Taraweeh (or Tarawih) are the special prayers that are prayed especially during the month of Ramadan. The Taraweehs are prayed after the completion of the Isha (night) prayer. Taraweehs begin on the sighting of the Ramadan moon, after each Isha prayer, until the month of Ramadan ends. there are many thought-provoking curiosity surrounding this special worship in Ramadan. one of which Is whether is Taraweeh Compulsory during Ramadan.
Is Tarawih Compulsory in Ramadan?
It is confirmed from a Sahih Hadith that Tarawihs are Sunnah, but not compulsory. In a hadith, it is mentioned,
Abu Hurairah narrated that:
The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: “Whoever stands (in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever spends the night of Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
[Sunan an-Nasa’i 5027]
So if a Muslim does not pray Taraweeh prayers, there is no harm or sin involved, as these are only voluntary prayers. However, it is a highly recommended Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which he used to practice and recommend to others as well. and we should strive to live a life as displayed by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). if we can not pray the Taraweehs at Mosque, then we should pray them at home. But it is best to pray Taraweehs in the mosque with the congregation.
Benefits of Taraweeh prayers
Taraweeh prayers have their own benefits. Ramadan is the most holy month in Islam, every ibadah and every good deed are multiplied seventy times. so one should strive to do as many good deeds and prayers as he can. and that also includes Taraweeh. Taraweeh is a way to increase your good deeds during the month of Ramadan.
And as mentioned in the previous hadith, if anyone is seeking forgiveness from Allah, then Taraweehs are a good way to get your past sins forgiven.
Conclusion
So Is Taraweeh Compulsory during Ramadan month? In conclusion, Tarawihs are voluntary night prayers, not obligatory prayers. so you would not be committing any sin if you do not participate in tarawihs. only Fard prayers are compulsory. however, you would be missing out on a major chance of good deeds and ibadah which we as Muslims try to seek out in the holy month of Ramadan. Imagine yourself not being a part of these blessings and extra good deeds, while your friends, family, and neighbors are reaching the mosque in groups, just to be a part of these special prayers and practicing Taqwa. and moreover, it is a confirmed Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), so we ought to follow it, if we call ourselves Muslims.
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