Taraweeh prayer is an obligatory Sunnah for Muslims in Ramadan. According to Al-Bukhari, Holy Prophet PBUH prayed one night in Mosque and several people followed Him in the mosque. Then He prayed next night in mosque again and more people followed Him. Then the people gathered again in mosque on third and fourth night but Holy Prophet PBUH did not come and the very next morning, He said:
“I saw what you did, and nothing kept me from coming out to you except the fact that I feared that it would be made obligatory for you”
This hadith shows that Taraweeh is a prescribed Sunnah of Holy Prophet PBUH in Ramadan. According to Abu Huraira, Hazrat Muhammad SAW said that:
“He who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.”
Taraweeh is one of the many blessings that Ramadan brings for us. It has great benefits and virtues. Offering this prayer for entire month of Ramadan provides spiritual as well as medical benefits. Taraweeh prayer not only purifies our soul but also keeps us healthy and fit. Although offering this prayer is not compulsory but the virtues and benefit it holds leave no reason for skipping it. Following are these 2 major benefits of Taraweeh prayer:
- It Keeps Us Physically Healthy
After fasting for entire day the thirst and hunger reaches its peak. So it is a common desire to eat as much and as often as we like while breaking the fast. This routine may affect our physical health in a negative manner such us it may cause fatigue or sluggishness which could prevent us from fasting next day. It may also cause interruptions in our sleep.
Taraweeh provides the best solution for Muslims to cope with this situation. Offering this prayer not only brings us closer to Allah Almighty but also provides a chance to do some physical activity which keeps us from eating much. It makes us worship more which in turn provides peaceful sleep.
- It Encourages Us to Visit Mosque
Another advantage this prayer provides is that it encourages us to visit the mosque more often and that too in congregation. Taraweeh gets all Muslims together from different walks of life at one place. It also brings unity among Muslims all over the world. Practicing the act of offering this prayer for entire month of Ramadan strengthens our faith and encourages us to do what pleases Allah Almighty and what makes Him happy.