Introduction
Ramadan is the month of mercy, forgiveness, and emancipation from the Hellfire. Among its greatest nightly blessings is Tarawih Salah — the special congregational prayer performed after ‘Isha during Ramadan.
Tarawih is not merely a ritual; it is a spiritual journey in which believers stand before Allah for long hours, listening to His words, seeking forgiveness, and strengthening their connection with the Qur’an.
On the 8th day of Ramadan, reflecting on Tarawih allows us to appreciate its history, virtues, scholarly discussions, and the legacy of the righteous predecessors — especially the role of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) in organizing it in congregation.
1. Meaning and Definition of Tarawih
The word Tarawih comes from the Arabic root “Raha” which means rest or relaxation. After every four rak‘ahs, worshippers would sit briefly to rest — hence the prayer was called Tarawih.
It is also known as:
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Qiyam al-Ramadan (Night standing of Ramadan)
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A form of Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer)
2. Tarawih in the Qur’an
Tarawih itself is not mentioned by name in the Qur’an, but its foundation lies in verses encouraging night prayer.
Key Verses
1. Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:2-4)
“Stand (to pray) at night, except a little…”
This verse established night prayer as a means of spiritual elevation.
2. Surah As-Sajdah (32:16)
“Their sides forsake their beds; they call upon their Lord in fear and hope…”
3. Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:17-18)
“They used to sleep little at night and seek forgiveness before dawn.”
Scholars explain that Tarawih is a Ramadan-specific manifestation of these general commands of night worship.
3. Tarawih in the Hadith
The virtues of Tarawih are firmly rooted in authentic Hadith.
1. Forgiveness of Sins
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever stands (in prayer) during Ramadan with faith and hoping for reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
— (Bukhari, Muslim)
This Hadith alone shows the immense spiritual reward of Tarawih.
2. Reward of Standing the Whole Night
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever prays with the Imam until he finishes, it is recorded for him as if he prayed the whole night.”
— (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)
This encourages Muslims to complete Tarawih with the congregation.
4. How Tarawih Started — Historical Development
During the Lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ
Tarawih began in the Prophet’s lifetime in the following stages:
Stage 1 — Individual Prayer
Initially, the Prophet ﷺ prayed night prayers alone at home, as was his habit throughout the year.
Stage 2 — Congregation for a Few Nights
One Ramadan, he prayed in the mosque. Companions joined him.
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First night: Few companions
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Second night: More joined
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Third/Fourth night: Mosque filled
But then the Prophet ﷺ stopped coming out.
Reason He Stopped
He later explained:
“I feared that it would be made obligatory upon you.”
— (Bukhari, Muslim)
Thus, Tarawih remained Sunnah, not Fard.
5. Tarawih After the Prophet ﷺ
After the Prophet’s passing:
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People prayed individually
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Some prayed in small groups
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No single congregation existed
This continued during the Khilafah of Abu Bakr (RA).
6. The Role of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)
When Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) became Caliph, he observed people praying in scattered groups.
He unified them behind one Imam — Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (RA).
What Umar (RA) Said
Famous statement:
“What an excellent innovation (bid‘ah) this is.”
Scholars clarify:
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He meant organizational innovation, not religious innovation
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The prayer already existed in Sunnah
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He revived congregational unity
Thus, Tarawih in congregation became a lasting practice.
7. Number of Rak‘ahs — 8 or 20?
This is one of the most discussed topics.
Let us examine scholarly opinions.
Opinion 1 — 8 Rak‘ahs
Evidence comes from Hadith of Aisha (RA):
“The Prophet never prayed more than 11 rak‘ahs in Ramadan or outside it.”
— (Bukhari, Muslim)
Scholars who support 8 say:
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Prophet’s night prayer was 8 + 3 Witr
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Quality over quantity
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Longer recitation preferred
This view is held by some scholars including:
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Imam Malik (one narration)
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Imam Ahmad (one narration)
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Modern Salafi scholars
Opinion 2 — 20 Rak‘ahs
This is the majority view.
Practice established by:
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Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)
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Companions unanimously
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Continued through generations
Supported by:
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Imam Abu Hanifa
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Imam Shafi‘i
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Imam Ahmad (dominant narration)
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Majority of classical scholars
They argue:
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Companions would not unite on error
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Umar’s decision had consensus (Ijma‘)
Opinion 3 — Flexible Number
Some scholars say:
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No fixed number
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Can be 8, 20, or more
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Depends on length and ability
Imam Ibn Taymiyyah stated:
If recitation is long → fewer rak‘ahs
If short → more rak‘ahs
Thus flexibility exists.
8. Which Is Better — 8 or 20?
Balanced scholarly conclusions:
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Both valid
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Both Sunnah-based
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No condemnation either way
Key principle:
Unity is better than dispute.
So Muslims should follow:
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Their local mosque
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Community practice
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Without division
9. Spiritual Benefits of Tarawih
1. Forgiveness of Past Sins
As mentioned earlier — standing with faith wipes sins.
2. Connection With the Qur’an
In Tarawih:
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Entire Qur’an is recited
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Muslims listen attentively
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Revives relationship with revelation
Allah says:
“Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed…”
Tarawih becomes a living tafsir experience.
3. Strengthening Iman
Long standing:
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Softens the heart
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Increases humility
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Builds khushu‘ (focus)
4. Discipline and Patience
Standing for hours teaches:
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Physical endurance
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Spiritual resilience
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Control over desires
5. Unity of the Ummah
Congregational Tarawih:
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Brings communities together
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Erases social differences
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Rich and poor stand shoulder-to-shoulder
10. Social and Psychological Benefits
Tarawih also has worldly benefits:
Community bonding
Mosques become lively centers.
Youth engagement
Young Muslims connect with deen.
Mental peace
Night prayer reduces stress and anxiety.
Healthy routine
Encourages structured sleep and worship cycle.
11. Women and Tarawih
Women may:
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Pray at mosque
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Or at home
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Do not منع (prevent) women from the mosques…”
But he also said:
“Their homes are better for them.”
Thus both options valid.
12. Reciting Qur’an in Tarawih
Common practices:
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1 Juz per night → Qur’an completion
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Short surahs in smaller mosques
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Hifz revision for Huffaz
Listening attentively earns reward equal to recitation.
13. Witr After Tarawih
Witr is usually prayed:
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After Tarawih in congregation
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1, 3, or more rak‘ahs
Prophet ﷺ said:
“Make Witr your last prayer at night.”
14. Missing Tarawih — Is There Sin?
Tarawih is:
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Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah)
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Not obligatory
So:
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No sin if missed
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But huge reward lost
Scholars stress consistency even if fewer rak‘ahs.
15. Early Generations and Tarawih Length
The Salaf prayed extremely long Tarawih:
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Hundreds of verses per rak‘ah
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Leaned on sticks due to length
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Finished near Fajr
This shows their devotion to Qur’an.
16. Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1 — 20 is Bid‘ah
False — established by companions.
Misconception 2 — 8 is the only Sunnah
Incomplete — Sunnah allows flexibility.
Misconception 3 — Speed recitation acceptable
Wrong — Qur’an must be recited properly.
17. Practical Tips to Improve Tarawih Experience
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Rest before Isha
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Hydrate after iftar
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Follow along with Mushaf
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Understand meanings
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Make dua in sujood
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Pray consistently
18. Tarawih at Home vs Mosque
Mosque advantages
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Congregational reward
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Full Qur’an listening
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Spiritual environment
Home advantages
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Flexibility
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Comfort
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Family bonding
Both rewarded.
19. The Legacy of Umar (RA)
Umar’s organization of Tarawih shows:
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Leadership wisdom
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Preservation of Sunnah
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Community unity
His statement “excellent innovation” proves:
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Islam allows administrative improvements
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As long as rooted in Sunnah
20. Conclusion
Tarawih is one of Ramadan’s greatest gifts.
It combines:
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Qur’an
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Night worship
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Forgiveness
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Unity
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Spiritual elevation
Whether 8 or 20 rak‘ahs, the essence remains:
Standing sincerely before Allah.
As Ramadan progresses, believers should strive to:
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Pray with devotion
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Reflect on Qur’an
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Seek forgiveness nightly
Because one night of sincere Tarawih may transform a lifetime.
