Taraweeh Prayer is one of the most discussed acts of worship during the month of Ramadan. Many Muslims around the world eagerly attend night prayers in congregation, believing it to be a special and essential part of Ramadan worship. However, an important question often arises: is Taraweeh Prayer actually mandatory in Islam, or is it a voluntary act of devotion? To answer this, we must turn to authentic hadith, the practice of the Prophet ﷺ, and the explanations provided by renowned scholars of Islam.
Understanding the Concept of Taraweeh Prayer in Islam
What Does Taraweeh Mean?
The term Taraweeh comes from the Arabic word راحة (راحة), meaning “rest” or “relaxation.” This name was given because worshippers would take short breaks after every few units of prayer due to the length of recitation.
It is important to note that during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, there was no separately named prayer called Taraweeh. What Muslims today commonly refer to as Taraweeh was actually part of Qiyam al-Layl—the voluntary night prayer.
Many scholars in Islam emphasize that the naming of Taraweeh came later for ease of reference, not because it was legislated as a distinct form of worship.
Is Taraweeh Prayer Mandatory According to Islam?
Ruling Based on Hadith and Scholarly Consensus
According to the consensus of scholars of Islam, Taraweeh Prayer is not mandatory (fard). It is classified as Sunnah Mu’akkadah, meaning a highly emphasized Sunnah that the Prophet ﷺ consistently encouraged but never made obligatory.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan with faith and hoping for reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
This hadith clearly mentions standing in prayer (Qiyam) and does not specify a separate prayer named Taraweeh. Famous scholars of Islam such as Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, Imam An-Nawawi, and Imam Ash-Shafi‘i have clarified that the reward is tied to night prayer itself, not to a specific name or number of rak‘ahs.
Is There a Separate Prayer Called Taraweeh?
Taraweeh and Qiyam al-Layl: One Worship, Two Names
Based on Islamic research and classical scholarship, there is no separate prayer officially legislated as Taraweeh. Instead:
- The first half of the night prayer is commonly referred to as Taraweeh
- The second half of the night prayer is known as Qiyam al-Layl or Tahajjud
This practice is not exclusive to Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ regularly performed night prayer throughout the year, and this understanding has been upheld by many scholars in Islam across different schools of thought.
Taraweeh Prayer Time: When Does It Begin and End?
Correct Taraweeh Prayer Time According to Sunnah
The taraweeh prayer time begins after the Isha prayer and continues until Fajr. This window applies to both Ramadan and non-Ramadan night prayers.
Key points regarding taraweeh prayer time:
- It can be prayed immediately after Isha
- It can also be delayed until later in the night
- Praying in the last third of the night carries additional reward
Many scholars of Islam state that there is flexibility in taraweeh prayer time, making it easier for Muslims with different schedules.
How Do You Pray Taraweeh?
Step-by-Step Explanation
A common question among Muslims is: how do you pray taraweeh correctly?
Here is the authentic and scholarly-approved method:
- Pray in sets of two rak‘ahs
- Recite from the Qur’an at a comfortable pace
- You may pray 8, 10, 20, or more rak‘ahs—there is no fixed number
- End with Witr prayer
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The night prayer is two by two.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Scholars in Islam unanimously agree that flexibility is a mercy, and how do you pray taraweeh depends on your ability, time, and concentration.
Congregational Taraweeh and the Practice of the Companions
Role of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA)
During the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), Muslims began praying night prayer in congregation consistently during Ramadan. This was not an innovation but a revival of an existing Sunnah.
Many famous scholars of Islam explain that Umar (RA) organized the congregation to unify the community, not to introduce a new obligation.
Taraweeh Prayer Beyond Ramadan
A Year-Round Act of Worship
One major misconception is that Taraweeh is only for Ramadan. In reality, Qiyam al-Layl is encouraged all year, and Ramadan simply increases its reward and communal spirit.
Scholars of Islam stress that limiting night prayer only to Ramadan causes Muslims to miss immense spiritual benefits throughout the year.
Taraweeh Prayer, Ramadan 2026 Eid, and Spiritual Preparation
As Muslims prepare for Ramadan and Ramadan 2026 Eid, understanding the true nature of night prayer helps improve sincerity and consistency in worship.
Using correct knowledge from scholars in Islam allows believers to focus on:
- Quality over quantity
- Sincerity over formality
- Consistency throughout the year
This balanced approach is emphasized by many famous scholars of Islam in both classical and modern times.
Common Misconceptions About Taraweeh Prayer
Clearing the Confusion
Some common misunderstandings include:
- Believing Taraweeh Prayer is obligatory
- Thinking there is a fixed number of rak‘ahs
- Assuming it is invalid if not prayed in congregation
Scholars in Islam clarify that all these beliefs are incorrect and unsupported by authentic sources.
Is Taraweeh Prayer Mandatory in Islam?
To summarize, Taraweeh Prayer is not mandatory in Islam. It is a highly recommended voluntary prayer that falls under Qiyam al-Layl. The Prophet ﷺ practiced night prayer throughout the year, and Ramadan simply revives this Sunnah on a communal level. Understanding the correct taraweeh prayer time, knowing how do you pray taraweeh, and following authentic guidance from scholars of Islam allows Muslims to worship with clarity and confidence.
If you want to learn more about authentic Islamic practices, prayer timings, and community programs during Ramadan and beyond, connect with NAIF Center—a trusted place for knowledge, worship, and spiritual growth.
May Allah accept our prayers and grant us consistency in worship beyond Ramadan. Ameen.