Taraweeh 2026: Complete Guide to Ramadan Night Prayers

First Taraweeh 2026 is on the night of February 27, 2026 (after Isha prayer) - the night before Ramadan begins.

Looking for taraweeh prayer times for 2026? Taraweeh is prayed every night during Ramadan after Isha prayer. This complete guide covers when taraweeh starts, how many rakats, and everything you need for Ramadan 2026 taraweeh.

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What is Taraweeh?

Taraweeh (Arabic: تراويح) means “rest and relaxation” - referring to the short breaks taken between sets of rakats. It is a special voluntary (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) prayer performed only during Ramadan.

Key Facts:

• When: Every night during Ramadan after Isha prayer
• Status: Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah)
• Number of Rakats: 8 or 20 (depends on madhab/preference)
• Can be prayed: In congregation at mosque or individually at home

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Taraweeh 2026 Dates

Event	Date
First Taraweeh	Night of February 27 (after Isha)
Ramadan 1 begins	February 28, 2026
Last Taraweeh	Night of March 28-29
Ramadan ends	March 29, 2026
Eid al-Fitr	March 30, 2026

Note: Taraweeh begins on the night before the first day of fasting.

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How Many Rakats in Taraweeh?

There are two main opinions:

Option 1: 8 Rakats

• Based on hadith of Aisha (RA) about the Prophet’s (ﷺ) night prayer
• Performed as 4 sets of 2 rakats + 3 Witr
• Total with Witr: 11 rakats
• Common among Salafi scholars and some modern mosques

Option 2: 20 Rakats

• Practiced by Umar (RA) and the Companions
• Performed as 10 sets of 2 rakats + 3 Witr
• Total with Witr: 23 rakats
• Traditional practice in Hanafi, Shafi’i, Hanbali madhabs

Both are valid. Choose what works for you and your community.

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How to Pray Taraweeh

Step-by-Step:

1. Pray Isha (4 fard + 2 sunnah)
2. Make intention for Taraweeh
3. Pray 2 rakats at a time
4. Take a short break (this is where “taraweeh” name comes from)
5. Repeat until you complete 8 or 20 rakats
6. End with Witr (3 rakats)

Tips:

• Listen carefully to Quran recitation
• Focus on khushu (concentration)
• Use breaks for dhikr and dua
• Don’t rush - quality over quantity

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Taraweeh at Home vs Mosque

Praying at the Mosque:

Advantages:

• Community atmosphere
• Hear beautiful Quran recitation
• Imam leads and manages timing
• Complete Quran often recited during Ramadan

Praying at Home:

Advantages:

• Flexible timing
• Can go at your own pace
• Women can pray at home easily
• No travel required

Both are rewarding. The Prophet (ﷺ) prayed some nights at the mosque and some at home.

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Taraweeh Times 2026

Taraweeh is prayed after Isha prayer and before Fajr. Typical schedule:

Prayer	Approximate Time (varies by location)
Maghrib	Iftar time (sunset)
Isha	~1.5 hours after Maghrib
Taraweeh	Immediately after Isha
Witr	End of Taraweeh
Tahajjud (optional)	Late night / before Fajr

Find your local prayer times →

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Quran Completion (Khatm) During Taraweeh

Many mosques complete the entire Quran during Taraweeh over the 29-30 nights:

Typical Schedule:

• 1 Juz per night = Complete Quran in 30 nights
• Khatm night (completion) is usually on 27th or 29th night
• Special dua is made after completion

2026 Khatm Schedule:

• If 1 juz/night: Khatm on night of March 28-29
• Many mosques finish on 27th night (Laylat al-Qadr): March 26-27

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Taraweeh for Women

Women can pray Taraweeh:

• At the mosque - Many mosques have women’s sections
• At home - Equally rewarding, often more convenient
• In congregation - Women can lead other women in prayer
• Individually - Perfectly valid

Note: Women in menstruation cannot pray but can make dhikr and dua.

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Taraweeh for Beginners

New to Taraweeh? Start here:

1. Start with 8 rakats - Easier to manage
2. Don’t worry if you can’t follow - Learn gradually
3. Follow the imam - Just follow movements if you don’t know all surahs
4. Take breaks if needed - Sit during rest periods
5. Build up stamina - It gets easier after the first few nights

Common Questions:

Q: Can I sit during Taraweeh? A: Yes, if you have difficulty standing. You can also sit during breaks.

Q: What if I join late? A: Join the congregation, complete what you missed after imam finishes.

Q: Can I leave early? A: Yes, pray what you can. Any amount is rewarding.

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Virtues of Taraweeh

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever stands (in prayer) during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

“Whoever stands with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded as if he prayed the whole night.” (Tirmidhi)

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Taraweeh Etiquette

1. Arrive early - Don’t disturb others
2. Turn off your phone - Avoid distractions
3. Don’t talk during prayer - Maintain focus
4. Make space for others - Fill gaps in rows
5. Wear clean clothes - Appropriate mosque attire
6. Use miswak/brush teeth - Especially after iftar

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Related Ramadan Guides

• Iftar Countdown Timer - Track time until Maghrib
• Ramadan 2026 Calendar
• Fasting Times Calculator
• Ramadan Duas Collection
• Fasting Guide for Beginners
• Ramadan Preparation Checklist

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May Allah accept your Taraweeh prayers and make this Ramadan blessed for you.

Last updated: January 7, 2026 | Ramadan 2026 starts February 28