Today we will share with you some tips which will help you to perform your Taraweeh prayers effectively, In sha Allah.
Tip number one: Do not fill your belly to bursting point at iftaar time! I'm sure you've heard that many times already, but it's worth repeating; it's that important to remember. If the masjid is too warm, you'll get sleepy during Qiyam. If you go for all 20 rakaat, you'll likely get a stitch! Would you eat a full meal an hour before swimming? The same logic applies here.
Tip number two: Try to avoid spicy/smelly foods at iftaar time. Instead, indulge your chilli and garlic tastebuds when you return home. Even if you brush your teeth real well before leaving for the masjid, your breath will still smell of digesting curry, and it's simply not good manners to inflict others with that kinda hardship! Especially when they're trying to worship Allāh (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) in peace.
Tip number three: Don't sit or lie down after Iftaar. Get ready to leave for the Masjid straight away, as otherwise you'll just get lazier, and more tired as the seconds tick by. Also, leave the dishes and cleaning until you return home, because it's just a waste of your precious time at that moment, and it will make you late to get that good spot in the front row!
Tip number four: Take someone with you to the Masjid. Having company on your journey has many benefits: one, there is safety in numbers (especially important for sisters travelling late at night); second, if you're car-pooling, you'll get the reward of helping fellow Muslims in their worship (and of course, saving the environment); third, it may give you, or your companion, greater encouragement to fulfil the Sunnah of attending the Taraweeh prayers. Basically, it's all good, inshā'Allāh!
Tip number five: Read an English (or whichever language) translation of the Qur'an, bit by bit, every day.People lose concentration in Taraweeh for one basic reason - that they cannot understand what the Imaam is saying in the prayer and more importantly, people do not fully appreciate the wisdom, warnings, and lessons that are being shared with us through Allāh's words - that's like, 70% of the value of Taraweeh lost, right there! Therefore, take a few minutes out in your day to read the English translation of the part of the Qur'an that you may predict the imām will recite the same evening. You can ask the imam, which surah he would be reciting and read it’s translation in the language of your choice before hand, and most imams usually get through a Juz n' a bit per night, in their aim to complete the Qur'an by the 27th night.
For best results, calmly read the entire portion that you think will be recited (or as much as you can) before arriving at the Masjid. Then, during the rest breaks, speed-read through the few paragraphs that you predict will be recited in the following two rakat.
Of course, if you're 'in' with the imām, you could simply ask him for the exact bits of the Qur'an that he will be covering each night – if that’s possible
If you're already blessed with a working knowledge of Arabic, māshā'Allāh, then try to read the tafseerregularly instead, for a deeper appreciation of the recitation.
Tip number six: Save up some du‘ā’. Depending on how many rakat your masjid completes per night, you will have multiple opportunities to make du‘ā’ during the blessed moments of sujood. Pick a few 'faves' and try to fit them in when you can.
Tip number seven: A special one for the ladies. If you're not in a state to pray Taraweeh due to menses or nifaas (post-childbirth bleeding), you can still benefit from the community spirit of worship, by sitting in a place away from the masallah (i.e., the place where people make sujood), and make Dua's and do some Tazbee / Dhikr of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. And if you choose not to go to a masjid then you can always watch an online transmission of the Taraweeh from masjid-al-Haram in Makkah Mukarramah. (you can check Youtube videos or do a google search on the same)
(Source: edited from an article in muslimatters.org)
Please share with your contacts and help them improve their taraweeh experience! In sha Allah!
With Best Wishes
