🌙 Taraweeh Prayer: How Many Raka’at Are Recommended?

As the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, one of the most frequently asked questions among Muslims is:
“How many raka’at should we pray for Taraweeh?”

This question has been discussed by scholars for centuries, and understanding it helps Muslims worship with clarity, sincerity, and confidence.
🌟 What Is Taraweeh?
Taraweeh refers to the night prayer in Ramadan, prayed after Isha. The name comes from the Arabic word “tarweeha,” meaning “to rest,” because the early Muslims would rest briefly between sets of prayer due to its length.

Though Taraweeh is not obligatory, it is a highly recommended Sunnah, and the Prophet ï·º encouraged Muslims to perform it with devotion. He said:
“Whoever stands (in prayer) during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)

1️⃣ The Number of Raka’at the Prophet ï·º Prayed

The strongest and most authentic evidence comes from A’isha (RA) who narrated:
 “The Prophet ï·º never exceeded eleven raka’at in Ramadan or outside Ramadan.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1147, Sahih Muslim 738)

These eleven consist of:
8 raka’at of night prayer (Qiyam/Taraweeh)
3 raka’at of Witr

👉 This is why many scholars say the Sunnah of the Prophet ï·º is to pray 8 raka’at.

A’isha (RA) also described the quality of his prayer:
 “He prayed with such beauty and length that do not ask about their excellence.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This shows that the focus was quality, not quantity.
2️⃣ The Practice of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) and the Sahabah: 20 Raka’at

During the caliphate of Umar (RA), he gathered the people behind one imam and established:
20 raka’at of Taraweeh
(Narrated by Imam Malik in Al-Muwatta’ and others)

Umar (RA) said:
“What a good innovation this is.”
He did not mean bid’ah in religion but reviving a Sunnah in a structured, communal way.

This became the dominant practice in many Muslim lands for centuries, and until today, most mosques around the world pray 20 raka’at.

3️⃣ The Practice of the People of Madinah: 36 Raka’at

Some early scholars recorded that the people of Madinah prayed 36 raka’at during Ramadan.
Their reasoning was that they extended the prayer due to shorter recitations and added extra raka’at to match the length of Makkah’s night prayer.

This practice shows that the number is flexible, as long as the prayer is done sincerely and regularly.

4️⃣ Are All These Opinions Valid? Yes.

Islamic scholars agree that Taraweeh is part of Qiyamul-Layl, which is not restricted to a fixed number.
The Prophet ï·º said:
“The night prayer is in twos (two raka’at), and when you fear Fajr is near, pray one raka’ah of Witr.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)

This hadith proves that the night prayer is flexible in number, including Taraweeh.

Therefore:

✔️ 8 raka’at — Strong Sunnah of the Prophet ï·º

✔️ 20 raka’at — Sunnah of Umar (RA) and the companions

✔️ More raka’at — Also permissible

All are valid and rewarded in Islam.

🌙 Summary Table
Practice Number of Raka’at Basis
Sunnah of the Prophet ï·º 8 + 3 Witr Hadith of A’isha (RA)
Practice of Umar (RA) 20 Al-Muwatta’ and historical consensus
People of Madinah 36 Historical practice
General ruling of night prayer Flexible “Night prayer is in twos” hadith

🌙 Which Should You Follow?
Any of the valid numbers are accepted, but you may choose based on:
The practice of your local masjid
Your strength and energy
Your spiritual comfort
Your ability to remain consistent

The goal is khushu’, sincerity, and regularity, not the number.

🕌 Final Reminder

Allah says in the Qur’an:
 “And establish prayer… and do good, so that you may be successful.”
(Qur’an 22:77)

And the Prophet ï·º said:
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if small.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

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