How to Make the Niyyah for Taraweeh.

Niyyah is the intention in your heart to perform an act of worship for the sake of Allah. It distinguishes acts of worship from ordinary actions. In Salah (prayer), niyyah is essential—without it, the prayer is not valid.

For Taraweeh, the niyyah is a mental or verbal intention that you are performing the prayer specifically as Sunnah of Ramadan, to seek Allah’s reward and closeness.

How to Make the Niyyah for Taraweeh.

1. Timing:

You make the niyyah just before starting the prayer, after the call to prayer or when you are ready to begin.

It is made in your heart; speaking it aloud is optional.

2. Form of the Niyyah:

In Arabic:

> نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أُصَلِّيَ سُنَّةَ التَّراوِيحِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ للهِ تَعَالَى

Transliteration:

> Nawaitu an usalli sunnatat al-Tarāwīḥ rak‘ataini lillāhi ta‘ālā

Meaning in English:

> “I intend to pray the Sunnah Taraweeh prayer, two rak‘ahs, for the sake of Allah the Exalted.”

Explanation:

“Nawaitu” → I intend

“Usalli” → to pray

“Sunnatat al-Tarāwīḥ” → the Sunnah prayer of Taraweeh

“Rak‘ataini” → two units of prayer (you make this intention for each set of 2 rak‘ahs)

“Lillāhi ta‘ālā” → for Allah alone.

Key Points About Taraweeh Niyyah

1. Taraweeh is Sunnah Mu’akkadah:

Highly recommended during Ramadan, but not obligatory like Fard prayers.

2. Pray in Sets of Two Rak‘ahs:

Traditionally, Taraweeh is prayed 2 rak‘ahs at a time, with as many as you can, commonly 8, 20, or even more.

3. Intention in the Heart is Enough:

You do not have to say it out loud. Even if you simply intend mentally, it counts.

4. Consistency Matters:

Maintaining regular Taraweeh throughout Ramadan with sincere intention brings great reward.

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