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Is there a difference between Qiyam and taraaweeh?

06-09-1998

Question 2730

I wanted to know the difference between Qiyam and TARAWIH.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

Salaat al-Taraaweeh is classified as part of Qiyam al-layl; they are not two different prayers, as many people think. Qiyam al-layl during Ramadan is called Taraaweeh because the salaf or early generations of Islam (may Allaah have mercy on them) used to rest (istaraahu) after every two or four rak’ahs, because they made their prayers long in order to make the most of this season of great reward. They were eager to earn the reward mentioned in the hadeeth: “Whoever stays up and prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

(Reported by al-Bukhaari, no. 36). And Allaah knows best.

Night Prayer Taraaweeh prayers and Laylat al-Qadar
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