Tarāwīh (تراويح)
Definition
Tarāwīh (تراويح) refers to the special prayers performed by Muslims at night during the holy month of Ramadan. These prayers are characterized by their length and are an integral part of the nightly worship in Ramadan. Typically, Tarāwīh consists of twenty rakʿahs (units of prayer), during which participants take short breaks to rest, befitting the meaning of its name, “Rest.”
Etymology
The term Tarāwīh is derived from the Arabic root ر و ح (r-w-ḥ), meaning “rest” or “relaxation”. The word Tarāwīh is the plural form of tarwīḥah (ترويحة), which signifies a single instance of rest or relaxation. This etymology lies at the heart of the practice, as worshippers sit down and rest briefly after every four rakʿahs and every second “Salām” (greeting of peace that concludes the prayer).
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: تراويح
- Turkish: Teravih
Ritual Practice
Tarāwīh prayers are performed in congregation, preferably at a mosque, although they can also be performed at home. These prayers offer a spiritual and communal experience, encouraging Muslims to come together in worship and reflection. The Imam (prayer leader) typically recites long sections of the Quran during Tarāwīh, often completing the entire Quran over the course of Ramadan.
Breakdown of the Prayer Ritual:
- Opening Takbīr: The prayer begins with the proclamation Allāhu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest).
- Recitation of Quranic Verses: Long portions of the Quran are recited.
- Rakʿah Cycles: Each cycle includes standing, bowing, and prostrating.
- Short Breaks: Rest periods are taken every four rakʿahs.
- Salām: Concluding greeting of peace after every two rakʿahs.
Significance and Benefits
Tarāwīh carries immense spiritual rewards and helps to instill discipline, devotion, and a sense of community among Muslims. The act of reciting or listening to the Quran in its entirety during the month of Ramadan offers an opportunity for reflection and a deeper understanding of the Holy Book.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Tarāwīh Prayers: An Academic Exposition” by Mohamed Faris.
- “The Night Prayers: Tarāwīh and Tahajjud in Light of the Quran and Sunnah” by Sheikh Fāsil Mālik.
- “Muslim Holidays: An Introduction” by Robert H. Ingersoll.
Takeaways
- Tarāwīh is a highly significant practice in Islam, performed during Ramadan.
- The term means “rest,” highlighting the prayer’s structure involving rest periods.
- It is an opportunity for communal worship and Quranic immersion.
Conclusion
Tarāwīh prayers are more than a ritual; they signify dedication, community, and the spiritual renewal central to Ramadan. By participating in these prayers, Muslims globally reaffirm their faith, commitment, and piety, reaping the spiritual and social benefits ingrained in Islamic tradition.
