Ramadan begins: Thousands gather for first Taraweeh prayers across the UAE

Dubai: As the crescent moon was officially sighted, confirming the start of Ramadan on Saturday, March 1, thousands of Muslims flocked to mosques across the UAE on Friday night to perform the first Taraweeh prayers of the holy month.

The atmosphere was filled with a sense of spiritual renewal, as worshippers gathered to mark the beginning of the sacred month of fasting, prayer, and charity.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset, along with acts of worship such as reciting the Holy Quran, engaging in charity work, and distributing iftar meals to those in need.

However, among the most spiritually significant traditions is the Taraweeh prayer, a nightly prayer that holds a special place in Ramadan’s observances.

What is Taraweeh?

Taraweeh, derived from the Arabic word meaning “to rest and relax,” refers to additional prayers performed at night after the obligatory Isha prayer.

Muslims gather at mosques to stand in long rows, listening to the recitation of the Qur’an and engaging in deep reflection.

The prayer is voluntary but carries immense spiritual rewards, with many striving to complete it every night throughout Ramadan.

According to Islamic teachings, Taraweeh can be prayed at home or in the mosque. For men, it is preferable to join the congregation at the mosque, as the collective prayer is believed to hold greater rewards.

Women, too, may pray in mosques, but Islamic tradition encourages them to pray at home if they choose.

How is Taraweeh performed?

Taraweeh is prayed in sets of two rakats, similar to regular prayers. While there is no fixed number, it is traditionally performed in eight, twelve, or twenty rakats, followed by the Witr prayer to conclude the night’s worship.

In many mosques, an entire section of the Quran is recited each night, allowing those who attend regularly to complete its recitation by the end of the month.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised the significance of Taraweeh, stating: “Whoever stands for prayer during Ramadan with faith, hoping for reward, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Another narration highlights the multiplied blessings of good deeds in Ramadan, with voluntary acts being rewarded as much as obligatory ones, and obligatory deeds carrying seventy times their usual reward.

As worshippers stood in unison on the first night of Ramadan, the rhythmic recitation of the Qur’an resonated through mosques across the UAE, setting the tone for a month of devotion and self-discipline. The spiritual significance of Taraweeh lies not only in its physical performance but in the opportunity it provides for reflection, repentance, and drawing closer to God.

While completing the Quran during Taraweeh is a widely followed tradition, it is not obligatory. Worshippers may recite any chapters they are familiar with, and in some Islamic schools of thought, they may also hold a Qur’an to follow along.