How to Pray Salat at-Taraweeh
Taraweeh is the special congregational night prayer offered every night of Ramadan after the obligatory Isha. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed it in congregation for three nights, then stopped for fear it would become obligatory; Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) later regathered the community behind a single imam, and Taraweeh has been prayed in congregation in every Ramadan since.
مَنْ قَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ.
“Whoever stands (in prayer) in Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Step 1Pray Isha first, then make a fresh intention for Taraweeh
Taraweeh begins after the fardh and sunnah of Isha. Whether praying in congregation or alone, make a fresh intention for nafl Taraweeh — it is voluntary, not obligatory.
Step 2Pray in pairs of two rakats with salaam between each pair
The Prophet said: 'The night prayer is two by two — when one of you fears the dawn, pray one rakah to make what you have prayed odd.' Each pair ends with salaam to the right and the left before standing for the next pair.
Step 3Pray either 8 rakats or 20 rakats — both are valid
The 8-rakat practice is based on the hadith of Aisha (RA) describing the Prophet's own night prayer. The 20-rakat practice was the established sunnah of the rightly-guided caliphs and the four major madhahib. Choose whichever your local masjid follows; both are within the Sunnah.
Note
The number is a matter of legitimate scholarly difference, not a point of dispute that should divide the community.
Step 4Listen attentively to the imam's recitation
Sunnah of Taraweeh is to recite a substantial portion of the Quran — many imams complete the entire Quran (a khatm) over the 30 nights. As a follower, listen carefully; recitation behind the imam is sufficient.
Step 5Take a brief rest every four rakats (the meaning of 'tarawih')
The name 'Taraweeh' comes from the Arabic for 'rest' (tarwihah). After every four rakats, the congregation takes a short pause to rest before continuing — this is where the recommended pattern of 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 20 originates.
Step 6Conclude with witr
After Taraweeh, the imam (or you, if praying alone) ends the night prayer with witr — most commonly three rakats. In congregation, witr is also prayed in Taraweeh. Once witr has been offered, no further nafl prayers should be combined with another witr that night.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Disputing whether 8 or 20 is correct. Both are authentic; this is a matter of scholarly latitude.
Reciting along loudly while standing behind the imam — silent following is the practice.
Skipping witr after Taraweeh and then praying it again after Tahajjud. Witr is once per night.
Treating Taraweeh as a substitute for Tahajjud. They overlap in time; whichever you pray, you have prayed Qiyam al-Layl for that night.
Speeding through the rakats without proper ruku or sujood. The Prophet warned against the prayer of someone whose back is not straight in ruku and sujood.