Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
What are the rulings regarding women and tarāwīḥ prayers?
Answer:
In the Name of Allāh, Most Merciful, Most Gracious
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for your question.
Tarawīḥ is considered an emphasised prophetic practice (sunnah muakkadah) ritual prayer during the month of Ramaḍān for both men and women.
Women are also encouraged to perform tarāwīḥ just as men are. Women may pray in congregation or individually, in the masjid or at home. If performing individually, any memorized portion of the Qurʿān can be recited to complete the tarāwīḥ. The preferred number of rakaʿahs that should be offered are 20.
It must be noted that if brothers and sisters are gathering for tarāwīḥ, all Islamic protocols regarding responsible gender interaction are to be followed.
“ʿOmar bin Khaṭṭāb (may Allāh be pleased with him) would gather people for nightly ritual prayers during the month of Ramaḍān. He appointed ʿObay bin Ka’ab (may Allāh be pleased with him) as imam for the men and Sulayman bin Abī Ḥathamah (may Allāh be pleased with him) imam to lead women.” (Bayhaqī)
Arfajah Al-Thaqafī was appointed by ʿAli (may Allāh be pleased with him) to lead women in congregational Ramaḍān night prayers. (Bayhaqī)
The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) called upon his family and spouses. He lead them in Ramaḍān night prayers at home. (Tirmidhī)
And Allāh Knows Best
