for reward, his past sins will be forgiven” (Bukhari & Muslim).
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tarawih
❓ Can I pray Tarawih with short surahs?
✅ Yes! You can recite short surahs like Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas if you want a lighter prayer.
❓ Can I pray Tarawih at home?
✅ Absolutely! While praying in the mosque is encouraged, Tarawih at home is equally valid.
❓ Do I have to pray 20 rakaat?
✅ No, it’s not mandatory. You can pray 8 rakaat, 20 rakaat, or however many you can manage.
Tarawih is a beautiful way to strengthen your connection with Allah during Ramadan. Whether you perform it at the mosque or at home, what matters most is your sincerity and devotion. May this Ramadan bring blessings and peace to all of us! 🌙✨
