Islamversity

The holy month of Ramadan brings with it a special opportunity for spiritual growth and connection with Allah. Among the cherished acts of worship during this sacred time is Taraweeh prayer. This article provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to pray Taraweeh for ladies, highlighting the options available to women, whether to pray at home or join the congregation at the masjid.

What is Taraweeh Prayer?

Taraweeh prayer is a voluntary prayer that takes place after the obligatory Isha (night) prayer during Ramadan. Derived from the Arabic word “Tarawih,” which means to rest and take a break, it refers to the short rests taken between sets of Rak’ahs (units) during the Taraweeh prayer. This prayer offers an opportunity to connect deeply with Allah and seek His blessings during the month of Ramadan.

Narrated Abu Hurairah:
I heard Allah’s Messenger PBUH saying regarding Ramadan, “Whoever performed Salat (prayers) at night in it (the month of Ramadan) with sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”

~Bukhari (Vol 3, Book 31, Hadith 2008)

Is Taraweeh compulsory for Ladies?

No, Taraweeh prayer is not obligatory for ladies.

According to the Islamic jurisprudence, Taraweeh falls under the category of voluntary (Sunnah) prayers rather than obligatory (Fardh) prayers. Although Taraweeh prayer holds immense spiritual benefits and rewards, it does not carry the same level of obligation as the five daily obligatory prayers. As such, women have the freedom to decide whether they prefer to perform Taraweeh at home or participate in congregational Taraweeh prayers at the mosque.

Praying Taraweeh at the Mosque (for Ladies)

While women are permitted to pray in the mosque, it is not actively encouraged. Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of preserving modesty and creating a serene atmosphere for women’s worship. As a result, it is often recommended for women to pray, including Taraweeh, in the privacy of their homes.

It is also important to note that it is forbidden in several Hadith, to forbid a women attending the congregation prayer (exceptions apply).

Narrated Ibn `Umar:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If your women ask permission to go to the mosque at night, allow them.”

~ Bukhari (Vol 1, Book 10, Chapter 162, Hadith 865)

For those women who choose to pray Taraweeh in the mosque, it is important to select a mosque that provides suitable facilities for women. Look for a mosque that has a designated prayer area for women and offers a welcoming environment. Check the mosque’s timings for Taraweeh and plan your attendance accordingly.

When praying Taraweeh in the mosque, follow these guidelines:

1. Dress modestly and observe proper hijab (modest attire) as a sign of respect and devotion. Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the body appropriately, including the arms and legs.
2. Arrive at the mosque a few minutes before the Isha prayer to secure a spot in the women’s prayer area. Choose a spot that allows you to focus on your prayer without distractions.
3. Begin by performing the obligatory Isha prayer with the congregation. Follow the lead of the Imam in all prayer movements, including recitation of the Quran and positions.
4. After a short break, the congregation for Taraweeh prayer will begin. Position yourself in the women’s prayer area, ensuring that you are standing behind the male worshippers. It is recorded in several traditions and sunnah that the male worshippers be positioned behind the imam, and the female worshippers behind the male worshippers.
5. Stand in straight rows, following the lead of the Imam, and perform the Taraweeh prayer according to the mosque’s custom, usually in sets of 2 Rak’ahs each. All rules that apply to the males during positioning of the rows also apply to women.
6. Listen attentively to the recitation of the Qur’an by the Imam and follow along silently or quietly. Use this opportunity to reflect on the verses and contemplate their meanings.

Praying Taraweeh at Home (for Ladies)

For ladies, there is the option to perform Taraweeh prayer at home, with equal rewards as praying in the mosque. There are several Hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) narrating that although women are allowed to the go to the mosque, it is more preferable for them to pray at home.

Ibn ‘Umar reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying:

Do not prevent your women from visiting the mosque; but their houses are better for them (for praying).

~ Sunan Abi Dawud (Book 2, Hadith 567)

Women who pray at home are also granted the same reward that men get for congregational prayer in the mosque, so there is little incentive for a woman to leave the house for prayer.

To perform Taraweeh prayer at home, follow these steps:

1. Begin by performing Wudu (ablution) to purify yourself for prayer. Pay attention to the proper method of performing Wudu, ensuring that you have cleansed your face, hands, arms, head, and feet. Following the sunnah for Wudu will yield greater rewards.
2. Ensure the prayer area is clean, free from distractions, and conducive to concentration and tranquility. Place a prayer mat or a clean rug to mark your prayer area.
3. Make a sincere intention (Niyat) to pray Taraweeh and seek the blessings of Allah. Remember that your intention should be solely for the sake of pleasing Allah and seeking His reward.
4. Start by performing the obligatory Isha prayer. It is important to fulfill this obligation before engaging in Taraweeh prayer. It is also important to note that Taraweeh should be performed before Witr, but after Isha.
5. After Isha, take a short break to prepare yourself mentally and spiritually for Taraweeh. Use this time to recite supplications, engage in remembrance of Allah, and pray any extra Nafl or Sunnat.
6. Taraweeh prayer consists of sets of 2 Rak’ahs each. Begin by standing upright and facing the Qibla (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca). There is no difference in the way Taraweeh is performed compared to regular prayers (Salah), except for the requirement to recite the Qur’an from start to finish.
7. In each Rak’ah, recite Surah Al-Fatiha (the Opening Chapter of the Qur’an) and follow it with another portion of the Qur’an. You may choose to recite longer or shorter passages, depending on your memorization and comfort level.
8. After completing the recitation, perform the Ruku’ (bowing) by bending from the waist and placing your hands on your knees. Maintain this position briefly while praising Allah.
9. Rise from Ruku’ and stand upright, then proceed to perform Sujood (prostration) by placing your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground. This position signifies humility and submission to Allah.
10. After the first Sujood, sit upright briefly, known as Jalsa, before proceeding to the second Sujood.
11. Complete the first Rak’ah by rising from the second Sujood and standing upright again. Repeat the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha and another portion of the Qur’an.
12. Proceed to perform the second Rak’ah in the same manner as the first Rak’ah, following the same sequence of recitation, Ruku’, Sujood, and Jalsa.
13. After completing the second Rak’ah, take a brief rest before starting the next set of 2 Rak’ahs. Use this time to take a sip of water or engage in quiet reflection and supplication.
14. Continue performing Taraweeh prayer, following the same pattern of 2 Rak’ahs per set, until you have completed the desired number of Rak’ahs. It is common to perform 8, 12, or 20 Rak’ahs, depending on personal preference and capacity.
15. Note down at what point in the Quran you stopped your Taraweeh prayer for the Taraweeh of the next day.

Ending Note

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, embrace the opportunity to engage in Taraweeh prayer and draw closer to Allah. Ladies have the flexibility to pray Taraweeh at home or join the congregation in the mosque, with equal rewards in both choices.

Whether praying alone or in congregation, let your Taraweeh prayer be a means of deepening your connection with Allah, seeking forgiveness, and attaining abundant blessings during this blessed month.

May your Taraweeh prayers be accepted, and may your Ramadan be filled with spirituality, peace, and divine guidance.