Introduction
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world engage in extra prayers known as Taraweeh. It is a special form of Salah that is performed at night after the obligatory Isha prayer. But how many Rakats is Taraweeh exactly?
What is Taraweeh?
Taraweeh is a voluntary prayer that is offered by Muslims in congregation during the month of Ramadan. It is performed after the Isha prayer and consists of a number of Rakats.
Number of Rakats
The number of Rakats in Taraweeh can vary depending on the tradition followed by different Muslim communities. While there is no fixed number mentioned in the Quran or Hadith, the most common practice is to perform 20 Rakats of Taraweeh.
Historical Practice
According to historical sources, the practice of praying 20 Rakats of Taraweeh was established during the time of the second Caliph, Umar ibn Al-Khattab. He observed the people praying in smaller groups and recommended that they pray together in larger congregations, leading to the standardization of 20 Rakats.
Variations
Some communities and scholars follow the tradition of praying 8 Rakats of Taraweeh, based on the practice of the Prophet Muhammad. Others may choose to pray even more Rakats, up to 36 or even 40, following different scholarly opinions. Ultimately, the number of Rakats in Taraweeh is a matter of personal choice and interpretation.
Benefits of Taraweeh
- Strengthens the bond with Allah
- Increases spiritual awareness
- Encourages unity within the Muslim community
- Provides an opportunity for reflection and supplication
Conclusion
While the exact number of Rakats in Taraweeh may vary, the essence of this special prayer lies in devotion, reflection, and seeking closeness to Allah. Whether you choose to pray 8, 20, or more Rakats, the important thing is to engage in this act of worship with sincerity and humility.
