What is the Ruling and Nature of Tarawih Prayer?
The term "tarawih" is derived from the Arabic word "tervîha," meaning to relax or rest. In religious terms, it refers to the voluntary prayer performed during the month of Ramadan between the Isha prayer and the Witr prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed Tarawih with his companions in congregation, but he later prayed alone to avoid the risk of making it obligatory out of concern for the people's eagerness (Bukhari, Salat al-Tarawih, 1; Muslim, Salat al-Musafirin, 177-178). The Prophet also encouraged the prayer by saying, "Whoever prays the Ramadan prayer (Tarawih) with faith and seeking reward from Allah will have their past sins forgiven" (Bukhari, Salat al-Tarawih, 1; Muslim, Salat al-Musafirin, 173). Therefore, Tarawih is a highly recommended Sunnah for both men and women.
While performing Tarawih in sets of four rak'ahs with one Tasleem is permissible, it is more virtuous to pray in sets of two rak'ahs with one Tasleem. It is also recommended to take short breaks between each four rak'ahs, during which one can engage in reciting the declaration of faith (La ilaha illallah) and sending blessings upon the Prophet.
How Many Rak'ahs are in Tarawih?
Tarawih prayer has been performed in 20 rak'ahs in congregation since the time of Caliphs Umar, Uthman, and Ali, and no one from the Sahabah objected to it. This practice is accepted by scholars and is commonly observed in many Muslim countries, including Turkey.
However, it should be noted that since Tarawih is a voluntary (Nafl) prayer, it is incorrect to treat it as obligatory. Therefore, it is still valid to perform 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, or 18 rak'ahs at home, and the Sunnah will be fulfilled.
When is the Time for Tarawih? Is it Valid to Pray Tarawih Before Isha?
The time for both Tarawih and Witr prayers coincides with the time for Isha prayer. However, both prayers are performed after the obligatory Isha prayer. If either Tarawih or Witr is prayed before Isha's obligatory prayer, they must be repeated. If the time has passed, the Tarawih prayer does not need to be made up, but Witr must be.
How to Perform Tarawih Prayer?
First, pray the Sunnah of Isha, then the obligatory Isha prayer. After that, pray the last two rak'ahs of Isha as Sunnah.
Niyyah (Intention):
Say "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim" and "Bismillah" (I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan and in the name of Allah), then make the intention: "I intend to perform Tarawih prayer to seek the pleasure of Allah."
Rak'ah 1:
Recite "Subhanaka" and "A'udhu Bismillah," followed by "Fatiha" and another Surah, or the equivalent amount of Quran, and perform the ruku and sajda.
Rak'ah 2:
Recite "Bismillah," "Fatiha," and a Surah, followed by ruku and sajda. After the sajda, sit for the Tahiyaat (testification). If praying in two rak'ahs, recite the "Tahiyaat" prayer along with the "Salli Barik" and "Rabbana" prayers and then give Tasleem (greetings). If praying in four rak'ahs, after the first Tahiyaat, rise for the third rak'ah.
Rak'ah 3:
Recite "Subhanaka," followed by "A'udhu Bismillah," "Fatiha," and another Surah. Perform ruku and sajda, then rise for the fourth rak'ah.
Rak'ah 4:
Recite "Bismillah," "Fatiha," and a Surah, then perform ruku and sajda. After sitting, recite "Tahiyaat," "Salli-Barik," and "Rabbana" prayers, then give Tasleem to the right and left.
Repeat this order for the number of rak'ahs in the Tarawih prayer.
Finally, the Witr prayer is performed after completing Tarawih.
