Importance of Taraweeh prayers

Saeed Muhammed Irshad

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims the world over gather to offer 20 rakaths of nafl (optional) prayers called taraweeh. This prayer is offered immediately after Isha prayers in congregation in many places. During the days of Nabi taraweeh prayers were not held in large scale congregations as today.

The Sahabas (companions) offered it either individually or sometimes in a group.

In many traditions Nabi has stressed the importance of offering this prayer. On one occasion he is reported to have said that Allah promises to forgive the sins of those Muslims who offer it.

In addition to this for every day that the faithful believer offers Taraweeh, he is guaranteed numerous benefits.

* On the first night: Allah forgives all the sins of his 'Abd' (slave). He (the slave) becomes purified and emerges from his sins like on the day his mother gave birth to him.

* On the second night: Allah forgives the sins of his parents.

*On the third night: The Angels seek Allah's forgiveness for him.

* On the fourth night: Allah bestows on him the knowledge of Taurah, (Torah) Zaboor, Injeel (Bible), and Furqan (Koran).

* On the fifth night: He will get the reward of accepted prayers in Makkah Mukarrama, Medina Munawwara, and Masjidul Aqsa.

* On the 6th night: He will get the reward of encircling Baitul Ma'moon

* On the 7th night: he will get the reward of fighting against Fir'aun, and Haman with Nabi Moosa (Alai).

* On the 8th night: All the favours bestowed upon Nabi Ibrahim (Alai) is bestowed on the faithful servant.

* On the 9th night: All the favours bestowed upon Nabi Muhammadh are accredited to the Mu'mins.

* On the 10th night: He is guaranteed a death of peace and plenty.

* On the 11th night: Allah entrusts him the benefits of all the good doings.

* On the 12th night: His face becomes illuminated with Noor. (divine light)

* On the 13th night: He is saved from the trials and tribulations in the grave.

* On the 14th night: Angels safeguard his right of entry and protect him from the trials of the Day of Judgement.

* On the 15th night: Allah safeguards him and bestows him with glad tidings.

* On the 16th night: He is blessed with Jennath and protected from Jahannam.

* On the 17th night: He is blessed with the favours given to the prophets.

* On the 18th night: He will be told "you and your parents will be protected from bad tidings and instead you will be given good tidings."

* On the 19th night: Allah bestows an exalted place in Jannah to the Mu'min.

* On the 20th night: He will attain the ranks of Shuhadas (martyrs)

* On the 21st night: He will be given Jannathul A'laa

* On the 22nd night: Allah will provide him with a piece of heart and bounties and enter him into all facilities.

* On the 23rd night: He will be given a higher place in Jannah

* On the 24th night: Allah will accept 24 of his requests.

* On the 25th night: Allah will give him peace of mind and his resting place will be made comfortable.

* On the 26th night: He will get the reward of 40 years of accepted amal

* On the 27th night: He will cross the bride of Siraath with ease.

* On the 28th night: He will be afforded 1,000 benefits.

* On the 29th night: Allah will give him the reward of an accepted Hajj

* On the 30th night: Allah will pardon the sins of those Muslims who rendered all 30 nights of Taraweeh.

They will be given the glad tidings of Salsabeel (Allah's grace).

He will also be given the opportunity to quench his thirst at the river of Hawlul Kawthr. His parents will also benefit from his devotions.