Tarāwīḥ

Tarāwīḥ refers to the special congregational night prayers performed during the month of Ramaḍān after the ʿIshāʾ prayer. The term is derived from the Arabic word tarwīḥah (“rest” or “relaxation”), reflecting the pauses traditionally taken between sets of prayer units because of the length of Qurʾānic recitation. Although Tarāwīḥ is not obligatory, it occupies a prominent place in Islamic devotional life and is among the most distinctive forms of worship associated with Ramaḍān. Through prolonged prayer, recitation of the Qurʾān, and collective devotion, Tarāwīḥ provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal and communal worship during the sacred month.

The origins of Tarāwīḥ are firmly rooted in the sunnah of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ. Authentic ḥadīths report that during Ramaḍān the Prophet ﷺ led his Companions in congregational night prayers on several occasions. He later discontinued leading the congregation regularly, explaining that he feared the practice might become obligatory upon the Muslim community. Nevertheless, he strongly encouraged voluntary night worship during Ramaḍān and taught that those who stand in prayer during the month with faith and sincerity would receive divine forgiveness. Consequently, the religious legitimacy and spiritual merit of Tarāwīḥ derive directly from the Prophet’s teachings and example.

The sīrah and early historical sources indicate that after the Prophet’s death Muslims continued to perform these night prayers either individually or in small groups. During the caliphate of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA), the worshippers were gathered into a single congregation behind one reciter, thereby establishing the regular communal observance of Tarāwīḥ in the mosque. This arrangement was widely accepted by the Companions and became a lasting feature of Muslim religious life. Although differences later emerged concerning the number of prayer units, the essential character of Tarāwīḥ as a congregational night prayer devoted to Qurʾānic recitation and remembrance of Allah remained unchanged.

Throughout Islamic history, Tarāwīḥ has remained one of the most cherished observances of Ramaḍān. It strengthens communal bonds, deepens engagement with the Qurʾān, and encourages believers to emulate the devotion exemplified by the Prophet ﷺ. In many Muslim communities, the entire Qurʾān is recited during the month’s Tarāwīḥ prayers, reinforcing the connection between Ramaḍān and the revelation of the Qurʾān. As a practice founded upon the sunnah and preserved through the consensus of the early Muslim community, Tarāwīḥ continues to occupy a central place in the spiritual and communal life of Muslims throughout the world.