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
Salawat (Blessings Upon the Prophet)
Blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad and his family.
A'mal (Acts of Worship)
Specific acts of worship and rituals for particular days and occasions.
Nubuwwah (Prophethood)
Belief in prophethood — the third article of faith in Shia Islam.
Ijma' (Consensus)
Agreement among Islamic scholars on a legal question, considered the third source of Islamic law.
Sunan Abu Dawud (Abu Dawud's Hadith Collection)
One of the six canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam with a special focus on legal narrations.
Mab'ath (The Prophet's Calling)
The day when Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation and was called to prophethood.