What Is Tarawih?
Tarawih is the special night prayer performed during Ramadhan. Muslims pray it after Isya' prayer and before Witr. It is sunnah mu'akkadah — strongly recommended but not obligatory.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadhan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
How Many Raka'at?
This is one of the most common questions. Here is what the scholars say:
Both opinions are valid. Pray with whatever number your mosque follows, or pray at home with the number you are comfortable with. The key is sincerity and consistency.
How to Pray Tarawih
Tarawih is prayed in sets of two raka'at. After every two raka'at, the imam gives salam. The congregation rests briefly before continuing.
Step by step:
1. Make your intention (niyyah) for Tarawih prayer.
2. Pray two raka'at with the imam.
3. Sit briefly after salam.
4. Repeat until the imam completes the total number of raka'at.
5. The imam then leads Witr prayer.
You can pray Tarawih at the mosque (in congregation) or at home (alone or with family). Praying in congregation earns the reward of praying the entire night, according to the Prophet ﷺ.
What Is Witr?
Witr is the final prayer of the night. It has an odd number of raka'at — most commonly one or three. In Singapore, mosques typically pray three raka'at of Witr after Tarawih.
Witr includes a special du'a called Qunut, recited in the last raka'ah. The imam raises his hands and supplicates while the congregation says "Ameen."
Key points about Witr:
Practical Tips for Tarawih
1. Wear comfortable clothing. You will be standing, bowing, and prostrating for an extended period.
2. Eat a light iftar. A heavy meal makes standing in prayer difficult. Save the larger meal for after Tarawih.
3. Bring your children. Many mosques welcome children. Teach them to pray alongside you.
4. Don't rush. Focus on the quality of your prayer. A few raka'at prayed with focus are better than many prayed without attention.
5. Be consistent. Pray Tarawih every night if you can. Consistency is more beloved to Allah than occasional intensity.
Make the Most of Ramadhan Nights
Tarawih and Witr are gifts of Ramadhan. They provide a structured way to spend the blessed nights in worship, reflection, and community. Whether you pray 8 or 20 raka'at, the reward is with Allah.
