Prayers are an essential part of Islam. Muslims perform a wide range of prayers for different purposes and occasions. Taraweeh namaz is one such prayer performed only during the holy month of Ramadan. Considered a highly blessed and spiritual experience, performing Taraweeh namaz makes Ramadan even more fruitful and fulfilling for devotees. It is believed to be a great way of gaining Allah’s blessings. So, here is all there is to know about Taraweeh namaz’s benefits and methods.
What is Taraweeh namaz
The word ‘Taraweeh’ is derived from an Arabic term that means to rest and relax. Counted amongst the significant specialities of Ramadan nights, Taraweeh namaz is a voluntary prayer performed by many Muslims after every evening’s last daily prayer called Isha. During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims line up at night for Taraweeh namaz, which involves reading long portions of the Holy Quran and performing several Rakats.
History of Taraweeh namaz
One night, during the last year of his life, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) prayed to Taraweeh namaz. Some people joined him. The next night, the word spread about the prayer, and more people arrived to pray with him. The same thing happened on the third night as well. The mosque became packed with people awaiting Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) arrival on the fourth night. However, he stayed in that night and prayed by himself at home.
After Fajr (first of the five daily prayers), he said: “Nothing prevented me from coming out to you except that I feared that it would be made obligatory for you”.
From Caliph Abu Bakr’s time to the beginning of the era of Caliph Omar, Muslims usually performed Taraweeh namaz individually or in small groups. Sometime later, Caliph Omar started gathering everyone behind one Imam, who led everyone through eight Rakats. Later, it became a practice to pray 20 Rakats.
Taraweeh namaz benefits
Taraweeh namaz has many spiritual and health benefits, some of which are listed below.
1. Greater rewards
Since it is believed that rewards for any good deed are multiplied during the holy month of Ramadan, the rewards for performing Taraweeh namaz are even more significant. It is also believed that the sins of those who pray Taraweeh wholeheartedly are forgiven. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking its reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven”. He added, “Whoever prays qiyam with the imam until he finishes, Allah will record for him the qiyam of a (whole) night”.
2. Promotes unity
As Taraweeh namaz is performed in the congregation, it encourages Muslims to visit the mosque and brings together devotees from all walks of life, promoting a feeling of togetherness amongst fellow Muslims.
3. Strengthens faith
The act of performing Taraweeh namaz every night for the entire sacred month of Ramadan helps strengthen the faith of devotees and encourages Muslims to walk on the path that pleases Allah. This particular prayer brings them closer to God and helps them gain his pleasure.
4. Enhances overall health
Performing Taraweeh namaz helps in improving physical as well as mental well-being. The gentle movements of Rakats performed while Taraweeh improves physical and emotional health and enhance the endurance of those praying.
5. Boosts body strength
Taraweeh namaz restores muscle strength through its repeated movements. It helps in improving joint flexibility and tendon power. It also boosts stamina and self-confidence.
How to pray Taraweeh namaz?
Performing Taraweeh namaz in congregation at mosques offers a greater reward than praying at home. However, those unable to visit the mosque can also perform the special prayer at home. Muslims can choose to pray at home, either in a congregation with family and friends or alone. When praying at home, it is highly recommended to pray Taraweeh namaz in congregation with your friends and family since the reward for praying in Jama’ah (group) is higher.
When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked how to pray Taraweeh namaz, he said: “Prayers at night are offered in two followed by two. Then, if you fear dawn will come, pray Witr with one”.
So, for those performing the special prayers at home, here is how to pray Taraweeh namaz step by step.
1. Decide the number of Rakats to pray
First and foremost, decide the number of Rakats (units of prayer) to perform for Taraweeh namaz. The number you choose can be an even number, anywhere between 8 and 20. Make sure to pray Rakats two-by-two before concluding it with the Witr prayer. The Prophet used to pray eight Rakats of Taraweeh and three Rakats of Witr.
2. Decide if the prayer is to be read from the Quran
Taraweeh namaz can be very long and often exceed an hour. When at a mosque, it is recited by an Imam who has the entire Quran perfectly memorised. While praying at home, those who do not have the Quran memorised can keep it open and read.
3. Start by Isha
Taraweeh namaz starts with the Isha prayer, which consists of four Rakats and is followed by an additional Rakat for Taraweeh.
4. Continue performing two-by-two rakats until you want
Once the number of Rakats to be performed is decided, begin Taraweeh namaz and perform Rakats in pairs for as long as comfortable. Usually, Muslims perform 20 Rakats (including Witr). However, everyone can choose a number as per their preference. Make sure to say Tasleem between each Rakat.
5. Conclude with Shafaa and Witr’s prayers
Shafaa and Witr are voluntary Islamic prayers that are recited at night. Once the decided-upon number of Rakats has been performed, conclude Taraweeh namaz with two Rakats of Shafaa and one Rakat of the Witr prayer. For instance, if one prays eight Rakats of Taraweeh, then conclude the prayer with two Rakats of Shafaa and one Rakat of Witr, making a total of 11 Rakats.
Performing Taraweeh namaz every night during the holy month of Ramadan provides Muslims with great rewards and brings them closer to Allah. It is an excellent way of staying in Allah’s good grace. So, remember to perform this prayer this Ramadan for the most fulfilling experience.
