Sustenance for the soul

Muscat – Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer and forgiveness. It is a month that helps us strengthen our faith, practise self-discipline and grow spiritually. Islamic scholar Hatim Abdul Salem explains some key concepts in simple terms –

Week 1

Taraweeh is a special night prayer performed after Isha, the last of the five daily prayers. It lasts for approximately an hour and is traditionally conducted in congregation at mosques. During the time of the Prophet (PBUH), he sometimes performed this prayer at the mosque and sometimes alone at home. One of the most significant aspects of Taraweeh is that imams in mosques recite the entire Quran through Ramadan.

The Quran consists of 30 parts, each containing approximately 20-21 pages. Every night during Taraweeh, the imam recites one full part, ensuring that by the end of Ramadan, the entire Quran has been recited from memory. This practice allows worshippers to engage deeply with the Quran, enhancing their spiritual connection during the sacred month.

Qiyam al Layl

Qiyam al Layl, also known as the night prayer, is performed after midnight. Qiyam al Layl can be prayed either at the mosque or privately at home. Both Taraweeh and Qiyam al Layl are voluntary acts of worship, offering immense spiritual rewards. These are not obligatory, meaning those who are occupied with work or other responsibilities are not required to perform these. However, for those who are able, these prayers provide a unique opportunity to strengthen their faith, seek forgiveness and grow closer to Allah during the blessed month of Ramadan.