10-13-2003, 09:41 AM
as salam alykom brother
To start with the word taraweeh is derived from the word Raha in Arabic which means to rest. In other words, the extra amount of Raka`a made after Esha during Ramadan which are not not more than simply Qiyamu a layl (night time prayer) are called so because people may take rest between the set of Raka`as. Now as u must know Qiyamu a layl is encouraged at any time, but mostly favoured during Ramadan for the extra reward u receive. In the full reseach about Fasting Insh a Allah I think u will find this. However, I will say it again and bring the hadeeth later Insh a Allah. Every vlountray act is rewarded as obligatory and evey obligatory act is multiplied in reward. In other word, Ramadan is just a chance to make more Insh aAllah:) . As for Tahajud is taken from the command to the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم "And in some parts of the night (also) offer the Salât (prayer) with it (i.e. recite the Qur’ân in the prayer), as an additional prayer (Tahajjud optional prayer - Nawâfil) for you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم). " (Quran 17:97). Usually this type begins at the last ten days of Ramadan, however, u may want to do it right from the start, it is totally up to u. But mosques start holding it on the last ten days, as is the case in Haram of Mecca for exmple. It takes place after 12.00 midnight. May Allah help us all to do all of them and accept them ameen.