What Is The Ruling On And The Nature Of Tarawih Prayer?

What is the ruling on and the nature of tarawih prayer?

Tarawih is the plural form of the word “tarwiha”, which lexically means to relax or rest. As a religious term, it refers to the nafl prayer that is established between ‘isha and witr prayers in the month of Ramadan.

The Messenger of Allah (saw) established this prayer with his companions; but stopped establishing it in congregation when he saw their over enthusiasm and started establishing it alone at home fearing that it may become obligatory uponthe ummah (Bukhari, Salat at-Tarawih, 1; Muslim, Salat al-Musafirin, 177-178). Also, he encouraged people to establish tarawih prayer saying, “Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari, Salat at-Tarawih, 1; Muslim, Salat al-Musafirin, 173) In this respect, tarawih prayer is a sunnah mu’akkadah (emphasized sunnah) for both men and women.

Although it is permissible to establish tarawih prayer by giving salam in every four rakats, it is more virtuous to establish it by giving salam in every two rakats. It is mustahab to sit and have a rest for a while at the end of every four rakats. During these rests, it is appropriate to recite tahlil (saying la ilaha illallah) and salawat.

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA