Understanding Taraweeh and Its Benefits

Taraweeh is a special prayer performed by Muslims during the blessed month of Ramadan. It holds a unique and vital place in the hearts of Muslims around the world as it is a means of gaining reward, seeking forgiveness, and drawing closer to Allah (SWT).

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Taraweeh, its historical background, the correct method of performing it, and the numerous spiritual benefits it brings to those who engage in it.

Additionally, we will examine relevant Quranic verses and Hadith in both Arabic and English to provide a deeper understanding of this revered act of worship.

What is Taraweeh?

Taraweeh refers to the voluntary night prayer that is offered after the obligatory Isha prayer during the month of Ramadan. The term “Taraweeh” is derived from the Arabic root “Raha” which means “rest” or “relief.” The prayer is called Taraweeh because it involves taking short breaks during the prayer after every two rak’ahs to relax before continuing. It is traditionally offered in pairs of rak’ahs, with the most common practice being to pray in sets of two rak’ahs.

Taraweeh is a Sunnah prayer, meaning it is not obligatory but highly recommended. While the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established this prayer as a means of worship during Ramadan, he also made it clear that it is not obligatory like the five daily prayers. However, the reward and benefits of offering Taraweeh are immense, and it is considered an important part of Ramadan for those who are able to perform it.

The Historical Context of Taraweeh

The practice of offering Taraweeh prayer was introduced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the early years of Islam. In the first year of Ramadan, the Prophet (PBUH) prayed Taraweeh in congregation in the mosque. He did this on a few nights, but then he stopped and did not pray it in congregation for the remainder of the month. When the Companions asked him why he had discontinued the practice, the Prophet (PBUH) explained that he feared it would be made obligatory for his followers.

In a famous Hadith narrated by Aisha (RA), she said:

صَلَّى النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم التَّرَاوِيحَ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ لِبِضْعٍ مِّنَ اللَّيَالِي، حَتَّى اجْتَمَعَ النَّاسُ فِي صَلاَتِهِ، فَفَجَأَهُمْ لَيْلَةً فَجَعَلَ يُصَلِّي فِي فُرَادِهِ، فَجَعَلُوا يُحْشَرُونَ فِي صَلاَتِهِ حَتَّى خَرَجُوا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ، فَقَالَ: ” إِنِّي خَشِيتُ أَنْ يُفْرَضَ عَلَيْكُمْ

“The Prophet (PBUH) prayed Taraweeh for a few nights in the mosque, and the people prayed behind him. On the fourth night, the Prophet (PBUH) did not come out to pray with them. The people waited, but he did not come. The following morning, the Prophet (PBUH) addressed them, saying, ‘I feared that it might be made obligatory upon you.’”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1129)

This highlights the Prophet’s (PBUH) concern for the well-being of the Muslim community, knowing that an obligation beyond their ability could be burdensome. Since then, Taraweeh has been performed as a voluntary Sunnah prayer, with the opportunity to pray it individually or in congregation.

The Importance and Benefits of Taraweeh

Taraweeh prayer carries immense rewards and blessings. In the month of Ramadan, every act of worship is multiplied in reward, and Taraweeh is no exception. It is a time for believers to seek forgiveness, gain closeness to Allah (SWT), and reflect on their deeds. Below are some of the key benefits of performing Taraweeh:

Increased Spiritual Connection with Allah (SWT)

Taraweeh offers an opportunity for a deep spiritual connection with Allah (SWT). The long recitation of the Quran during this prayer allows the worshipper to reflect on the meanings of the Quranic verses, making it a time for repentance and supplication.

Quranic Reference:

إِنَّ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَحْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ
“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most suitable.”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:9)

The Quran is a source of guidance, and Taraweeh provides the perfect opportunity to listen to and contemplate the message of Allah (SWT). The night prayer allows the worshipper to focus on seeking Allah’s mercy and reflecting on how to improve spiritually.

Hadith Reference:

“من قام رمضان إيمانًا واحتسابًا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه”
“Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan with faith and hoping for reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith emphasizes the reward of engaging in prayer during Ramadan, specifically the Taraweeh prayer. By performing Taraweeh with sincerity, a Muslim can have their past sins forgiven and strengthen their bond with Allah.

Strengthening One’s Faith and Consistency in Worship

The act of offering Taraweeh prayer consistently throughout the month of Ramadan helps build spiritual discipline and strengthens one’s faith. It allows a person to remain engaged in worship for extended periods, fostering a deeper connection to Allah (SWT) and making it easier to carry out other acts of worship like the five daily prayers.

Quranic Reference:

وَعَبُدُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَكُمُ الْيَقِينُ
“And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death).”
(Surah Al-Hijr, 15:99)

This verse encourages consistent worship and devotion until death, and Taraweeh is one way to fulfill this duty during Ramadan, allowing believers to develop stronger faith.

Hadith Reference:

“من قام مع الإمام حتى ينصرف كتب له قيام ليلة”
“Whoever stands in prayer with the Imam until he finishes, it will be written for him as if he spent the entire night in prayer.”
(Sunan At-Tirmidhi)

The reward of Taraweeh increases when one prays in congregation, especially when one stays with the Imam until the prayer is completed. This reward serves as an incentive to develop consistency in worship.

The Reward of Quranic Recitation

Taraweeh is most often characterized by the recitation of long portions of the Quran. In Ramadan, the reward of reciting and listening to the Quran is multiplied manifold. Taraweeh allows Muslims to complete the entire Quran throughout the month of Ramadan, or at least listen to it being recited.

Quranic Reference:

فَاقْرَؤُوا۟ مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ
“So recite what is easy for you of the Quran.”
(Surah Al-Muzzammil, 73:20)

The recitation of the Quran during Taraweeh is both an act of worship and a means of connecting with the words of Allah. The more one recites, the more one is rewarded. Additionally, Taraweeh allows individuals to reflect on the Quran’s meanings and integrate them into their daily lives.

Gaining Forgiveness and Mercy from Allah (SWT)

One of the greatest benefits of Taraweeh is the forgiveness of sins. As Ramadan is a month of mercy, every act of worship done sincerely during this time brings the worshipper closer to Allah (SWT) and helps to wipe away past sins.

Hadith Reference:

“من قام رمضان إيمانًا واحتسابًا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه”
“Whoever prays during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

The act of standing in Taraweeh prayer is a means of expiating past wrongdoings. Since Ramadan is a month where the gates of mercy are wide open, performing Taraweeh prayer with sincerity results in forgiveness from Allah (SWT).

Strengthening the Sense of Community

Another key benefit of Taraweeh prayer is that it brings the Muslim community together. It is common for Muslims to pray Taraweeh in congregation at mosques, which helps strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among the community. It provides a sense of unity as everyone participates in the worship together, regardless of social status or background.

Hadith Reference:

“صلاة الرجل مع الرجل أفضَلُ من صلاته وحده، وصلاته مع الرجلين أفضَلُ من صلاته مع الرجل”
“The prayer of a man with another man is better than the prayer of one man alone, and the prayer of two men with each other is better than the prayer of one man with two.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)

Praying together in congregation fosters a sense of solidarity and mutual support among Muslims, especially in the blessed month of Ramadan.

How to Perform Taraweeh Correctly

Taraweeh is generally performed after the Isha prayer. It is a non-obligatory prayer, but its rewards are immense for those who sincerely engage in it. The correct method of performing Taraweeh involves the following:

Niyyah (Intention): The worshipper should have the sincere intention to perform Taraweeh for the sake of Allah (SWT).
Number of Rak’ahs: Taraweeh can be prayed in any number of rak’ahs, but the most common practice is to offer 20 rak’ahs. However, there is flexibility depending on the tradition followed in different cultures.
Recitation of Quran: During Taraweeh, the Quran is recited aloud by the Imam, and the worshippers listen attentively. The recitation should be slow and clear so that the meanings of the verses can be understood and reflected upon.

Conclusion

Taraweeh prayer is an incredibly rewarding and spiritually enriching practice during the month of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) introduced it as a means for Muslims to increase their worship, gain Allah’s mercy, and strengthen their connection to the Quran. By performing Taraweeh, Muslims can receive forgiveness, gain closeness to Allah, and attain the rewards of standing in prayer throughout the night.

Taraweeh offers an opportunity to improve both spiritually and socially by fostering a sense of community, promoting consistency in worship, and purifying the soul. The blessings of this prayer are numerous, and by observing it, Muslims are following the Prophetic example, deepening their faith, and preparing for the ultimate goal of Ramadan: gaining the pleasure of Allah and achieving spiritual excellence.

May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to perform Taraweeh in the best manner and accept our worship during this blessed month of Ramadan. Ameen.