Ramadan 2024: Know The Meaning of Taraweeh, The Special Prayer Offered By Muslims During This Holy Month

On March 12, 2024, Muslims all over the world united to perform the first Taraweeh, to mark the start of Ramadan, the sacred month in the Islamic calendar. With the first Taraweeh, Muslims embark on a spiritual journey and divine connection throughout the holy month. One of the significant rituals observed during Ramadan is the Taraweeh, a nightly congregation held in mosques after the obligatory evening prayer, known as Isha. Let's take a look into what Taraweeh is and its significance for Muslims during Ramadan.

What Is Taraweeh?

Taraweeh, derived from the Arabic word ‘Taraweeh’, meaning to rest or relax, refers to the special voluntary prayers performed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan. These prayers are offered in congregation and consist of multiple units, or rak'ahs, typically ranging from 8 to 20 rak'ahs, depending on the tradition followed by different Islamic schools of thought.

When Is Taraweeh Performed?

The Islamic Relief Canada website mentions that “Taraweeh prayer is observed at night any time after the obligatory Isha prayer but before Witr, as the Witr prayer is the last prayer of the night.”

How Is Taraweeh Prayer Performed?

Two main ways people pray Taraweeh are the 20 rak'ahs way and the 8 rak'ahs way. After every 4 or 2 rak'ahs, there's a quick break. No matter which way you choose, each time you pray, you start by saying Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a part of the Quran.

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Rituals

Taraweeh prayers are performed after the Isha prayer, marking the end of the day's fasting (Ramadan 2024: Healthy Eating Tips For Fasting Muslims). Muslims gather in mosques to engage in this communal act of worship and offer prayer as per Islamic tradition.

As per the teachings of the Prophet, it is said that the Taraweeh prayer consists of eight rak'ahs. This prayer format is the same as the usual salah, with Taraweeh performed in sets of two rak'ahs each. Therefore, the longest Taraweeh typically consists of 20 rak'ahs, while the shortest includes only two rak'ahs.

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Significance of Taraweeh

The practice of Taraweeh holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims during Ramadan. The Islamic Relief Australia website, states that "Praying Taraweeh, like with other acts of worship such as making dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and reading the Qur’an (or Quran), is encouraged during Ramadan. As it not only increases one’s connection with Allah, but it is also an excellent opportunity to earn more rewards during the holy month.” It offers believers an opportunity to seek forgiveness, draw closer to Allah, and strengthen their connection to the Quran. The recitation of the Quran during Taraweeh allows Muslims to reflect on its teachings and gain spiritual nourishment throughout the month.

Taraweeh Importance

During Ramadan, Muslims fast, pray, and seek blessings from Allah. For many Muslims, Taraweeh provides a time for self-reflection and renewal. It offers a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere conducive to introspection and self-improvement. During these nightly prayers, individuals may seek guidance, repentance, and spiritual growth, setting intentions to become better versions of themselves in the eyes of Allah.

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