How do I pray Taraweeh and what should I focus on in Ramadan?

Question

What are the virtues of offering Taraweeh prayer in Ramadan?

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Bottom Line

Taraweeh is a Sunnah prayer in Ramadan that brings immense reward, forgiveness of past sins, and the chance of catching Laylat al-Qadr. Praying it in congregation adds the reward of standing the whole night.

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Quick Answer

Taraweeh is not obligatory but highly recommended. The Prophet ﷺ promised that whoever prays it with faith and hope of reward will have past sins forgiven. Praying in congregation carries extra virtue, as it is counted as if one prayed the entire night. It is also closely tied to Laylat al-Qadr, the greatest night of Ramadan.

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Key Takeaways

• Taraweeh is Sunnah, encouraged by the Prophet ﷺ, but not made obligatory.
• Praying it with faith and hope of reward erases past sins.
• Praying in congregation with the imam counts as praying the whole night.

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Detailed Answer

It is allowed to pray qiyam in congregation; indeed, it is better than praying individually, because this is what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did himself and explained its virtues.

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1. Taraweeh and Forgiveness of Sins

Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

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2. Taraweeh and Laylat al-Qadr

Praying at night in Ramadan includes the chance of catching Laylat al-Qadr. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever prays during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Muslim)

Most reports point to the 27th night, but the wisdom is to seek it in the last ten nights.

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3. Congregational Virtue

Abu Dharr (رضي الله عنه) said the Prophet ﷺ explained:

“Whoever prays with the imam until he finishes, it will be counted as if he prayed the whole night.” (Tirmidhi 806, sahih)

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4. Why the Prophet ﷺ Did Not Lead Every Night

He feared Taraweeh might become obligatory on the ummah. After his death, when this fear ended, Umar (رضي الله عنه) gathered the people behind one imam, reviving the practice in congregation. (Bukhari)

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5. Women and Taraweeh

Women are allowed to attend and even had their own appointed imams in the time of Umar and Ali (رضي الله عنهما).

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6. Recitation in Taraweeh

The Prophet ﷺ sometimes recited hundreds of verses in a single rak‘ah. Later, imams shortened the recitation but increased rak‘ahs for ease.

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7. Time and Manner

Taraweeh may be prayed anytime after Isha until Fajr. The end of the night is best, but praying with the imam at the start brings full reward.

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What This Means for You

Pray Taraweeh consistently in Ramadan. Stay with the imam until he finishes, even if the rak‘ahs exceed eleven. Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten nights. Remember: Taraweeh is a mercy, not a burden, and a gateway to forgiveness.

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And Allah knows best.

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References

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Primary Sources

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Hadith

1. Sahih al-Bukhari 2009 & Sahih Muslim 759: Forgiveness for praying in Ramadan nights.
2. Sahih Muslim 1165: Virtue of Laylat al-Qadr.
3. Sunan al-Tirmidhi 806: Standing with the imam equals a whole night’s reward.
4. Sahih al-Bukhari 2010: Umar reviving congregational Taraweeh.

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Secondary Sources

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5. Al-Albani, Qiyam Ramadan.
6. Ibn Baz, Al-Jawaab al-Saheeh min Ahkaam Salaat al-Layl wa al-Taraweeh.