How to Pray Tarawih: Rakats and Step-by-Step Guide
Quick Answer
Tarawih is an emphasized sunnah specific to Ramadan, prayed after Isha and before witr. In the widespread practice it is 20 rakats, prayed in sets of 2 or 4; praying 8 also fulfils the sunnah. Congregation is virtuous, but it can also be prayed at home.
Step-by-Step Summary
- 1Intention: Intend the tarawih prayer (adding 'following the imam' in congregation).
- 2Sets of 2 Rakats: Each pair is prayed like the fajr sunnah with salam at the end — repeated 10 times for 20 rakats.
- 3Sets of 4 Rakats: Prayed like the Asr sunnah: At-Tahiyyat + Salli-Barik in the first sitting, Subhanaka at the start of the third rakat, salam after the fourth — repeated 5 times.
- 4Witr: After tarawih, 3 rakats of witr are prayed in congregation — unique to Ramadan.
The Tarawih Prayer
Tarawih is the emphasized sunnah of Ramadan nights, prayed after Isha and before witr. Its name comes from the short rests taken every four rakats.
How Many Rakats, and How?
20 rakats in the widespread practice, in either of two ways:
- Sets of 2 (most common): each pair like the fajr sunnah, with salam — 10 salams in total.
- Sets of 4: like the Asr sunnah — At-Tahiyyat + Salli-Barik in the first sitting, Subhanaka at the third rakat — 5 salams in total.
The Order of a Ramadan Night
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many rakats is tarawih?
20 rakats in the widespread practice, prayed in sets of 2 or 4. Praying 8 rakats also fulfils the sunnah; 20 is the long-established practice from the era of the companions.
Is tarawih obligatory?
No, it is an emphasized sunnah for both men and women. The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan out of faith and hope of reward, his past sins are forgiven' (Bukhari, Tarawih 1).
Can tarawih be prayed at home?
Yes. Congregation is more virtuous, but tarawih may be prayed at home, alone or with family, in exactly the same way.