Can A Man Pray Tarweeh at home?

Question

Can a man pray Tarweeh at home instead of in the mosque?

Bottom Line

Praying Tarweeh at the mosque in congregation is better, but praying at home alone is also permissible and valid.

Quick Answer

The Prophet ﷺ prayed Tarweeh with the companions for a few nights, then stopped out of fear that it might become obligatory. Later, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) gathered the Muslims behind one imam, reviving it as a congregational Sunnah. This shows that while Tarweeh at the mosque has greater merit, praying at home is also allowed.

Key Takeaways

• Tarweeh is Sunnah mu’akkadah (confirmed Sunnah), not obligatory.
• Congregation in the mosque carries more reward and revives a communal Sunnah.
• Praying at home remains valid and brings reward.

Detailed Answer

Ramadan nights are lit with prayer, reflection, and the sweetness of standing before Allah. Tarweeh is one of its unique blessings, a Sunnah that connects the heart to the Qur’an and strengthens the soul. While praying it in the mosque revives a communal Sunnah, Islam’s mercy allows flexibility so that even if prayed at home, it remains valid and rewarding. Tarweeh prayer is a practice the Prophet ﷺ encouraged:

“Whoever prays qiyam in Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” Bukhari 37; Muslim 759

The Prophet ﷺ prayed Tarweeh with companions for three nights, then refrained, fearing it might be made obligatory. Later, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) united the people under one imam, and since then, it has remained a public act of worship.

Imam al-Nawawi said:

“Tarweeh prayer is Sunnah according to consensus. It may be prayed alone or in congregation, but congregation is better.” (al-Majmu’ 3/526)

So, while the mosque prayer is preferable, praying Tarweeh at home alone is valid.

What This Means for You

If you cannot reach the mosque, pray Tarweeh at home. Even a few rak‘ahs count, and you can complete with Witr. Your effort is accepted and rewarding.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Muzzammil 73:20: Encouragement for night prayer and recitation of Qur’an.

Hadith

2. Sahih al-Bukhari 37: Whoever prays qiyam in Ramadan with faith and hope for reward, his past sins are forgiven.
3. Sahih Muslim 759: Confirmation of the same virtue of qiyam in Ramadan.

Secondary Sources

4. Imam al-Nawawi, al-Majmu’, 3/526 — Consensus that Tarweeh is Sunnah, congregation preferred but home prayer valid.
5. Imam al-Shawkani, Nayl al-Awtar, 3/62 — Discussion of scholars’ opinions on praying Tarweeh at home vs. mosque.
6. Al-Bahuti, Daqaiq Uli al-Nuha, 1/245 — Notes that praying in congregation revives the Sunnah, though home prayer is still permissible.