Taraweeh is the special night prayer of Ramadan. Every night of the month, mosques fill after Isha as people stand together to hear the Qur’an recited. It is not obligatory, but it is a treasured sunnah, and for many Muslims it is the heart of Ramadan.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said that whoever stands in prayer through the nights of Ramadan with faith, hoping for Allah’s (﷾) reward, has all their past sins forgiven. Sahih al-Bukhari 37
Its story
The Prophet (ﷺ) led the night prayer in the mosque on a few nights of Ramadan, and more people joined each night. Then he prayed at home, out of mercy, so that it would not become an obligation on his community. Later, the caliph Umar gathered everyone behind a single imam, and Muslims have prayed Taraweeh together ever since.
How it is prayed
After Isha
Taraweeh is prayed after the Isha prayer (and its sunnah) each night of Ramadan, from the night the new moon is sighted until the last night of the month.
In pairs of two rak'ahs
It is prayed two rak'ahs at a time, ending each pair with the salam, like other voluntary night prayers. Make the intention in your heart for the Taraweeh prayer.
Long, beautiful recitation
The imam recites the Qur'an aloud, often a section each night, so that the whole Qur'an is completed by the end of Ramadan. Many people find this the most moving part of the month.
Rest between
After every four rak'ahs there is a short pause to rest, which is where the name comes from: taraweeh means rests.
Witr to finish
The night ends with witr, an odd-numbered prayer, usually three rak'ahs, often prayed in congregation in Ramadan.
Eight or twenty rak’ahs
Some mosques pray eight rak’ahs, following Aisha’s description of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) night prayer; many pray twenty, the practice from the time of Umar that most of the schools of Islamic law follow. Both are established Islamic practice, so pray with your mosque and be at ease.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1147 (eleven rak’ahs including witr).
If you cannot get to the mosque
You can pray Taraweeh at home, alone or with your family, reciting whatever you know of the Qur’an, even short surahs. Two rak’ahs prayed sincerely are a wonderful start.
Tips
Eat a light iftar so you are comfortable standing. Bring water, and take the rests. Children are welcome at many mosques, and new Muslims will find people happy to show them what to do. Come as often as you can, and above all enjoy hearing the Qur’an.