According to Islamic teaching, the month of Ramadan is when Muslims are encouraged to reflect, refocus and remedy their bad habits and traits. It is believed the gates of heaven remain open, providing Muslims with the opportune time to reestablish their spiritual connection with God.
As we approach 19 days of Ramadan, it’s important to reaffirm our faith and understand why we fast and perform different acts of worship, such as the after-hours prayer known as Taraweeh.
What is Taraweeh?
It is a common question posed by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Taraweeh is a unique voluntary congregational prayer that occurs after Esha (the last obligatory prayer of the day) during Ramadan.
Muslims performing Taraweeh at the Diyanet Center of America in Maryland. [Source: APB Live]
Though it’s not obligatory like the five-time daily prayers, Islamic scholars highly recommend Muslims attend Taraweeh. The special form of prayer consists of 20 cycles, known as rakats. During which the Holy Quran is recited from memory by Islamic scholars known as Hufaath.
Why is Attending Taraweeh Important?
Taraweeh is a form of worship associated with Ramadan. It’s an act which was performed by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammed (PBUH) and his companions. For that reason alone, Muslims place a remarkably high value on it as Islam encourages imitation. For Muslims to commit actions and deeds which the Prophet and his companions did.
Thousands of Muslims performing Taraweeh at the Masjid-an-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet (PBUH) Mosque. [Source: twitter@SPAregions]
Many Muslims find Taraweeh to be a positive and uplifting experience. The atmosphere in the Mosques during Taraweeh is described as serene, peaceful and highly spiritual.
The Quran consists of 30 chapters, making it easy to recite one chapter a day for 30 days. Reciting a chapter a day allows Muslims to listen to it and reflect on its meaning and message.
Though it’s read in Arabic, many Islamic scholars take a few minutes to explain the teachings and history contained within specific passages.
Muslims prostating while performing Taraweeh at the Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo. [Source: Reuter]
Taraweeh, Creates Unity Worldwide
Apart from being a means for Muslims to reaffirm their spiritual connection with God, an essential purpose of Taraweeh is to restore Muslim brotherhood and sisterhood. Mosques worldwide host Taraweeh prayers, and people of different ethnicities and backgrounds attend the assembly.
Taraweeh creates a sense of unity amongst Muslims globally. Knowing that the same Quran is being read wherever they are in the world and the same acts of worship are performed simultaneously.
Mass Taraweeh held at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Indonesia. [Source: Reuters]
By attending Taraweeh, Muslims deepen their understanding of Islam. By reflecting on and contemplating the teachings of the Holy Quran, the hope is that it would help them carry their spiritual growth beyond the month of Ramadan.
