What is Taraweeh Prayer Again?
Just a quick refresher for anyone new to it: Taraweeh prayers are special, voluntary prayers performed by Muslims during the nights of Ramadan, typically after the Isha prayer. They are usually prayed in congregation and involve reciting longer portions of the Quran over the month. They are prayed in units of two rak’ahs, with short breaks usually taken after every four rak’ahs (two sets of two).
The Pause that Refreshes: Enter the Tasbeeh Taraveeh
Now, about those breaks. After completing four rak’ahs, it’s common practice in many parts of the Muslim world to pause briefly before starting the next set. This pause allows the worshippers (and the Imam) a moment to rest. During this time, congregations often engage in collective remembrance – this is what people commonly refer to as the tasbeeh taraveeh.
While there isn’t one single specific dua mandated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to be recited only in these breaks, a particular formula has become widely popular and is often known as the Dua of taraveeh.
The Commonly Recited Dua of Taraveeh
This popular supplication, often recited collectively during the breaks, is:
Arabic:
سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْمُلْكِ وَالْمَلَكُوتِ، سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْعِزَّةِ وَالْعَظَمَةِ وَالْهَيْبَةِ وَالْقُدْرَةِ وَالْكِبْرِيَاءِ وَالْجَبَرُوتِ، سُبْحَانَ الْمَلِكِ الْحَيِّ الَّذِي لَا يَنَامُ وَلَا يَمُوتُ، سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّ الْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالرُّوحِ، اللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنَا مِنَ النَّارِ يَا مُجِيرُ يَا مُجِيرُ يَا مُجِيرُ
Transliteration:
Subhana dhil-mulki wal-malakut. Subhana dhil-‘izzati wal-‘azamati wal-haybati wal-qudrati wal-kibriya’i wal-jabarut. Subhanal-malikil-hayyil-ladhi la yanamu wa la yamut. Subbuhun quddusun Rabbuna wa Rabbul-mala’ikati war-ruh. Allahumma ajirna minan-nar, ya Mujeer, ya Mujeer, ya Mujeer.
Meaning:
“Glory be to the Owner of the Kingdom and the Dominion. Glory be to the Owner of Might, Magnificence, Reverence, Power, Pride, and Supremacy. Glory be to the Living King Who does not sleep nor die. He is the Most Praised, the Most Holy, Our Lord and the Lord of the angels and the Spirit (Jibreel). O Allah, save us from the Fire, O Saviour, O Saviour, O Saviour.”
Breaking it Down: This beautiful tasbeeh taraveeh is essentially:
Glorifying Allah by acknowledging His dominion and magnificent attributes.
Praising the Ever-Living King who is perfect and eternal.
Declaring His holiness.
Making a specific plea: Seeking refuge from Hellfire.
Reciting this Dua of taraveeh together can create a powerful sense of unity and shared purpose during those short breaks.
Is This the Only Option During the Break?
It’s important to remember that while this specific Dua of taraveeh is common practice, it’s not the only thing one can do during the Taraweeh breaks. Other valid actions include:
Making personal dua (supplication) silently.
Sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (Salawat/Durood).
Engaging in other forms of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), like reciting “SubhanAllah,” “Alhamdulillah,” “Allahu Akbar.”
Simply resting quietly and reflecting.
The purpose of the break is rest and reflection. The common tasbeeh taraveeh is a beautiful way many communities fill that time with remembrance, but flexibility exists.
The Spirit of the Dua of Taraveeh
Whether reciting the common formula or making personal supplication, the essence of utilizing these pauses is to keep the heart connected to Allah even during the brief rest. It’s a reminder that the entire prayer, including the pauses, is an act of worship. It’s a chance to refocus the intention and seek Allah’s mercy, especially with the poignant plea for protection from the Fire found in the popular Dua of taraveeh.
After all these years, witnessing communities come together in Ramadan, reciting these words in unison during Taraweeh… it still gives you a sense of profound connection and shared hope.
FAQ: Your Questions on the Tasbeeh Taraveeh / Dua of Taraveeh
Let’s tackle some common questions:
Q1: Is reciting this specific Dua of taraveeh mandatory during the breaks?
A: No, it’s not considered mandatory (Fard or Wajib) in Islam. While it’s a very common and praiseworthy practice in many communities, it wasn’t explicitly instructed by the Prophet (PBUH) for these specific breaks. Other forms of remembrance or even quiet rest are permissible.
Q2: Do I have to recite it in Arabic?
A: If the congregation is reciting it collectively, participating in Arabic maintains unity. The phrases themselves are powerful forms of remembrance in Arabic. However, if you are praying alone or the congregation isn’t reciting this, making personal dua or Dhikr in your own language during the break is perfectly acceptable.
Q3: What if the mosque I pray at recites something different or stays silent during the breaks?
A: That’s perfectly fine. Practices can vary. Follow the Imam and the congregation. If they remain silent, you can use the time for silent personal dua or reflection. If they recite other forms of Dhikr or Salawat, you can join in. The common tasbeeh taraveeh is just one way this time is utilized.
Q4: Can I just make my own personal dua instead of reciting the common Dua of taraveeh?
A: Absolutely. The breaks are a good opportunity for personal supplication. You can ask Allah for your needs, seek forgiveness, or pray for others silently.
Q5: Where does this specific tasbeeh taraveeh formula come from?
A: The phrases within the dua are beautiful praises of Allah, consistent with Islamic teachings. However, its specific compilation and widespread use during Taraweeh breaks is more a matter of customary practice passed down through generations in certain regions, rather than being directly tied to a specific Hadith instruction for that exact moment. The individual phrases, though, are deeply meaningful ways to glorify Allah.
May your Taraweeh prayers be accepted and your Ramadan nights be filled with blessings and connection.