When Ramadan dawns upon us not only does it bring us some of the key attributes like iftar, sahur, fasting, etc. it also brings to us special prayers like Tarawih. We bring you some tips that might just help you up your Tarawih game, including how to pray Tarawih, special preps for Tarawih so that you can reach that 20 rakaats with ease. Insha Allah!
To get more information regarding Ramadan 2021, you can also visit our page dedicated to everything about Ramadan!
Tarawih prayers are not obligatory upon Muslims but is considered to be sunnah for us to perform the prayers with the purest of intentions. It is only prayed during the holy month of Ramadan.
You can pray tarawih prayers after the four obligatory rakaats of Isha and at any time before sunrise (fajr). However, it is important to note that Tarawih prayers should be prayed before the Witr prayers and not after. Witr prayers are the last and final prayer of the night.
Pro tip – I find it personally energizing to take a small nap between Isha and Tarawih to feel more refreshed and rested.
1) Recite the intention to pray Tarawih
2) Give the Takbiratul Ihram
3) Keep your right hand on top of your left hand and recite the Dua Iftitah
4) Recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah from the Quran
5) Bend forward for Ruku
6) Stand in the upright position
7) Complete the first sujud
8) Be seated on your knees
9) Complete the second sujud
10) Come back to the standing position
11) Pray the final Tasyahhud
12) End with the Salam
Once you are done giving the Salam you have then completed set one of the Tarawih prayers. As per normal salahs that you would pray, even for Tarawih you would pray it in sets of two rakaat each. If you are starting out with 8 rakaats for Tarawih you would ideally complete 4 sets of 2 rakaat each and then gradually you can then move on to 20 rakaats which would consist of 10 sets with also 2 rakaats each (pro level!)
Once you feel like you have conquered the beginner’s level and are ready to move on to the intermediate or advanced level of achieving 20 rakaat you should bear in mind one major plus point. Let alone all the other benefits of Tarawih! One vital additional benefit you gain is that Tarawih is an amazing way of conquering the recitation of the Quran during Ramadan so this can be extremely fulfilling as well! However, do note that as this is not obligatory you should be able to fulfill your goals according to your own pace. Start basic with the eight rakaat and then gradually increase your rhythm throughout the month of Ramadan according to your ability!
Considering that you would be just starting out you could kick off with the intention to pray 8 rakaat of Tarawih. It is a more attainable goal and you would not end up getting demotivated and tired by the midpoint. The most significant thing is that these prayers like Tarawih are a way to bring you closer to Allah, therefore it is up to you to find out the true meaning behind your prayers and ensure you pray with a clear mind with your entire focus and devotion on your Tarawih prayers. Like they say quality over quantity! Even if you are just praying 8 rakaat and are feeling restless in the middle do not worry about it. It is completely normal. Make sure you take breaks in between so that your body is well-rested and not tired out so that you can concentrate as much as possible during your prayers.
You can pray Tarawih either at home or at the mosque (whatever you are most comfortable with and depending on where you live and what regulations are currently imposed in your country given the current situation). Praying Tarawih with your friends and family (whilst maintaining social distancing of course!) can prove to be quite a boost for those not only in the beginner stages of trying to achieve the 8 rakaat of Tarawih, but also those who are trying to strive to keep the momentum going of being able to pray 20 rakaat of Tarawih every day. The company could motivate you and push you to finish Tarawih amid all the jokes and snacks being passed around! Take my word for this, it works!
For someone who is in the beginner or intermediate level, it is important to understand the true significance of Tarawih. One of the significant benefits is that you are rewarded for an entire night of prayer by praying Tarawih. Additionally, all your sins are forgiven. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever stands for prayer during Ramadan with iman, hoping for rewards, then all their previous sins will be forgiven”. You are the only one who benefits, not Allah or anyone else. You should consider prayers as a form of comfort, where one goes to escape from the daily lifestyle we lead.
If you are in the advanced category of having the ability to pray 20 tarawih rakaat every day for the whole month of Ramadan here are some tips and tricks to ensure that you keep the momentum going for the whole month of Ramadan and that you ensure you do not miss out on any Tarawih prayers -
You only have to do it once a year so you might as well make the most out of the opportunity you are receiving in terms of blessings.
Select a mosque closest to your home which has your friends and family. This way you do not have to waste time and energy traveling back and forth and are more committed to prayers. An additional factor that would keep you going throughout Tarawih prayers would be the support and motivation extended by your friends and family. Time would fly by quicker and you would feel less lonely and bored. This would provide you with more enthusiasm to finish praying 20 tarawih rakaat every day when there are others praying along with you.
Prep yourself and arrive early. If you are to arrive just in time for Tarawih prayers, you would be all over the place and it would be chaos for you. It is always advisable to arrive 15-20mins early prior and set and be mentally ready and prepared for the challenge you are about to overcome!
Watch what you eat at iftar. It is imperative to watch out for what you eat during iftar especially if you are to pray the 20 rakaat tarawih prayer. Stuffing yourself is a major no-no as this could cause uneasiness in your stomach and could mess up your momentum during tarawih. Instead, go light for iftar if you want to avoid constant trips to the bathroom!
Stay hydrated! Tarawih prayers are an exercise session on their own due to their multiple movements, therefore it is vital to stay hydrated throughout to maintain energy. Carry a bottle with you and avoid sharing water bottles in light of the current pandemic.
