How to Perform Taraweeh Prayer
Taraweeh prayer is a special night prayer performed during the month of Ramadan by Muslims around the world. It is a highly recommended practice and holds great spiritual significance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Taraweeh prayer.
1. Preparation
Before starting Taraweeh prayer, make sure you have performed the obligatory Isha prayer. Begin by performing ablution (wudu) to purify yourself. Choose a quiet and clean place for prayer, preferably in a mosque, but if not possible, any clean space will suffice.
2. Start of Taraweeh Prayer
Stand facing the qiblah (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca). Begin by making the intention (niyyah) for Taraweeh prayer in your heart. Raise your hands up to your ears and say "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest) to commence the prayer.
3. Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha and Additional Surahs
After the opening takbir, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran, silently. Then, recite another portion of the Quran, known as a Surah or a few verses, silently as well. It is customary to recite longer passages during Taraweeh, but shorter ones are also acceptable.
4. Rak'ahs in Taraweeh
Each unit of Taraweeh prayer consists of two rak'ahs (units). After completing the recitation, bow down into ruku' (bowing position) and say "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great) three times. Then, stand back up and perform sujood (prostration) twice, saying "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High) three times in each prostration.
5. Conclusion
After completing the first two rak'ahs, stand up for the next two rak'ahs and repeat the same actions. Continue this process until you have completed all the rak'ahs you intend to pray for Taraweeh. Finally, conclude the prayer with the tasleem by turning your head to the right and saying "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah" (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) to end the prayer.
Multiple Choice Test:
1. What is the purpose of Taraweeh prayer?
a) To ask for forgiveness
b) To gain spiritual rewards
c) To celebrate Eid
d) To recite the entire Quran in one night
2. How many rak'ahs are there in each unit of Taraweeh prayer?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
3. When should Taraweeh prayer be performed?
a) Before sunrise
b) After Fajr prayer
c) After Isha prayer
d) After Maghrib prayer
4. What should you recite after Surah Al-Fatiha during Taraweeh prayer?
a) Another Surah or verses from the Quran
b) A poem
c) The names of Allah
d) Nothing
5. How many times should "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" be said during sujood?
a) Once
b) Twice
c) Three times
d) Four times
6. Where should you face while performing Taraweeh prayer?
a) Towards the north
b) Towards the south
c) Towards the east
d) Towards the qiblah
7. What is the minimum number of rak'ahs for Taraweeh prayer?
a) Four
b) Eight
c) Ten
d) Twelve
8. What is said to commence the prayer?
a) Alhamdulillah
b) Subhanallah
c) Allahu Akbar
d) Astaghfirullah
9. How many times should "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" be said during ruku'?
a) Once
b) Twice
c) Three times
d) Four times
10. How do you conclude Taraweeh prayer?
a) By reciting Surah Al-Fatiha again
b) By making dua (supplication)
c) By saying the tasleem
d) By reciting the Shahada
Answer Key:
1. b) To gain spiritual rewards
2. b) Two
3. c) After Isha prayer
4. a) Another Surah or verses from the Quran
5. c) Three times
6. d) Towards the qiblah
7. b) Eight
8. c) Allahu Akbar
9. c) Three times
10. c) By saying the tasleem
