Significance of Tarawih Prayers during Ramzan

Importance of Tarawih Prayers during Ramzan!

Ramzan is the month of infinite blessings. There are various prayers that Muslims recite during Ramzan. However, there is a special type of prayer that is exclusive to the month of Ramzan – the Tarawih prayer, which is offered late at night after the Isha prayer. The significance of Tarawih or Qiyam-ul-Layl, finds profuse mention in various Quranic verses and Hadiths.

While the five daily prayers (Fajr, Zughr, ASR, Maghrib, and Isha) are considered fard or wajib (obligatory); on the other hand, performing Tarawih prayer is considered a pious option. This optional night prayer, Tarawih, is described as sunnah mu’akkadah and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is said to have remarked:

“Whosoever performs (optional Tarawih) prayers at night during the month of Ramzan, with Faith and in the hope of receiving Allah's reward, will have his past sins forgiven.” (Muslim 9:1188)

Tarawih (Qiyam-ul-Layl) – A Spiritual Experience

During Tarawih prayers, a Hafiz (who has memorized the Holy Quran) recites one chapter of the Holy Quran each night while followers stand behind, observe a number of optional rak`at, listen and reflect on the recitation of the Holy Quran. Over the course of the entire month of Ramzan, the Holy Quran is recited in its entirety, one Surah (chapter) at a time. It is a blessed and a highly spiritual experience.

As reading the Holy Quran is highly recommended during the blessed month of Ramzan, attending Tarawih prayers at night in a congregational setting is a divinely wonderful way to soak in the divine virtues of the Holy Quran.

Attending Tarawih prayers at night in a congregational setting is a highly spiritual experience! Photo Credit: Zied Nsir [CC BY-SA 3.0]

It is believed that finishing the Tarawih prayers with the Imam yields the reward of an entire night. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever prays qiyam with the Imam until He finishes, Allah will record for him the qiyam of a (whole) night.” (An-Nasa’i and authenticated by Al-Albani). Therefore, if the Imam is praying 20 rak`at; don’t leave after just 8 have been recited

History of Tarawih Prayers

During the last year of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) life, He came out one night and started praying Tarawih. On that night, some people prayed with him. The following night, the word spread further and more people joined in. The third night attracted more believers. On the fourth night, the masjid was fully crowded and the followers awaited the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) arrival.

However, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) prayed at home by himself. After Fajr, he came out and stated: “Nothing prevented me from coming out to you except the fact that I feared that it (Tarawih prayer) would be made obligatory for you.” ~ Muslim

Tarawih is an act of Patience and Resilience

Tarawih prayers are prayed in pairs of two. Abdullah ibn Umar (R.A.) reported that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Night prayers are to be offered two by two, then if you fear that dawn will come, make [the total of the rak`ahs you performed an odd number by praying one [additional] rak`ah.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Tarawih is an act of Patience and Resilience!

The Hanafi and Shafi'i schools of Sunni Islam suggest praying eight rak`at. However, one can pray more than 8 rak`at as there is no restriction in this regard. However, what matters most is true devotion and submission to Allah (SWT).

Hazrat Ayesha (R.A.) reported: When the Holy Prophet (PBUH) prayed Qiyam-ul-layl, He would stand until (the skin of) his feet swelled. So, I said: “O Prophet of Allah, do you do as such while Allah has forgiven you all mistakes?”

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) responded: “Should not I be a grateful servant of Allah?” ~ Sahih Muslim

Maximize blessings with Tarawih prayers!

Tarawih is not Obligatory but is still of Utmost Importance

Ramzan is the month when any good deed; no matter how small or big, is highly rewarded by the Allah (SWT). And if Allah (SWT) Almighty is offering numerous rewards and favors then every Muslim should voice his gratitude and submission in prayer. Though optional, Tarawih prayer is one of the ways to maximize blessings during this holy month of Ramzan!

As Abu Hurayrah reported, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whosoever performs Qiyam (optional night prayer) during Ramzan out of sincere faith and being hopeful of Allah’s reward, will have his past sins forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)