The Practising Muslim · Voluntary Worship

Taraweeh Prayer Guidelines

Explore rules and etiquette for Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan.

8 questions · Medium · about 4 minutes

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8 questions, about 4 minutes.

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Show questions and answers Spoilers: every answer and explanation for all 8 questions.

1. May a person stand for part of a rak‘ah and sit for part of it in a voluntary prayer?

  • Yes, this is permissible. (correct answer)
  • No, it is forbidden in every case.
  • Only if the imam gives permission.
  • Only outside Ramadan.

Why

In voluntary prayer, it is permissible to combine standing and sitting within the same rak‘ah. A person may begin sitting and then stand when they feel able, or begin standing and then sit if needed. This is separate from the reward issue: if someone sits in nafl prayer while able to stand, the reward is reduced, but if they sit because they are unable to stand, the reward is not reduced.

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2. What may someone do if they already prayed individually, then arrive at a mosque and find the congregation praying?

  • Pray with the congregation, and it will be nafl for them. (correct answer)
  • Refuse to join because repeating the prayer is always forbidden.
  • Wait until the next obligatory prayer.
  • Pray two unrelated rak‘ahs before joining the congregation.

Why

If someone has already offered the obligatory prayer and then comes to a mosque where that prayer is being prayed in congregation, they may join the congregation. Their second prayer is counted as nafl for them. This is one of the exceptions mentioned regarding voluntary prayer at times when prayer is normally disallowed.

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3. What is the ruling on an imam leading Tarawih for two groups or in two mosques on the same night?

  • It is permissible, so long as Witr is not repeated incorrectly. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden in every case.
  • It is allowed only if he does not lead either group in prayer.
  • He must pray a separate Witr for every congregation.

Why

An imam may lead people in prayer in two mosques, or lead two different groups at different times in the same night. The issue to avoid is praying or leading a second Witr in a way that makes two Witrs in one night. If needed, he may create a separation between his Witr and later prayer, or arrange for someone else to lead Witr.

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4. If two imams lead Tarawih in one mosque, what should a worshipper do to attain the reward of spending the night in prayer?

  • Stay until the second imam finishes. (correct answer)
  • Leave after the first imam because the second imam is unrelated.
  • Pray only the rak‘ahs that match one’s preferred number.
  • Leave before Witr and still assume the full reward is guaranteed.

Why

The reward mentioned for praying with the imam until he finishes is connected to completing the prayer with the imam. When two imams lead in one mosque, they are treated as complementary to one another, like one imam. Therefore, the one who wants the reward of spending the night in prayer should remain until the second imam has completed the prayer.

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5. When may it be better for a woman to pray Tarawih in the mosque?

  • If she cannot recite Qur’an well, needs motivation, or will benefit from lessons, while observing shar‘i conditions. (correct answer)
  • Always, regardless of modesty, perfume, or conduct.
  • Never, because women are forbidden from praying in mosques.
  • Only if there are no men anywhere in the mosque.

Why

The general principle is that a woman’s prayer at home is better. But it may be better for her to pray Tarawih in the mosque in some cases, such as if she has not memorized much Qur’an, cannot recite well, is more motivated there, or benefits from classes. She must go out observing the required conditions: proper covering, modest conduct, and not wearing perfume.

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6. Can the reward of praying with the imam until he finishes apply to a congregation praying Tarawih at home?

  • Yes, there is hope of that reward if they pray in congregation and stay with the imam until the end. (correct answer)
  • No, it can never apply outside a mosque.
  • Yes, even if they leave before the imam finishes.
  • Only if no Witr is prayed at all.

Why

Tarawih in congregation is best, and there is hope that the reward of spending the whole night in prayer applies to those who pray in congregation and stay with the imam until the end, even if the congregation is at home. If someone wants to pray later at night, they may still pray with the imam; if they pray Witr with the imam, they should not repeat Witr later. If they want their Witr to be at the end of the night, they may stand after the imam’s salam and add one rak‘ah.

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7. Is Tarawih prayer obligatory for women?

  • No, it is not obligatory. (correct answer)
  • Yes, it is compulsory for every woman.
  • It is compulsory only if she cannot pray at home.
  • It depends on age and health only.

Why

Tarawih is not obligatory for women. It remains better for women to pray night prayer at home, because the more private and hidden place is better for them. At the same time, women are not to be prevented from going to the mosque if they ask and the proper conditions are met, such as wearing hijab, not wearing perfume, and avoiding prohibited situations.

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8. When is it permissible for women to gather in one house to pray Tarawih together?

  • When there is no tabarruj and no danger of fitnah. (correct answer)
  • Only if the woman leading them is a scholar.
  • Only if all the women are related to one another.
  • When non-mahram men can freely hear the recitation.

Why

It is permissible for women to gather in one house to pray Tarawih in congregation if they go out in a proper manner, without tabarruj, perfume, or danger of fitnah. However, it remains better for each woman to pray in her own home, especially in the most private part of the house. If a woman leads other women, she stands in the middle of the row, not ahead of them, and may recite aloud in prayers where recitation is aloud so long as non-mahram men cannot hear her.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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