Tarawih / TaraweehPrayer is a special evening prayer performed by Muslims throughout the world only in the holy month of Ramadhan during which long portions of the Qur'an are recited. Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is the month where all Muslims fast ("puasa" in Malay) from sunrise to sunset every day.
Performing Tarawih prayer is a “sunnah” ( which means the prayer is voluntary however Muslims are strongly encouraged to do it as it is a practice by Prophet Muhammad s.a.w) and it is not obligatory.
Tarawih / Taraweeh is perform after `Isha’ Prayer (Night Prayer). It can be perform at home, alone or in congregation, or at a mosque. However the normal practice here in Malaysia, Tarawih is perform in Mosques and “Suraus”. Men, women and kids will fload mosques and suraus within their home in the whole month of Ramadhan.
Tarawih prayers are prayed in pairs of two and can be prayed in any even amount of raka’ah, although 8 & 20 raka'ah is normally being practice here in Malaysia.
Performing Tarawih / Taraweeh Prayer
Tarawih Prayer does not have to be performed immediately after the “Isha” Prayer. Muslims can postpone it till later, but in a mosque it is performed after the people have prayed two rak`ahs of Sunnah after the “Isha” Prayer.
Tarawih consists of an even number of rak`ahs, performed two by two (as “Suboh” / “Fajr” Prayer is performed). The number of rak`ahs is not fixed, but it usually is either 8 or 20.
The word Tarawih comes from an Arabic word which means to Rest and Relax. Tarawih prayers can be very long during which long section of the Quran are read, however it is recommended to take a short break after every four rak`ahs. During this break there will be a short supplication or “doa” in Malay.
As been said, Mosques and Surau in Malaysia will normally prepare foods after the Tarawih Prayers. Foods are normally contributed by local business or individual surrounding the area of the Mosque or Surau.
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