Ramadhan ul Mubarak and Night Prayers (Taraweeh)

Allah Ta’ala’s Beloved Prophet Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam has stated that, “Ramadhan is the month of my followers.” One way in which this Hadith has been explained is that ‘Allah Ta’ala has given this month to my followers so that they can worship extensively in this month and obtain the Pleasure of the Lord. They can Fast during the day, perform voluntary prayers in the night, recite the Holy Qur’an, spend their wealth in the path of Allah Ta’ala, help the poor, needy and helpless and become deserving of the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala.’

Due to the fact that is it difficult to do all the things mentioned above all year long, that is why Allah Ta’ala granted one month in which Muslims can focus all their attention towards worshipping Him.

Just as the other worships hold an exalted position, similarly the excellences of Taraweeh prayers have been mentioned extensively in the Ahadith and the fact that Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam performed it continuously is also reported. Read the following carefully and prepare yourselves to perform this exalted worship regularly.

Meaning of Taraweeh

The word ‘Taraweeh’ is the plural of the word ‘Tarweehatun’, which means ‘to rest for a while’. Due to the fact that we are ordered to sit after each four Rak’ats for the same length of time that it takes to pray those four Rak’ats, it is called ‘Taraweeh’.

The Habit of Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam

The performing of Taraweeh is proven from Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam , as is narrated by Hazrat Ibn ‘Abbas Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhuma, who reports that, “Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam used to perform 20 Rak’ats Taraweeh in Ramadhan.” (Musannif Ibn Abi Shaiba, Vol 2, Page 394)

Punctuality of the Companions in Praying Taraweeh

Taraweeh used to be performed during the time of Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam but it was not arranged in the manner in which it is arranged nowadays. It was started during the rule of Hazrat ‘Umar bin Khattab Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu and the tradition is still present amongst Muslims. Hazrat ‘Abdur Rehman bin ‘Abd Qari Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu states that, “I went to the Masjid in Ramadhan with Hazrat ‘Umar bin Khattab Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu, and people were performing prayers separately. Hazrat ‘Umar Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu said, ‘By Allah! I think that if I gather all these people together and they perform prayers together behind one Qari, then it will be better.’ Then he gathered everyone behind Hazrat Abi bin Ka’ab Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu and one night saw everyone praying behind Hazrat Abi bin Ka’ab Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu. Upon seeing this Hazrat ‘Umar Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu said, ‘This is a good innovation,’ and people used to pray Taraweeh as soon as it was time.”

Rules of Taraweeh

* Offering Taraweeh salah is a Sunnat-e-Mu’akkadah (emphatic sunnah) for every sane, mature and adult Islamic brother and sister. (Ad-Dur-rul-Mukhtaar, V2, P493) Missing taraweeh is not permissible.

* The Jama’at of taraweeh is a Sunnat Mu’akkadah ‘alal Kifayah. If all the people miss it they all will be considered to have committed an isaa’at (disliked act). If a few people say it with jama’at then those offering alone will not be able to get the reward of Jama’at. (Hidayah, V1, P70)

* The time for the taraweeh salah begins after the farz of Isha and ends at dawn (Subh-e-Sadiq). If it is offered before the farz of Isha then it will not be valid. (Alamgiri, V1, P115)

* Taraweeh can be offered even after the farz and witr of Isha as well. (Ad-Dur-rul-Mukhtaar, V2, P494) This sometimes happens on the 29th (of Sha’ban) in case of delay in acquiring the evidence of the moon’s appearance.

* It is mustahab (preferable) to delay the taraweeh until one third (1/3) part of the night has passed. There is no harm in offering Taraweeh even after the second half of the night. (Ad-Dur-rul-Mukhtaar, V2, P495)

* If missed, there is no qada (repetition) for the taraweeh salah. (Ad-Dur-rul-Mukhtaar, V2, P494)

Rak’ats in Taraweeh

20 Rak’ats Taraweeh have been performed from the time of the Blessed Companions Ridwanullahi ‘Alaihim Ajma’een. It is reported in countless Ahadith that the Companions used to perform 20 Rak’ats of Taraweeh prayers, and we are presenting some Ahadith in relation to this.

Yazid bin Rooman reports that during the time of Hazrat ‘Umar bin Khattab Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu, people used to perform 23 Rak’ats (including ‘Isha Witr prayer). In a similar manner, Ibn Nasar reports on the authority of Sa’ib that in Ramadhan, the Companions used to stand for 20 Rak’ats, and during the time of Hazrat ‘Umar Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu people used to lean on their sticks (due to the length of standing).

Another narration from some of the companions of Hazrat ‘Ali Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu states that Hazrat ‘Ali Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu used to lead 20 Rak’ats of Taraweeh prayer and 3 Rak’ats of Witr prayer in Ramadhan.

As well as the above mentioned Ahadith, there are many others which give evidence that Taraweeh prayer consists of 20 Rak’ats.

Excellence of Taraweeh

Hazrat Abu Hurairah Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu narrates that Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “The person who stands and performs prayer in Ramadhan with faith has his previous sins forgiven.”

‘Allama Noowi Rehmatullahe Ta’ala ‘Alaihi states that ‘standing in Ramadhan’ means Taraweeh prayers and all the Scholars of the Nation are united on the belief that it is better (Mustahab) to perform Taraweeh prayers. In the above mentioned Hadith, Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam has stated that performing Taraweeh is the means to have sins forgiven, because Taraweeh is a voluntary prayer and Allah Ta’ala has said, “No doubt, good deeds obliterate evil deeds.” We commit many sins unknowingly and Allah Ta’ala’s Beloved Prophet Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam has given us an excellent way to have our sins forgiven. It is our responsibility in this case to arrange Taraweeh prayers in the month of Ramadhan and have our sins forgiven. However, one thing that must be kept in mind is that the sins that are mentioned in the above Hadith refers to small sins being forgiven or it refers to a reduction in the large sins, because large sins are only forgiven by sincere repentance, or by intercession, or by the Supreme Grace of Allah Ta’ala. I supplicate in the Court of Allah Ta’ala that He grants us the guidance to worship abundantly in the month of Ramadhan.

Completing the Qur’an in Taraweeh

It is better to complete the Qur’an at least once in Taraweeh during the month of Ramadhan ul Mubarak. The punctuality and insistence of the Companions of this has been reported in various narrations. Hazrat Hasan has reported that, “The person who is leading the Taraweeh prayers should make it easy on the followers. If he recites slowly, he should complete one Qur’an; if he recites at an intermediate speed, he should complete one and a half Qur’an’s; and if he recites at a fast pace, he should complete two Qur’an’s in Ramadhan.”

The above narration proves that at least one Qur’an should be completed in Taraweeh prayers. In another similar narration, Hazrat Abu ‘Uthman narrates that Hazrat ‘Umar Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu would appoint three people to lead Taraweeh prayers in Ramadhan. The one who used to recite the fastest was ordered to recite 30 verses in each Rak’at; the one who recited at an intermediate speed was ordered to recite 25 verses, and the one who recited slowly was ordered to recite 20 verses in each Rak’at. Therefore, we should also complete at least one Qur’an in Taraweeh prayers and if Allah Ta’ala gives us the guidance, we should complete one and a half or two Qur’an’s. May Allah Ta’ala

guide us all towards this, Aameen.

About Taraweeh Namaaz

The Ramadan nightly prayer has a special merit over other nights. The Messenger of Allah said: "Whoever observes night prayer in Ramadan as an expression of his faith and to seek reward from Allah, his previous sins will be blotted out." (Muslim)

In this hadith, faith means faith in what Allah has promised the observers of night prayers. To seek reward mean, the observer's intent is not for eye service or seeking special recognition from someone.

Taraweeh is derived from the Arabic root word, raaha, which means to rest, relax and use as recreation. It is so called because the believers used to prolong it. After every four raka'ats they would stop for rest and relaxation and resume until taraweeh was complete.

Taraweeh In Jamaa`ah

The Messenger of Allah (saas) was the first to establish the Sunnah of congregational, jamaa`ah prayer of taraweeh in the Masjid. Then he did not continue with the Sunnah for fear that it might be made mandatory on the Ummah in Ramadan, and they might not be able to do it. In the books of Bukhari and Muslim, 'Aishah (raa) has been reported as saying:

"The Messenger of Allah (saas) observed Taraweeh prayer in the Masjid one night and people prayed with him. He repeated the following night and the number of participants grew. The companions congregated the third and fourth night, but the Messenger did not show up. In the morning he told them, "I saw what you did last night, but nothing prevented me from joining you except my fear that it might be made mandatory on you in Ramadan."

This hadith is a clear indication that the Taraweeh in congregation was not an innovation of 'Umar, the second Khalifah, despite his saying to the contrary. For it has been related that: "Umar bin Al-Khattab attended the Masjid at night in Ramadan and saw people praying individually in every corner of the Masjid with a few in groups. He did not like the sight a bit. 'Umar said, `I thought it would be better to gather these under one Imam'. So, he combined them under 'Obayi bin Ka'ab and Tamimu Ad-Dari to alternate and lead the believers in eleven raka'ats of night prayer. The next day `Umar was in the Masjid which was full with Taraweeh prayers. He was delighted. He said: `Well, this is the best Bid'ah (innovation).'"

`Umar's use of the word bid'ah in this report has been presented and unjustifiably cited as justification for concocting up various so called good innovations. In truth, the Khalifah 'Umar's act to gather the believers in Jama'ah is not bid'ah. For it was the Messenger of Allah himself who started jama'ah by praying in congregation the first and second day, then stopped only as he feared it would become mandatory. After his death, the fear of Taraweeh becoming mandatory (Fard) was not only remote, it was impossible. With the death of the Prophet Muhammad (saas), there will be no more revelation to change any law or rule by abrogation.

Number of Raka'ats in Taraweeh

As for the number of raka'ats in Taraweeh and Witr, the worthy ancestor, Salaf as-Saalih disagreed on the amount of Raka'ats. These numbers are mentioned for raka'ats: 39, 29, 23, 19, 13, and 11 raka'ats. Of all the numbers mentioned, none is sounder than 11 raka'ats. 'Aishah (raa) was asked how was the prayer of the Prophet (saas)? She replied: "He did not pray in Ramadan or some other times more than eleven raka'ats." (Muslim/Bukhari)

However, there is nothing wrong with praying more than 11 raka'ats. Perhaps that is why different numbers are observed. The Prophet himself was asked about night prayer and he said: "It may be done in two raka'ats, and if anyone fears the appearance of morning, he should pray one rak'ah as a Witr for what he has already prayed." (Bukhari/Muslim)

As this hadith indicates, if a person is to pray individually at night, by daybreak he would have prayed one hundred and one raka'ats, or more.

In their desire to pray more raka'ats, some people make Taraweeh in extreme speed. That is wrong, especially when the speed leads to a breach of certain rules of prayer. In that case, the prayer will not be valid. Similarly, it is undesirable for an Imam to pray with such speed whereby the followers will have difficulty observing the necessary deeds in Salaat.

Neglecting Taraweeh

No one should neglect Taraweeh without a good reason, for it is part of physical and spiritual training, for its observation soon after Iftar insures timely and proper digestion of food. Besides, there are spiritual rewards awaiting the observers of this prayer. No one would like to leave the Masjid before the prayer is over.

Everybody should attend the Masjid prayers, including women, provided they are properly covered. The Messenger of Allah said: "Prevent not the women servants of Allah, from going to the Masjid of Allah." However, when they attend the Masjid they should wear no perfume, nor raise their voices, and or show their beauty. Allah (SWT) states: "...they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof..." (Al-Qur'an, 24:31)

What ordinarily appears, refers to the outer garments, for when the Messenger (saas) commanded women to attend Eid prayer, Umm 'Atiyah (raa) said: "O Messenger of Allah, some of us do not have the outer garment (jilbab). The Messenger of Allah told her to let a sister (who has more than one) give her one to wear." (Agreed upon)

It is Sunnah that they pray behind the men in the rear lines. The Messenger has been reported as saying: "The best lines for men are the front lines and the worst lines for men are the rear lines. The best lines for women is the rear and the worst lines of women are the front line. (Muslim)

The women should leave the Masjid as soon as the Imam says: As-Salaamu 'Alaikum. They should not delay without a valid reason. In a hadith by Umm Salmah, she said: "When the Messenger of Allah (saas) saluted to end prayer, the women would stand up to leave and the Messenger would remain in his place for a while." Umm Salmah (raa) said: Allah is the best knower, but perhaps the Messenger did that so women would leave before men could overtake them". (Bukhari)

Taraweeh Prayer (Al Qiyaam)

What is Taraweeh Prayer?

The Taraweeh Prayer is an emphasised Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah( peace be upon him ) during the month of Ramadan.

Both al-Bukhaari (1129) and Muslim (761) narrated from ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prayed one night in the mosque, and the people followed him in prayer. Then he prayed the next night, and many people came. Then they gathered on the third or fourth night, and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not come out to them. The next morning he said: “I saw what you did, and nothing kept me from coming out to you except the fact that I feared that it would be made obligatory for you.” And that was in Ramadan

These hadith show that praying Taraweeh in congregation is prescribed in the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Umar during his Khilafah restablished this Sunnah of prayer in congregation.

It was narrated in al-Saheehayn from ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would forgo doing something that he liked to do lest the people do it and it become obligatory upon them. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1060; Muslim, Salaat al-Musaafireen, 1174).

al-Bukhaari (2010) narrated that ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn ‘Abd al-Qaari said: I went out with ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) to the mosque one night in Ramadan, and the people were scattered, each man praying by himself. Some men would pray and have groups of people behind them following them. ‘Umar said: “I think that if I unite all these people with one reader, it will be better. Then he resolved to gather them behind Ubayy ibn Ka’b.

al-Haafiz said: Ibn al-Teen and others said that ‘Umar based this decision on the Prophet’s approval of those who prayed with him on those nights. Although he disliked that for them, that was based on the fear that it might be made obligatory for them. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) died, there was no longer any fear of that happening, and ‘Umar thought, because of the potential division that might arise from people praying separately, and because uniting them behind one reader is more motivating for many people. The majority agreed with ‘Umar’s decision. End quote from Fath al-Baari.

What is the difference between the Taraweeh prayer and the Tahajud prayer?

Both prayers are the same they are both classified as part of qiyaam al-layl.

However the Qiyaam al-layl during Ramadaan is called Taraaweeh because the Salaf used to rest (istaraahu) after every two or four rak’ahs,

because they made their prayers long in order to make the most of this season of great reward.

The virtues of the Taraweeh Prayer

Abu Hurayrah said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said "He who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven" (Agreed Upon)

The Majority of scholars say that by all his pasts sins it means his minor sin not major sins if the person stand all the nights of Ramadan in prayer and not just a few nights . The scholars say in order for major sins to be forgiven a person is required to make sincere toba (sincere repentance)

Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever stands with the Imam until he finishes, it is equivalent to spending the whole night in prayer.”

Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 806; Abu Dawood, 1375; al-Nasaa’i, 1605; Ibn Maajah, 1327. Classed as saheeh by al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Khuzaymah (3/337), Ibn Hibbaan (3/340) and al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 447.

How to pray the Taraweeh prayer

Time for Taraweeh prayer

The time for Taraweeh prayer is between Isha and Fajr. Generally during Ramadan the taraweeh prayer is prayed after the Isha prayer in the Masjids in congregation.

How is the Taraweeh prayer performed?

1. The Number of Rakahs

There are two opinions as to how many rakkahs should be prayed. One opinion says that it should be 8 rakkahs followed by three rakkahs of witr. The proof of which are the following hadiths

This proof is hadith of Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan, who asked ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), “How did the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) pray during Ramadan?” She said: “He did not pray more than eleven rak’ahs in Ramadan or at other times. He would pray four, and do not ask how beautiful and long they were, then he would pray four, and do not ask how beautiful and long they were, then he would pray three. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, will you sleep before you pray Witr?’ He said, ‘O ‘Aa’ishah, my eyes sleep but my heart does not.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1909; Muslim, 738 )

‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to pray eleven rak’ahs at night, and say the tasleem after each two rak’ahs, and he would pray Witr with one rak’ah. Saheeh, (agreed upon)

As to whether to pray 4 rakahs or 2 rakahs by 2 rakah. Scholars say that it should be 2 by 2 because there is a hadith of Ibn ‘Umar according to which a man asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) about prayer at night. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Prayers at night are to be offered two by two (two rakahs at a time). If any of you fears that the time of dawn is approaching then let him pray one rak’ah as Witr.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 846; Muslim, 749)

To explain the above hadiths the scholars have said that the hadith does not mean 4 with just one tasleem but rather 2 then tasleem and then two again and then tasleem and Allah knows best.

Some scholars opted for a different number of rakahs Imam Ahmad, Imam Abu Haneefah and Imam al-Shaafa’i said one should pray 20 instead of 8. Imam Maalik said it is thirty-six. However there is no authentic hadith to support 20 , 36 or unlimited number.

The Hadith of Aisha specifies how many rakahs were prayed in total.

What is recited in the Taraweeh Prayer

So now that we have determined how the time of the Taraweeh prayer and the number of rakahs. Let us look at how it is actually prayer.

The Tarawi prayer is prayed two rakahs at a time and the prayer is a loud prayed rather than a quite prayer.

So you pray 2 rakahs and then another 2 rakahs and then another 2 rakahs and then another 2 rakahs and then finally 3 rakahs of witr prayer.

If you have memorised the whole Quran then after reciting Surah Fathiha in the first rakah of the first Taraweeh Prayer you should start reciting the beginning of the secound Surah of the Quran called Surah Baqarah. You can recite how much you want depending on your stamina. Then in the secound rakah, after you have recited Surah Fathiha, you should resume your recitation of the Quran from were you ended in the previous rakah. So in each rakah you start your Quranic recitation from were ended in the previous rakah. After the end of the 8 rakahs of Taraweeh you should make a note of were you finished of your recitation of the Quran in case you forget. So the next day you begin your recitation from were you finished your recitation the previous day. By the end of Ramadan you will probably have recited the whole of the Quran.

Most Masjids have Imams who have memorised the whole Quran. They will recite it in the taraweeh prayers and by the end of Ramadan the congregation will have listened to the recitation of the whole Quran.

If you are praying at home but have not memorised the whole Quran, then you recite what you have memorised of the Quran in the 8 rakahs and then pray 3 witr.

There is no set limit as to how much Quran is recited in each night of the tarawi prayers

The Prophet peace be upon him recitation used to vary, sometimes it would be long, at other times short. Sometimes in every rakah he would recite the equivalent of ‘Yaa ayyuha’l-muzammil, which is twenty aayaat; sometimes he would recite the equivalent of fifty aayaat. He used to say, “Whoever prays at night and reads one hundred aayaat will not be recorded as one of the negligent.” According to another hadeeth: “…and reads two hundred aayaat, will be recorded as one of the devout and sincere believers.”

When he was sick, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) recited the seven long soorahs in his night prayers, i.e., al-Baqarah, Aal ‘Imraan, al-Nisaa’, al-Maa’idah, al-An’aam, al-A’raaf and al-Tawbah.

In the account of Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamaan praying behind the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), in one rakah he recited al-Baqarah, al-Nisa’ and Aal ‘Imraan, and he recited them in a slow and measured tone. It is proven with the soundest (most saheeh) of isnaads that when ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) appointed Ubayy ibn Ka’b to lead the people in praying eleven rakahs in Ramadan, Ubayy used to recite aayaat by the hundreds, so that the people behind him would be leaning on sticks because the prayers were so long, and they did not finish until just before Fajr.

It is also reported in a saheeh account that ‘Umar called the readers during Ramadan, and told the fastest of them to recite thirty aayaat, the moderate ones to recite twenty-five aayaat, and the slowest ones to recite twenty aayaat.

Witr Prayer

Each day after the 8 rakahs of the Tarawi prayers the witr are also prayed.

In Qiyaam of Ramadan Sheik Albaani said

It is Sunnah to recite Sabbih ismi Rabbika al-‘A’laa in the first rakah, Qul Yaa ayyuha’l-Kaafiroon in the second rakah, and Qul Huwa Allaahu ahad in the third rak’ah. Sometimes Qul a’oodhu bi Rabbi’l-Falaq and Qul a’oodhu bi Rabbi’l-Naas may be added as well.

It was reported in a saheeh report that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) once recited one hundred aayaat of Soorat al-Nisa’ in one rakah of witr

A person may also humble himself before Allah by reciting the du’aa’ which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught to his grandson al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), which is:

“Allaahumma’hdinee fiman hadayta wa ‘aafinee fiman ‘aafayta wa tawallanee fiman tawallayta wa baarik lee fimaa a’tayta wa qinee sharra maa qadayt, fa innaka taqdee wa laa yuqdaa ‘alayk. Wa innahu laa yadhillu man waalayta wa laa ya’izzu man ‘aadayt. Tabaarakta Rabbanaa wa ta’aalayt. Laa majaa minka illa ilayk

(O Allaah, guide me along with those whom You have guided, pardon me along with those whom You have pardoned, be an ally to me along with those whom You are an ally to, and bless for me that which You have bestowed. Protect me from the evil You have decreed for verily You decree and none can decree over You. For surety, he whom You show allegiance to is never abased and he whom You take an enemy is never honored and mighty. O our Lord, Blessed and Exalted are You. There is no refuge from You except with You).”

Sometimes one may send blessings on the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and there is nothing wrong with adding other du’aa’s that are known from the Sunnah.

There is nothing wrong with reciting Qunoot after rukoo’, or with adding curses against the kuffaar, sending blessings on the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) or praying for the Muslims in the second half of Ramadan, because it is proven that the imaam used to do this at the time of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). At the end of the hadeeth of ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn ‘Ubayd al-Qaari mentioned above, it says: “… They used to curse the kuffaar in the middle, saying,

‘Allaahumma qaatil al-kafarata alladheena yasuddoona ‘an sabeelik wa yukadhdhiboona rusulak wa laa yu’minoona bi wa’dik. Wa khaalif bayna kalimatihim wa alqi fi quloobihim al-ru’b wa alqi ‘alayhim rijzaka wa ‘adhaabak ilaah al-haqq

(O Allaah, destroy the kuffaar who are trying to prevent people from following Your path, who deny Your Messengers and who do not believe in Your promise (the Day of Judgement). Make them disunited, fill their hearts with terror and send Your wrath and punishment against them, O God of Truth).” Then he would send blessings on the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and pray for good for the Muslims as much as he could, and seek forgiveness for the believers.

After he had finished cursing the kuffaar, sending blessings on the Prophet, seeking forgiveness for the believing men and women and asking for his own needs, he would say:

“Allaahumma iyyaaka na’bud wa laka nusalli wa najud, wa ilayka nas’aa wa nahfud, wa narju rahmataka rabbanaa wa nakhaafu ‘adhaabak al-jadd. Inna ‘adhaabaka liman ‘aadayta mulhaq

(O Allah, You do we worship, to You do we pray and prostrate, for Your sake we strive and toil. We place our hope in Your Mercy, O our Lord, and we fear Your mighty punishment, for Your punishment will certainly overtake the one whom You have taken as an enemy.” Then he would say “Allah hu akbar” and go down in sujood.

What should be said at the end of witr

It is Sunnah to say at the end of witr (before or after the salaam):

“Allaahumma innee a’oodhu bi ridaaka min sakhatika wa bi mu’aafaatika min ‘aqoobatika, wa a’oodhu bika minka. La uhsee thanaa’an ‘alayka, anta kamaa athnayta ‘ala nafsik

(O Allah, I seek refuge in Your good pleasure from Your wrath, and in Your protection from Your punishment. I seek refuge with You from You. I cannot praise You enough, and You are as You have praised Yourself.”

When he gave salaam at the end of witr, he said: “Subhaan il-Malik il-Quddoos, subhaan il-Malik il-Quddoos, subhaan il-Malik il-Quddoos (Glory be to the Sovereign, the Most Holy), elongating the syllables, and raising his voice the third time

.

Two rak’ahs after witr

A person may pray two rakahs after witr if he wishes, because it is proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did this. Indeed, he said, “This travelling is exhausting and difficult, so after any one of you prays witr, let him pray two rakahs. If he wakes up, this is fine, otherwise these two rakahs will be counted for him.

It is Sunnah to recite Idha zulzilat al-ard and Qul yaa ayyuha’l-kaafiroon in these two rak’ahs.

From Qiyaam Ramadaan by al-Albaani

End of quote

Women may also pray Taraweeh in congregation. Most large Masjids have facilities to accommodate woman. They may also bring children for the prayers.