Is Taraweeh Sunnah or Nafl?

quranmualim
January 11, 2026
Fasting (Ramadan), Fasting (Sawm), Supplications

Is Taraweeh Sunnah or Nafl? A brief account on the history of Taraweeh Prayer in Islam. Taraweeh prayer is a well-known prayer observed by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. However, the Holy Qur’an and Hadith reveal that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH never introduced a separate prayer of “Taraweeh.” Instead, he regularly offered Qiyam-ul-Lail in Ramazan.

According to hadith in Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim, the Prophet PBUH prayed Qiyam-ul-Lail in the mosque for many Ramazan nights. On these holy occasions, companions gathered behind him and offered the Taraweeh prayer in the mosque. This happened for three consecutive Holy nights, and the number of worshippers increased each night. On the fourth night, despite the mosque being full, the Prophet PBUH deliberately did not come out to lead the prayer. After Fajr, he explained, “I knew that you had gathered, but I feared that this prayer might become obligatory upon you, and that would make it difficult for you.”

The organized congregational form of Taraweeh Prayer began during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). Seeing people praying individually in the mosque, he decided to unite them behind one Imam for convenience and unity. He appointed Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka‘ab (RA) to lead the Taraweeh prayer. Upon observing the congregation later this prayer, Hazrat Umar (RA) narrated, “This is a good innovation, but the prayer offered late at night is better.” This statement indicates that although he organized the congregation, he personally preferred praying Qiyam-ul-Lail later at night, likely at home.

The Prophet PBUH emphasized the immense reward of night prayer in Ramadan. He said: “Whoever stands in Taraweeh prayer during Ramadan with faith, belief, and Emaan and seeking reward from Allah Almighty, all his previous sins will be forgiven” (Sahih Bukhari). Scholars explain that this Hadith refers to Qiyam-ul-Lail in Ramadan, commonly known today as Taraweeh.

In conclusion, is Taraweeh Sunnah or Nafl? Taraweeh prayer is not a fard prayer but a Sunnah Mu’akkadah rooted in the practice and approval of the Prophet PBUH. Its congregational form was organized by Hazrat Umar (RA) for the ease and unity of the Ummah, while the essence of the prayer remains sincere night worship seeking Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness.