>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, Ramadan is coming soon and one of the most important prayers during this holy month is salat tarawih. Salat tarawih is a special prayer that Muslims perform after the isha prayer during Ramadan. It is a sunnah prayer that is recommended to be performed in congregation in the mosque or at home. In this article, we are going to explain how to perform salat tarawih with 8 rakaat.
What is Salat Tarawih?
Salat tarawih is a special prayer that Muslims perform during the holy month of Ramadan. It is a sunnah prayer that is recommended to be performed after the isha prayer. The word “tarawih” comes from the Arabic word “rawh”, which means to rest and relax. The prayer is called “tarawih” because it is a long prayer that allows Muslims to rest and relax between the rakaats.
Who Should Perform Salat Tarawih?
Salat tarawih is a voluntary prayer that is not obligatory on Muslims. However, it is highly recommended to perform salat tarawih during Ramadan. Both men and women can perform salat tarawih, and it can be performed individually at home or in congregation at the mosque.
How Many Rakaats in Salat Tarawih?
The number of rakaats in salat tarawih is not fixed, and it can vary from 8 to 20. However, the most common practice is to perform salat tarawih with 8 rakaats. This is based on the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who used to perform salat tarawih with 8 rakaats.
How to Perform Salat Tarawih with 8 Rakaats
Step 1: Make Wudu
Before performing salat tarawih, it is important to make wudu (ablution) first. This involves washing your hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet. Wudu is a necessary purification ritual that cleanses your body and prepares you for prayer. For a detailed explanation of how to make wudu, please refer to our article on how to make wudu.
Step 2: Choose a Place to Pray
You can perform salat tarawih at home or in the mosque. If you choose to perform it at home, you can choose any quiet and clean place where you won’t be disturbed. If you choose to perform it in the mosque, make sure to arrive early so that you can find a good spot to pray.
Step 3: Begin the Prayer
Start the prayer by standing upright facing the qibla (the direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca). Raise your hands up to your ears and say the takbiratul ihram:
| Allahu Akbar | God is the Greatest |
Now you have officially entered the prayer. From now on, you should focus your attention on your prayer and avoid distractions.
Step 4: Perform the First Two Rakaats
After saying the takbiratul ihram, recite the opening dua (supplication) for the prayer:
| Subhanaka Allahumma | Glory be to You, O Allah |
Next, recite the fatiha (the first chapter of the Quran) and another surah (chapter) from the Quran. Then, perform the ruku (bowing) and say:
| Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem | Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great |
Stand up from the ruku and say:
| Sami Allahu liman hamidah | God hears those who praise Him |
Then stand upright and recite:
| Rabbana lakal hamd | O our Lord, all praise is due to You |
This completes one rakaat. Repeat the same process for the second rakaat.
Step 5: Perform the Third and Fourth Rakaats
After completing the first two rakaats, stand up for the third rakaat and recite the fatiha and another surah. Then, perform the ruku and say:
| Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem | Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great |
Stand up from the ruku and say:
| Sami Allahu liman hamidah | God hears those who praise Him |
Then stand upright and recite:
| Rabbana lakal hamd | O our Lord, all praise is due to You |
This completes the third rakaat. Repeat the same process for the fourth rakaat.
Step 6: Perform the Fifth and Sixth Rakaats
After completing the fourth rakaat, stand up for the fifth rakaat and recite the fatiha and another surah. Then, perform the ruku and say:
| Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem | Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great |
Stand up from the ruku and say:
| Sami Allahu liman hamidah | God hears those who praise Him |
Then stand upright and recite:
| Rabbana lakal hamd | O our Lord, all praise is due to You |
This completes the fifth rakaat. Repeat the same process for the sixth rakaat.
Step 7: Perform the Seventh and Eighth Rakaats
After completing the sixth rakaat, stand up for the seventh rakaat and recite the fatiha and another surah. Then, perform the ruku and say:
| Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem | Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great |
Stand up from the ruku and say:
| Sami Allahu liman hamidah | God hears those who praise Him |
Then stand upright and recite:
| Rabbana lakal hamd | O our Lord, all praise is due to You |
This completes the seventh rakaat. Finally, repeat the same process for the eighth rakaat.
Step 8: Complete the Prayer
After completing the eighth rakaat, perform the tashahhud (the sitting position) and recite the tashahhud dua:
| At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuha-n-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Assalamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluh. | All compliments, prayers, and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. |
Then, perform the taslim (the final greeting) and say:
| Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah | Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you |
You have now completed the salat tarawih with 8 rakaats. May Allah accept your prayer and reward you for your efforts.
FAQ
What is the Best Time to Perform Salat Tarawih?
The best time to perform salat tarawih is after the isha prayer. However, it can be performed anytime during the night until the time of fajr prayer.
Do Women Need to Attend the Mosque for Salat Tarawih?
No, women are not obligated to attend the mosque for salat tarawih. They can perform it at home individually or in congregation with other women.
Can We Perform Salat Tarawih in Sets of 2 Rakaats?
Yes, salat tarawih can be performed in sets of 2 rakaats. However, it is more common to perform it in sets of 4 or 8 rakaats.
Is It Permissible to Perform Salat Tarawih Alone?
Yes, it is permissible to perform salat tarawih alone at home. However, it is recommended to perform it in congregation at the mosque.
What is the Reward for Performing Salat Tarawih?
The reward for performing salat tarawih is great. It is reported that whoever performs salat tarawih during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward from Allah will have their sins forgiven.
That’s it for our article on how to perform salat tarawih with 8 rakaats. We hope this guide will be helpful for you in performing this special prayer during Ramadan. May Allah accept our prayers and grant us forgiveness and blessings.