Ramadan Prayer Guide: Essential Prayers

Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by Arabian Tongue Team

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, a time of fasting, reflection, and most importantly, prayer. Muslims around the world dedicate themselves to deepening their connection with Allah through Salah (prayer), reciting the Quran, and engaging in supplications. This Ramadan prayer guide will help you understand and maximize your prayers during this sacred month.

Understanding Ramadan

Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and heightened devotion. One of the most significant aspects of Ramadan is prayer, which plays a crucial role in strengthening the connection between Muslims and Allah.

The Role of Prayer in Ramadan

Ramadan is a time when supplications Short Key Duas to recite in Ramadan hold immense significance. Muslims are encouraged to engage in personal prayers, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and blessings. The last third of the night, especially during the pre-dawn hours, is considered a particularly powerful time for making dua.

Beyond formal prayers, Ramadan encourages frequent remembrance of Allah (dhikr). Repeating phrases such as SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) helps maintain a spiritual focus throughout the day.

Ramadan prayer guide

Muslims perform five obligatory prayers daily, and these hold special significance during Ramadan.

• Fajr Prayer (Dawn Prayer): Fajr is the first prayer of the day, performed before sunrise. It sets the spiritual tone for the day and is crucial during Ramadan, as it marks the end of Suhoor (pre-dawn meal).
• Dhuhr Prayer (Noon Prayer): Dhuhr is performed in the early afternoon. This prayer provides a moment of midday reflection and spiritual connection.
• Asr Prayer (Afternoon Prayer): Asr is observed in the late afternoon, ensuring continued devotion before breaking the fast.
• Maghrib Prayer (Sunset Prayer): Maghrib is performed immediately after sunset and is preceded by breaking the fast with dates and water.
• Isha Prayer (Night Prayer): Isha is the final obligatory prayer of the day, leading into Taraweeh prayers.
• Qiyam-ul-Layl (Late Night Prayers): These prayers are offered in the last third of the night, known for bringing immense blessings.
• Witr Prayer (Closing the Night): Witr is an odd-numbered prayer performed after Taraweeh or before Fajr.
• Dua (Supplication) in Ramadan: Dua is a powerful way to communicate with Allah, and Ramadan is the perfect time to increase supplications.

What is the prayer in Ramadan called?

Taraweeh is a voluntary prayer offered after Isha during Ramadan. It is a unique opportunity to seek forgiveness and spiritual growth.

The Significance of Taraweeh

Tarawih Prayer is a special night prayer performed during Ramadan, offering spiritual, physical, and mental benefits. It holds immense significance in Islam and is highly recommended as an act of devotion.

1. A Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ

Taraweeh is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly recommended practice) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He initially prayed it in congregation but later continued it individually to avoid making it obligatory on his followers. It was later revived by Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) as a collective prayer.

2. An Opportunity for Extra Worship

Since Ramadan is the month of worship, Taraweeh serves as an opportunity to seek forgiveness, mercy, and closeness to Allah. Every moment spent in prayer increases a person’s spiritual connection and rewards.

3. A Source of Forgiveness

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan (Taraweeh) with faith and hope for reward, all of their past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
This means that praying Taraweeh sincerely can cleanse past sins.

How to Perform Taraweeh at Home or in the Mosque

Taraweeh is a voluntary but highly rewarding prayer performed during Ramadan after Isha Salah. Whether you pray it at home or in the mosque, here’s a simple guide to help you perform it correctly.

1. Preparing for Taraweeh

Make Wudu (Ablution) – Ensure you are in a state of purity.
Pray Isha Salah – Taraweeh is prayed after Isha.
Find a Quiet and Clean Space (if praying at home).
Set a Sincere Intention – Example: “I intend to pray Taraweeh for the sake of Allah in this Ramadan night.”

2. How to Pray Taraweeh

• Taraweeh is prayed in units of two Rak’ahs (2 Rakat sets).
• You can pray 8, 10, or 20 Rak’ahs (based on your stamina and preference).
• Finish with Witr prayer (odd-numbered prayer) at the end.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with Takbir (Allahu Akbar) – Begin like any other Salah.
2. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha in every Rak’ah, followed by any short Surah.
3. Complete two Rak’ahs, then give Salam.
4. Rest briefly (optional) before starting the next two Rak’ahs.
5. Continue in sets of two Rak’ahs until you reach your desired count (8, 10, or 20).
6. Pray Witr (3 Rak’ahs) at the end, either with one Salam (continuous) or two Salams (2+1 format).

Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power

The exact date is unknown, but it falls within the last 10 nights of Ramadan, specifically on one of the odd nights:
21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night, Many scholars believe it is most likely on the 27th night, but it could be any of the odd nights, The Prophet ﷺ encouraged seeking it in the last 10 nights through extra worship and devotion.

Allah mentions in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-3)

The Prophet ﷺ said:
 “Whoever prays on Laylatul Qadr with faith and seeking reward, all their past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim)

Sunnah and Voluntary Prayers in Ramadan

• Ishraq Prayer: Performed after sunrise, bringing blessings to one’s day.
• Duha Prayer: Prayed mid-morning, earning great rewards.
• Tahajjud Prayer: A late-night prayer highly recommended for spiritual growth.

FAQs

What is the best prayer to say in Ramadan?

The best prayer is the one done with sincerity, but many scholars recommend the Dua of Laylatul Qadr: Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni.

Can I pray Taraweeh at home?

Yes, you can perform Taraweeh individually or with family at home.

How many Rakats are in Taraweeh?

Taraweeh can be 8, 12, or 20 Rakats, depending on preference and stamina.

What is the reward of praying in Ramadan?

Prayers in Ramadan are multiplied in rewards, and voluntary acts bring immense blessings.

What is the best time for supplication in Ramadan?

The best times include before breaking the fast, during Suhoor, and in the last third of the night.

Conclusion

Ramadan is the perfect time to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah through prayer. By dedicating yourself to both obligatory and voluntary prayers, you can maximize the spiritual rewards of this blessed month.