Additional prayers
THE TARAWEEH PRAYER
Taraweeh is the pause observed after every four Rak'ahs of the Night prayer during Ramadaan. The Taraweeh prayer consists of twenty rak'ahs and has the status of Sunnah both for men and women. One should perform the Tarawih in the mosque as far as possible. It is also a Sunnah to complete the recitation of the whole Quran in Tarawih in Ramadhan. But one can recite in it whatever Surahs of the Holy Qur'an he remembers.Rasullullah(pbuh) observed this prayer and after him his Companions also kept up the practice. It is independent of the fast and should be offered even by the person who does not observe the fast due to some reason, unless otherwise exempted.
TIMES OF THE TARAWEEH PRAYER
The Taraweeh prayer has to start from the evening the Ramadaan moon is sighted and has to be discontinued in the evening the Eid moon is sighted.It starts after the Isha prayer and lasts till the break of dawn. If a person offers his Taraweeh prayer before the Isha prayer it will not be valid.
COLLECTIVE OFFERING OF THE TARAWEEH PRAYER
Scholars have regarded collective offering of the Taraweeh prayer as a compulsory Sunnat.However,in places if there are no collective offerings then can be said individually.In places like the Indian sub continent,women are restricted to go to the mosque,they must hence pray at home.
RAK'AHS OF TARAWEEH
According to the consensus of the companions, the taraweeh prayer consists of 20 rak'ahs which are to be offered two at a time with one salutation, and after every four ra'ahs a short pause for rest may be observed for the convenience of the people.