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So before we explore what to read for Tarawih prayers, it’s important to know why muslims read Tarawh prayer through the holy month.
The night prayer has immense value and reward.
“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.” The Prophet Muhammad (saw). Al-Bukhari & Muslim.
The Prophet (saw) also said:
“Religion is easy; whoever overburdens himself in religion will be overpowered by it (i.e. he will not be able to continue in that way.) So pursue what is good moderately; try to be near to perfection (if you cannot attain it); and receive the good tidings (that you will be rewarded). Gain strength by worshiping in the mornings, the afternoons, and some part of the night’s last hours.” (Al-Bukhari)
In Surat al-Muzzamil, Allah (S) says:
“O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad)! Stand (to pray) all night, except a little — Half of it or a little less than that, Or a little more. And recite the Qur’aan (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style. Verily, We shall send down to you a weighty Word (i.e. obligations, laws). Verily, the rising by night (for Tahajjud prayer) is very hard and most potent and good for governing oneself, and most suitable for (understanding) the Word (of Allah)” [al-Muzzamil 73:1-6]
When he was asked about night prayer, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Prayers at night are offered in two followed by two. Then, if you fear dawn will come, pray witr with one.” – Prophet Muhammad (saw) – Al-Bukhari and Muslim
As you may know, i’s highly recommended to pray tarawih prayer in congregation with your family members, as the reward for praying in jama’ah (group) is multiplied. This Ramadan is different due to Covid-19, may allah swt protect us all.
Here’s a simple and easy breakdown to praying Tarawih prayer.
Before focusing on your Tarawih prayers, begin by praying Isha prayer which consists of four rak’at, and then followed by additional rak’at for Tarawih
With your intention to start praying tarawih/qiyam. Pray the first four rak’as of tarawih (2 raka’as at a time).
Take a mini break.
Pray the next four raka’as (again, two raka’as at a time).
Here, you can either end your tarawih and move on to witr, or continue praying.
Pray witr (either one or three raka’as).
According to the scholars, the Prophet (S) is known to have prayed tarawih in eight, 12 and even 20 raka’as plus the three witr raka’as – so do what works for you!
While there are differences of opinion on how many raka’as the Prophet (S) prayed, all scholars agree on this: the quality of your tarawih is more important than the quantity.
What Quran and Du’a Do I Read in Tarawih?
There are no specific surahs in Quran that you have to read while performing tarawih prayers. Typically though, imams in the masjid try to complete one juz (chapter) a night, so by the end of Ramadan, they complete the entire Quran during their tarawih prayers.
In terms of du’a, that is entirely up to you. Worshiping Allah (S) in the night, and especially in the last third of the night (right before fajr) is one of the *best* times to make du’a – and so Allah (S) wants you to seek Him and ask for anything and everything. Take advantage, and even try to make a du’a list so you don’t forget everything you want to ask for 😉
Please note: NEVER feel that you are asking too much of Allah (S). HE is bigger than all your problems and desires, and refraining from asking Him of something is like telling Him it’s too much for Him.
At the end of the day, Allah (S) loves to see His servants worship Him, and worshiping Allah (S) at night, away from all the distractions of the daytime, is one of the best times to increase in spirituality and in connection with Him. We all have different circumstances, and Allah (S) understands this. There is a reason tarawih was not made fard, but a highly recommended sunnah.