Taraaweeh Prayers

Q. Is Taraaweeh prayer sunnah or nafl?

A. It is sunnat mu’akkadah for men and women. Saying it in jamaa’ah is sunnat kifaayah. If one prays alone while others pray in congregation, there is no sin. But if all pray alone, it is sinful.

Q. What is the time of Taraaweeh prayers?

A. Time begins after ‘Ishaa and lasts until before Fajr. It can be said before or after Witr (preferably before). If one cannot complete with the imaam, he can join Witr and complete Taraaweeh later.

Q. How many rak’aat are there?

A. Twenty (20) rak’aat with ten (10) salaam are masnoon. Niyyah is for two rak’aat each time. After every four rak’aat, sitting for a while is mustahab.

Q. Should one recite or remain silent while sitting?

A. One may remain silent, recite Qur’aan Shareef, tasbeeh, or nafl prayers quietly.

Q. Completing the Holy Qur’aan in Taraaweeh

A. Sunnah to complete Qur’aan once a month; better to complete twice or thrice if it does not inconvenience musallis.

Q. Can we say Taraaweeh sitting?

A. Makrooh if one is able to stand.

Q. Joining late in jamaa’ah?

A. Makrooh to join after imaam begins rukuu’. Should join from the start.

Q. Fard ‘Ishaa alone before Taraaweeh?

A. Allowed. One can pray fard alone and join jamaa’ah for Taraaweeh later.