Is Praying Taraweeh Mandatory?

Question

Is it obligatory to pray Tarweeh in Ramadan, and is a person sinful if they do not pray it?

Bottom Line

Tarweeh is a confirmed Sunnah, not a compulsory act.

Quick Answer

Tarweeh is one of the most beloved Sunnahs of Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ prayed it and encouraged others to do so, promising forgiveness for those who perform it. However, it is not obligatory. If someone leaves it, even without excuse, there is no sin, but they are depriving themselves of a great reward.

Key Takeaways

• Tarweeh is a confirmed Sunnah, not fard (obligatory).
• It may be prayed in congregation or at home, even if just two rak’ahs plus Witr.

Detailed Answer

Tarweeh prayer holds a special place in Ramadan, yet it is not a condition for fasting nor an obligation upon the believer. It is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (confirmed Sunnah) that the Prophet ﷺ prayed it consistently and urged others to join, saying:

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

Muslims should not abandon Tarweeh entirely, as it is a means of drawing closer to Allah, reviving the nights of Ramadan, and earning forgiveness. But if one misses it, there is no sin, only lost reward. If praying in the mosque is difficult, one can pray at home. Even a few rak’ahs count, and finishing with Witr completes the night prayer.

Tarweeh is therefore not a burden but a gift, a way to multiply good deeds and cleanse the soul during the month of mercy.

What This Means for You

You are not sinful if you miss Tarweeh, but every rak’ah you pray is a door to forgiveness. Pray what you can, even two rak’ahs matter. Ramadan is a time of mercy, not missed opportunities.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

1. Sahih al-Bukhari 37: Whoever prays qiyam in Ramadan with faith and hope of reward will have past sins forgiven.
2. Sahih Muslim 759: Encouragement of qiyam in Ramadan.

Secondary Sources

3. Imam al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim: commentary on the Sunnah of qiyam al-layl in Ramadan.
4. Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmu’ al-Fatawa: classification of Tarweeh as Sunnah Mu’akkadah.