What is Taraweeh?

Taraweeh (also written Tarawih or Taraweeh; from the Arabic for 'rest and relaxation') are the optional congregational night prayers performed each night throughout Ramadan after the Isha prayer. Though not obligatory, Taraweeh is a highly recommended sunnah and one of the most distinctive features of Ramadan worship in mosques worldwide.

Taraweeh: Optional night prayers performed during Ramadan after Isha, in which the Qur'an is recited over the course of the month.

How many rak'ahs is Taraweeh?

The number of rak'ahs is a well-known point of scholarly difference. The majority of Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali scholars hold 20 rak'ahs, based on the practice established during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). Many contemporary scholars, following certain hadith, hold that 8 rak'ahs (plus 3 witr) is also authentic. Both are valid and practised in UK mosques. Most mosques in the UK pray 20 rak'ahs.

Khatm al-Qur'an

One of the central features of Taraweeh is the recitation of the entire Qur'an (khatm) over the 30 nights of Ramadan. Hafidh (those who have memorised the Qur'an) lead the congregation through one juz' (part) per night. Many worshippers follow along with a Qur'an or mushaf. The final recitation (khatm) on the 27th night (often associated with Laylat al-Qadr) is a particularly spiritual event.

Virtues of Taraweeh

The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever prays during the night in Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking reward from Allah, his previous sins will be forgiven.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 37). This applies to both Taraweeh and Tahajjud (voluntary night prayers). The Prophet ﷺ himself prayed nightly but stopped leading the congregation to prevent it from becoming obligatory.

Taraweeh times in UK mosques

UK mosque Taraweeh prayers typically begin 15–30 minutes after Isha prayer. In Ramadan 2025, Isha falls between approximately 10:30 PM (early Ramadan) and 11:00 PM (late Ramadan) in most UK cities. Taraweeh then ends around 1:00–1:30 AM. Many mosques also hold shorter sessions for families with children.

Frequently Asked Questions about Taraweeh

Is Taraweeh obligatory?

Taraweeh is a strongly recommended sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah) but not obligatory (fard). Missing it is not sinful, but performing it carries great reward.

Can women pray Taraweeh at the mosque?

Yes. Women are permitted and welcome to pray Taraweeh at the mosque. Many UK mosques provide a dedicated sisters' section. Women may also pray Taraweeh at home.

Can I pray Taraweeh alone at home?

Yes. Taraweeh may be prayed individually at home, though the reward of praying in congregation is greater. At home, you may pray any number of rak'ahs in sets of two.

What is the difference between Taraweeh and Tahajjud?

Taraweeh is prayed in Ramadan after Isha, in congregation. Tahajjud is a voluntary night prayer prayed year-round, typically in the last third of the night, usually individually. Both are highly rewarding acts of worship.

Related Islamic Terms

What is Salah? What is Wudu? What is Jummah?

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