ṢALĀTU ʾT-TARĀWĪḤ (صلاة التراويح)
Definition and Background
Ṣalātu ʾt-Tarāwīḥ (صلاة التراويح), translated as the ‘Prayer of Rest,’ refers to special evening prayers performed by Sunni Muslims during the holy month of Ramaḍān. These prayers consist of twenty rakʿahs (units of prayer) and are recited after the `Ishā’ (night) prayer. The name originates from the pauses or rests taken between every four rakʿahs to allow for supplications and additional recitations known as ẕikr (ذكر).
Etymology
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Arabic: صلاة التراويح (Ṣalātu ʾt-Tarāwīḥ)
- Ṣalātu: Prayer
- ʾt-Tarāwīḥ: Derived from the root word “رَوَح” (rawaḥ), meaning “to rest” or “to relax.”
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Turkish: Teravih Namazı
- Teravih: Derived from the Arabic word Tarāwīḥ, meaning “rest” or “interval.”
- Namazı: Prayer
Historical Context
According to Islamic tradition, Ṣalātu ʾt-Tarāwīḥ prayers were encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad but were not mandated. The practice became formalized during the caliphate of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, who organized the prayers into twenty rakʿahs as performed today.
Practice and Significance
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Number of Rakʿahs: Traditionally, twenty rakʿahs are performed, although some Islamic schools of thought may perform fewer.
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Recitation: The Imām (prayer leader) recites the prayers aloud. The prayer involves reciting portions of the Qur’an, and it is common for the entire Qur’an to be recited over the course of the month.
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Supplementary Recitations: Ṣalātu ʾt-Tarāwīḥ are often accompanied by ẕikr (remembrances of God), adding to the spiritual depth of the prayers.
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Congregational Element: These prayers are typically performed in congregational settings within mosques, fostering a sense of community and shared devotion.
Religious and Spiritual Importance
Abū Hurairah quotes the Prophet Muhammad as saying: “He who stands up in prayer at night, for the purpose of obtaining reward, will have all his sins pardoned.” This narrates the spiritual benefits attributed to performing Ṣalātu ʾt-Tarāwīḥ, emphasizing the opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness and greater closeness to God during Ramaḍān.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Fiqh-us-Sunnah” by As-Sayyid Sābiq
- “Riyāḍ aṣ-Ṣāliḥīn” by Imam An-Nawawi
- “Al-Muwaṭṭaʾ” by Imam Malik
- “The Book of Ṣalātu ʾt-Tarāwīḥ” by Imam Abu Yusuf
Key Takeaways
- Meaning and Practice: Ṣalātu ʾt-Tarāwīḥ refers to nightly prayers specifically performed during Ramaḍān, consisting of twenty rakʿahs with rest intervals.
- Spiritual Benefits: The prayers are seen as an opportunity for spiritual cleansing and attaining divine forgiveness.
- Historical Evolution: While initially encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad, it was ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb who formalized the practice into its current form.
Conclusion
Ṣalātu ʾt-Tarāwīḥ holds significant spiritual and communal value within Islamic practice, particularly during the sacred month of Ramaḍān. By understanding its historical context, the intricacies of its performance, and its spiritual importance, one can appreciate the profound role this prayer plays in the lives of practicing Muslims.
For further studies, the listed books offer comprehensive insights into the traditions, legal rulings, and spiritual benefits associated with Ṣalātu ʾt-Tarāwīḥ.
