Taraweeh Prayer Rakat: How Many Rakat to Pray and Sunnah Practices 

Taraweeh prayer rakat is a unique Sunnah prayer that is observed during the nights of Ramadan. It has a profound origin in the practice of the Prophet and the practice of the companions.

The Origin of Taraweeh and Its Connection to the Prophet

Taraweeh comes from the Arabic root “تَرْوِيحَة” (tarweeha), which means “to rest” or “relax.” The name reflects the manner in which the prayer is performed with short breaks after every four rak’ahs.

During the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, he prayed taraweeh prayer rakat in congregation a few times. However, he never did it constantly in public out of fear that it might become obligatory on the Muslims. This is explained in the hadith of Aisha (RA):

Narrated by Aisha (RA):

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed in the mosque one night, and people prayed behind him. Then he prayed the next night, and there were more people. Then, on the third or fourth night, they gathered, but the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did not come out to them. When morning came, he said: ‘I saw what you were doing, but nothing prevented me from coming out to you except that I feared that it would become obligatory for you.'” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

How Many Rakat Did the Prophet Pray in Taraweeh?

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to pray eight rak’ahs of taraweeh prayer rakat and three rak’ahs of Witr, eleven rak’ahs in total.

Aisha (RA) reported:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) never prayed eleven rak’ahs (at night), in Ramadan or any other time. He used to pray four rak’ahs, and not ask about their beauty and length, then he would pray four, and not ask about their beauty and length, then he would pray three (Witr).” (Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim)

 

This implies that the Prophet ﷺ prayed eight rak’ahs of Qiyam al-Layl (Taraweeh) and then Witr.

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How to Pace Your Taraweeh Prayer for Maximum Rewards

Taraweeh is a Ramadan prayer with immense spiritual rewards. For maximum benefit, it is essential to pace yourself well, with concentration, sincerity, and stamina throughout the month. Here are some practical tips to get the most out of your taraweeh prayer rakat:

1. Make Your Intention (Niyyah) with Sincerity

Remind yourself, before you begin, why you are praying taraweeh prayer rakat:

“Whoever stands (in prayer) during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim)

A strong intention will make you pray with determination, even on nights you would rather not.

2. Determine a Comfortable Number of Rak’ahs

There are different opinions of people about the number of taraweeh prayer rakat. Whatever you pray, 8, 20, or more, focus on quality rather than quantity.

• If you’re praying alone, 8 rak’ahs with long, reflective recitations can be done.
• If you’re praying in the masjid, pray in the congregational format (usually 20 rak’ahs).
• If you’re feeling tired, break up your prayers—for example, pray some in the masjid and finish at home.

3. Pace Your Recitation: Balance Speed & Contemplation

Do not hurry the recitation. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized measured recitation:

“The best of prayers is that in which the recitation is long.” (Sahih Muslim, 756)

• If leading taraweeh prayer rakat, recite at a moderate pace so the congregation can follow.
• If praying alone, take your time, ponder over the meanings, and enhance Khushu’ (concentration).

4. Take Brief Pauses Between Rak’ahs

• Taraweeh is named so due to “resting” since the early Muslims used to take a brief rest after each 4 rak’ahs to rejuvenate their energy.
• Utilize these breaks to make Dhikr, Du’a, or contemplate rather than getting involved in distractions.
• Drink lightly if necessary, but try not to eat much before praying.

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5. Boost Your Motivation with Du’a & Dhikr

For staying motivated, make remembrance of Allah prior to and after taraweeh prayer rakat:

1. Make Du’a for the acceptance of your prayer.
2. Recite repetitive Dhikr like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar in breaks.
3. Reflect on the blessings of Ramadan to keep your heart concentrated.

Sunnah and Recommended Practices in Taraweeh

Here are some of the best practices in taraweeh prayer rakat:

1. Having a Pure Intention (Niyyah)

The Prophet ﷺ stated:

“Actions are judged by intentions.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Refresh your intention to attain Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness.

2. Taking Short Pauses After Every 4 Rak‘ahs

• Taraweeh prayer rakat is named so because the early Muslims would “rest” briefly after every 4 rak’ahs to rejuvenate.
• Use these pauses for Dhikr, Du’a, or contemplation.

3. Making Du’a After Taraweeh

• The Prophet ﷺ would offer long Du’a during night prayers, especially in Witr.
• Qunoot Du’a in Witr is highly recommended.
• Use this opportunity to make heartfelt Du’a, seeking forgiveness and Jannah.

4. Eating a Balanced Iftar to Maintain Energy

• Overeating can make taraweeh prayer rakat tiresome.
• Eat light, nutritious food to stay energetic.

5. Praying with Sincerity

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Even if you miss a night, resume Taraweeh the next day—don’t give up!

Duas to Recite During and After Taraweeh

Here are some of the best duas for taraweeh prayer rakat:

1. Du’a for Forgiveness (Taught by the Prophet ﷺ)

The best Du’a for Laylatul Qadr and Ramadan:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka ‘Afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa‘fu ‘anni

“O Allah, You are Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Best Time to Say It: During Sujood, after Witr, and after Taraweeh.

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2. Du’a for Acceptance of Worship

One of the best duas to recite for taraweeh prayer rakat is the following:

رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

Rabbana taqabbal minna innaka Antas-Sami‘ul-‘Aleem

“Our Lord, accept from us [our worship]; indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah)

Best Time to Say It: After completing Taraweeh.

3. Du’a for Guidance & Mercy

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا

Rabbana atina min ladunka rahmatan wa hayyi’ lana min amrina rashada

“Our Lord, grant us mercy from Yourself and guide us in our matters.” (Surah Al-Kahf)

Best Time to Say It: Between rak‘ahs and in Sujood.

4. Du’a for Protection from Hellfire

اللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنَا مِنَ النَّارِ

Allahumma ajirna min an-Nar

O Allah, save us from the Fire.

Best Time to Say It: After Witr and before sleeping.

5. Du’a for Allah’s Mercy & Jannah

One of the best taraweeh prayer rakat duas is asking for mercy and forgiveness:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَا قَرَّبَ إِلَيْهَا مِنْ قَوْلٍ أَوْ عَمَلٍ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ وَمَا قَرَّبَ إِلَيْهَا مِنْ قَوْلٍ أَوْ عَمَلٍ

Allahumma inni as’alukal-jannata wa ma qarrab ilayha min qawlin aw ‘amal, wa a‘udhu bika min an-Nar wa ma qarrab ilayha min qawlin aw ‘amal

“O Allah, I ask You for Jannah and whatever brings me closer to it, and I seek refuge in You from Hellfire and whatever brings me closer to it.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Best Time to Say It: After Taraweeh and in Sujood.

6. Du’a for All Believers

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ

Rabbana ighfir lana wa li-ikhwanina alladhina sabaquna bil iman

“Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith.” (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:10)

Best Time to Say It: After Witr and during Du’a in Taraweeh.

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Conclusion

Taraweeh prayer rakat is a special act of worship performed in Ramadan, offering immense rewards and spiritual benefits.  

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FAQs

Is Taraweeh 8 or 20 Rakats?

Taraweeh can be 8 or 20 rak‘at, as both are valid practices based on the Sunnah and the practice of the Companions.

Can we pray Taraweeh in 4 Rakats?

Yes, you can pray Taraweeh in sets of 4 rak‘at, but the common practice is to pray in sets of 2 rak‘at as per the Sunnah.