How to Perform Taraweeh Prayers in Makkah

How to Perform Taraweeh Prayers in Makkah: A Comprehensive Guide

Taraweeh is a special night prayer performed during the blessed month of Ramadan. It is a significant Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and is highly recommended for those who seek the immense rewards of Ramadan. One of the most spiritually uplifting experiences for a Muslim is performing Taraweeh in Makkah, inside the Masjid al-Haram, the holiest site in Islam. The atmosphere in the Grand Mosque during Ramadan is unparalleled, with millions of Muslims gathering to worship, seek forgiveness, and earn the pleasure of Allah.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

مَنْ قَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ
“Whoever stands (in prayer) during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 37, Sahih Muslim 759)

Performing Taraweeh prayers in Masjid al-Haram is a unique experience due to the blessed surroundings, the presence of the Kaaba, and the beautifully recited Qur’an by renowned Imams. This guide will provide a step-by-step explanation of how to perform Taraweeh in Makkah, along with Quranic and Hadith references, spiritual benefits, and practical tips for pilgrims.

What is Taraweeh?

Taraweeh is a voluntary (Nafl) prayer offered after the Isha prayer during Ramadan. It is performed in sets of two rak‘ahs and traditionally completed in 20 rak‘ahs in Masjid al-Haram, though some scholars allow 8 rak‘ahs.

The name Taraweeh comes from the Arabic word تَرْوِيحَة (Tarweeha), meaning to rest, as it was common for the companions to take breaks after every four rak‘ahs.

The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged Taraweeh but did not make it obligatory:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ قَالَ: “مَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ”
“Whoever stands (in prayer) on Laylatul Qadr with faith and expecting reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 35, Sahih Muslim 760)

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Taraweeh in Makkah

Prepare for Prayer

Before attending Taraweeh in Masjid al-Haram, ensure you:

• Perform Wudu (Ablution): Stay in a state of purity.
• Dress Modestly: Wear clean, respectful attire.
• Reach the Mosque Early: Masjid al-Haram fills quickly, especially in the last ten nights of Ramadan.
• Have a Prayer Mat: Due to large crowds, a mat may be useful.

Perform Isha Prayer in Congregation

• Taraweeh begins after Isha prayer.
• The Iqamah (second call to prayer) is given for Isha.
• Complete the four rak‘ahs of Isha, followed by two rak‘ahs of Sunnah.

Begin Taraweeh Prayer

Formation of the Taraweeh Congregation

• The Imam leads the prayer.
• The prayer is performed in two-rak‘ah units.
• The congregation follows the Imam’s recitation.

How Many Rak‘ahs?

• In Masjid al-Haram, 20 rak‘ahs are performed.
• However, some scholars allow 8 rak‘ahs, following the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ).

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

صَلَاةُ اللَّيْلِ مَثْنَىٰ مَثْنَىٰ.
“The night prayer is offered as two rak‘ahs followed by two rak‘ahs, and so on.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 990, Sahih Muslim 749)

Witr Prayer

• After completing Taraweeh, the Imam leads the Witr prayer.
• It is performed in three rak‘ahs with a long Qunoot supplication.
• The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged Witr as the closing prayer of the night.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Make Witr the last of your night prayer.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 998, Sahih Muslim 751)

Spiritual Benefits of Taraweeh in Makkah

Tips for Performing Taraweeh in Masjid al-Haram

Performing Taraweeh in Masjid al-Haram is a spiritually uplifting experience, but due to the large crowds and long prayer durations, proper preparation is essential. Here are some useful tips to enhance your Taraweeh experience in Makkah:

Arrive Early

Masjid al-Haram gets extremely crowded during Ramadan, especially for Isha and Taraweeh. Arrive at least 1-2 hours before Isha to find a suitable prayer spot, preferably near fans or cool areas.

Perform Wudu Before Arrival

The wudu (ablution) areas can be crowded. It’s best to perform wudu before leaving your accommodation to avoid delays and ensure you enter the mosque prepared.

Carry a Prayer Mat & Water Bottle

A foldable prayer mat ensures comfort during long rak‘ahs, and a water bottle helps you stay hydrated, especially in warm temperatures.

Maintain Patience and Focus

With millions of worshippers, movement can be challenging. Stay patient, avoid unnecessary talking, and focus on the recitation of the Qur’an to maximize spiritual benefits.

Follow the Imam’s Recitation

The Imams of Masjid al-Haram recite the entire Qur’an during Taraweeh. Listening attentively and following along with a Qur’an app or Mushaf enhances understanding and connection.

By following these tips, you can make your Taraweeh prayers in Masjid al-Haram a comfortable and spiritually rewarding experience.

Conclusion

Performing Taraweeh prayers in Makkah is a truly transformative spiritual experience. The sacred atmosphere of Masjid al-Haram, the powerful recitation of the Qur’an by esteemed Imams, and the presence of millions of devoted Muslims create a unique opportunity for deep reflection, worship, and connection with Allah (SWT). The immense reward of praying in Makkah—where each prayer is multiplied 100,000 times—makes Taraweeh in this blessed place even more significant.

Ramadan is a month of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation, and standing in prayer before the Kaaba enhances the sincerity and devotion of every worshipper. It is a time to seek repentance, renew one’s faith, and strive for greater closeness to Allah. Whether performing 8 rak‘ahs or 20 rak‘ahs, every moment spent in Taraweeh is an opportunity to earn unimaginable rewards.

For those blessed to visit Makkah during Ramadan, proper preparation—such as arriving early, maintaining patience in crowds, and staying hydrated—is essential. Even for those unable to visit, the spirit of Taraweeh can still be embraced wherever they are. Ultimately, Taraweeh is about strengthening faith, increasing devotion, and seeking Allah’s infinite blessings in this world and the Hereafter.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

مَن قَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ.

“Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully and with the hope of reward will have his past sins forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 37, Sahih Muslim 759)

May Allah grant all Muslims the opportunity to perform Taraweeh in Makkah and accept their prayers and supplications. Ameen.