Tarawih Prayers During Ramadan

The Benefits of Performing the additional Night Prayer

Sep 7, 2008 Khalil Green

During Ramadan, Muslims perform a prayer at night called Tarawih. Consisting of 8 to 20 units of movements called raka, it can take as long as 1 hour to complete.

During the Tarawih prayer, the Muslim offers a series of raka or unit of prayer; 20 at the most. A raka of prayer consists of standing, bowing and prostrating. While standing, and with arms folded, the Muslim recites verses from the Quran. Then he bows in respect to God, like one who bows to a king. Finally the Muslim prostrates in complete submission to God before he stands for the next set of bowing and prostrating. This completes one raka.

The Tarawih Prayer

Normally, for the Muslim, there are only five prayers that are conducted daily, which are Fajr (before dawn), Zhur (afternoon), Asr (the middle prayer), Magreib (after sunset), and Isha (roughly before bedtime). During the month of Ramadan the extra prayers called Tarawih are conducted after Isha. A short break is taken between every 2 raka of the Tarawih prayer. This allows for the devotee to recover and prepare for the next two sets of raka. If one wishes to stop at this point during the break it is no harm as these prayers are totally voluntary. The prayer ends with a three raka prayer called witr and thereafter the Muslims commune with each other while sharing snacks and tea. They then disperse back to their homes for personal devotions before bedtime.

Benefits of Tarawih Prayer

Muslims benefit from the Tarawih in several ways. First, after the breaking of the fast it is a common desire to want to eat as much and as often as one likes until bedtime. This may cause sleep pattern interruptions that could hinder the next day of fasting by causing sluggishness and excessive fatigue. The Tarawih prayer offer not only an opportunity for the devotee to draw closer to his Lord but also allows for the chance to conduct an activity that inculcates some exercise movements. After such an exercise the person is more apt to eat less and worship more before heading off to a restful sleep.

Second, the devotee finds encouragement to visit the local mosque (Islamic place of worship) more often. Such encouragement allows for visitation with other Muslims from all walks of life. This fulfills the Quranic injunction to,

“…hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allah, and do not separate. And remember Allah's favors unto you: How you were enemies and He made friendship between your hearts so that ye became as brothers by His grace; and (how) you were upon the brink of an abyss of fire, and He did save you from it. Thus Allah makes clear His revelations unto you, that haply you may be guided. (Quran 3:103)

Third, Muslims will say that they simply do what they do for the pleasure of God. For some no other reason is needed. These are the sincere devotees who strive in all things that are good and pleasing to God. They have the potential of high spiritual development because they have no other goal but to return to their Lord who is satisfied and well pleased with them.

After 30 days of practicing Tarawih prayers during Ramadan the Muslim experiences a sense of accomplishment. She/he hopes to endeavor in daily activities with as much poise, confidence, and self assurance as was performed during the Tarawih prayers for the remainder of the year.

The copyright of the article Tarawih Prayers During Ramadan in Islam is owned by Khalil Green. Permission to republish Tarawih Prayers During Ramadan in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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