Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badat
Question:
What are the rulings regarding women and tarawih prayers?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Gracious
Jazak Allah Khayr/ Thank you for your question.
Tarawih is considered an emphasised prophetic practice (sunnah muakkadah) ritual prayer during the month of Ramaḍan for both men and women.
Women are also encouraged to perform tarawih 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 Qurʿan can be recited to complete the tarawih. The preferred number of rakaʿahs that should be offered are 20.
It must be noted that if brothers and sisters are gathering for tarawih, all Islamic protocols regarding responsible gender interaction are to be followed.
“ʿOmar bin Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) would gather people for nightly ritual prayers during the month of Ramadan. He appointed ʿObay bin Ka’ab (may Allah be pleased with him) as imam for the men and Sulayman bin Abi Hathamah (may Allah be pleased with him) imam to lead women.”
(Bayhaqi)
Arfajah Al-Thaqafi was appointed by ʿAli (may Allah be pleased with him) to lead women in congregational Ramadan night prayers.
(Bayhaqi)
The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) called upon his family and spouses. He lead them in Ramadan night prayers at home.
(Tirmidhi)
And Allah Knows Best.
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