Tarawih (Ramadan Night Prayer)
The voluntary night prayer performed in congregation during Ramadan.
Tarawih (Arabic: تراويح) is a voluntary night prayer performed in congregation at the mosque throughout the month of Ramadan. The word "tarawih" is the plural of "tarwiha", meaning "rest" — because the worshippers rest between each set of rak'ah.
Tarawih is prayed after the Isha prayer and typically consists of 8 or 20 rak'ah, depending on the local tradition and school of law. During Tarawih, the goal is to recite the entire Quran over the course of the Ramadan month, typically one juz' (section) per night.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed Tarawih in congregation for a few nights, but then stopped out of concern that it would be made obligatory. Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab later revived the tradition of congregational Tarawih prayer in the mosque.
Tarawih is one of the most beloved traditions during Ramadan and creates a special atmosphere in the mosques, where the entire community gathers for night prayer and Quran recitation.
Related terms
Salat al-Duha (Forenoon Prayer)
A voluntary prayer performed after sunrise and before noon, with great reward according to the narrations.
Muwalat (Continuity in Prayer)
The requirement of continuous and coherent performance of the prayer's parts.
Adhan (Call to Prayer)
The Islamic call to prayer, recited by a muezzin.
Turbah (Prayer Stone)
A small clay tablet upon which Shia Muslims place their forehead during sujud.
Fard (Obligatory)
The obligatory acts in Islam, including the five daily prayers.
Sha'ban (The Prophet's Month)
The eighth Islamic month, with special emphasis on the 15th night.