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What is Salatul Taraweeh?


"Tarweeh" is the plural of "Tarweeha", which means "to bring comfort to one's self". The reason it is called Taraweeh is because the Sahaba used to pray a long prayer and would then sit for some time between the two rakat to rest, taken from Istiraha. Unlike Tahajjud, this qiyam is made prior to a person laying down to sleep.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) explained that Allah made it obligatory for Muslims to fast and made it Sunnah to pray Qiyam in Ramadan. In another Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet (peace be upon him) use to encourage the Muslims to do Qiyam in Ramadan without ordering them to do so. Whoever prays Qiyam in Ramadan with sincerity and devotion, Allah forgives their previous sins. It is also reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed in the nights of Ramadan alone in his masjid. Others came and joined him in Salah, he did not initiate the gathering. He did this on two separate days; on the third day he (peace be upon him) did not come to the masjid. He explained to the companions on the following day that he did not come out because he was worried that they would make it obligatory upon themselves.

Taraweeh as a group started during the time of Omar (May Allah be pleased with him). He went to the masjid one evening and found people praying in different groups or alone. So he gathered them and had them pray together behind Obay ibn Al Ka'b. His decision was based off witnessing people pray behind the Prophet (peace be upon him). Omar was happy with the outcome but also explained that, in the eyes of Allah, Tahajjud still holds preference over the Taraweeh prayer.

What do the four scholars say about Taraweeh?


Imam Malik says that Taraweeh is nawaful mu'akida. Imam Shafi explains that a voluntary prayer done in congregation holds greater reward than the voluntary prayer done alone but also indicates that sunnah after salah takes priority over taraweeh. Hanbali describes Taraweeh as a preferred tatawa' (voluntary) because it is prayed in congregation. It is encouraged to pray in congregation but if they are not able, and need to pray at home, then the manner of salah is the same.

In regards to the number of Rakat to be prayer, Hanbali, Shafi' and some Maliki say taraweeh is 20 rakat. Imam Shafi indicates that people of Madinah prayed up to 36 rakat at times. Imam Kathani says 20 rakat is considered the consensus (not including the witr prayer). Due to the length of the prayer, if a person finds difficulty in standing, it is permissible to sit down in the prayer.

Where can one find the most reward from Taraweeh prayer?


The Maliki madhab indicates it is preferable to pray Taraweeh at home as long as people do not abandon the Masjid. If you pray at home, encourage everyone in the home to join if they are able. Hanbali, Shafi and Ahnaf prefer Taraweeh to be in Jamaa’. For those with small children, greater reward may be found in praying at home if the child is uneasy or distressed at the time of Taraweeh. The reward is no less than what was intended.

While Maliki and Shafi' say that it is preferable for the Imam to complete the whole Quran (reciting one surah in each rakah is enough to do this), another opinion of Imam Malik says that you do not have to complete the Quran. The Khatmul Quran can be in reading as well, and does not only have to be done in prayer. Therefore, if you miss a portion, it can be completed through reading or praying at home.

Maximizing the Benefit of Taraweeh at the Masjid


1. By reading the English translation of the sections that the Imam will be reciting that evening, non Arabic speakers. This will help you to focus on what is being recited and will enhance your prayer. For the first evening, complete the first Juz/part.

2. A summary will be prepared for each section and will be posted on the ADAMS website (www.adamscenter.org). Please read the summary in addition to the translation.

3. Come to the prayer with the spirit of love and respect to one and other by being curtious and considerate of others. Particular attention should be paid to the following area:

a. ADAMS parking lot: Please do your best effort to have a full load in your car. Please try to carpool to the Center. ADAMS is a green Masjid and promote energy conservation Do not park in the neighborhoods surrounding the Mosque. Over flow parking on Sarnd Road West of stop sign, East Fredrik and Thmas Jefferson Roads North of Stop signs. Parking also available in Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church Parking lot 46833 Harry Bird Highway, Sterling VA 20164 between 9pm and 12 midnight (Please do not liter the church parking lot with soda cans food or any other trash) Park only where it is legal. (Do not park in the fire lanes). Any illegal parking will be subject to towing at owner's expense.

b. Help our youth to be involved in the prayer itself and be part of the taraweeh experience. If the recitation is too long, pray 8 and then return home, especially on school nights.

c. Parents with children may use the third floor Musallah for praying 'Isha and Taraweeh. Salatul Taraweeh is not an obligation. If the small child is uneasy during the prayer, we recommend that they pray at home.

d. If you are joining late for Taraweeh and the Imam has already prayed Salatul Isha, you should not pray in a separate group while the Imam is praying. It causes extra noise that leads to confusion. You may pray in another room or join the Taraweeh congregation with the intention for Isha. Please remember to stand and complete your addition two rakahs of Isha when then the Imam completes the two rakahs of Taraweeh.

e. Nafila, Tatawa are Sunnah and Fajr is Fard. If your Taraweeh is preventing you from Fajr, then let go of Taraweeh and make sure to get up to pray Fajr. ADAMS Staff and volunteers will be present for your protection and to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Please respect and obey the ADAMS operations security team.