Islamic scholars have emphasised importance and legal status of Tarawee, which is the special congregational prayers performed during the nights of the holy month of Ramadan.
The term “Tarawee” is derived from the Arabic word for “rest”. This nomenclature stems from the traditional practice of taking a brief period of rest after every four units (rakats) of the prayer, which often involves lengthy Quranic recitations.
Regarding the religious obligation of the prayer, Fuqaha have clarified that neglecting Tarawee is Makruh Tahrimi (highly undesirable). They further noted that abandoning the congregation (Jama’at) for these prayers without a valid reason under Shariah is improper.
These rulings are supported by classical Islamic texts, including Kitabul Mabsut, Raddul Muhtar, and Fatawa-e-Fakihul Millat.
While the fasts of Ramadan are a divine obligation (Fard) ordained by Allah for every Muslim, the Tarawee prayer was introduced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) actively encouraged his Companions (Sahabah) to observe this practice throughout the month.
The immense spiritual rewards of this act are highlighted in a Hadith narrated by Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Awf (RA).
According to the narration in Nasai (Hadith: 2212), the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) stated “Indeed, Allah the Almighty has made the fasts of Ramadan obligatory upon you, and I have established the standing in prayer during the nights of Ramadan as a Sunnah for you”.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further promised that any individual who observes the fasts and performs the voluntary (Tarawee) prayers with sincere faith and the hope of earning rewards will emerge from the month as sinless as the day they were born.
