Title: Things Related to Ramadan Question: It has become tradition for Muslims to pray Taraweeh prayers after Isha. After reading some of your articles I have come to realize that the Prophet NEVER prayed Taraweeh, he NEVER prayed Witr prayers and he only prayed Tahajjud prayers. Am I correct in my understanding? If I am, can you please explain how one performs the Tahajjud prayers as did the Prophet? Detail would be much appreciated (such as groups of two rak'ats to a certain number of times etc...). I was told that the Tahajjud prayers are only to be prayed during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Also, praying Taraweeh on whatever day Lailatul'Qadr lands on is as if you've prayed a 1000 months of prayers (or something to that affect). This relates obviously to the surah in the Qur'an. Is this accurate and what was intended in the verse? I may be asking too much of you but I would request that if you could inform me of the things that are Fard and Sunnah during Ramadan. There may be many misconceptions and I don't know they are misconceptions so I'm basically asking you to weed out somethings. Ramadan is important to me and I would like to fulfill my obligations and additionally commit voluntary deeds and actions. I know you have written quite extensively but I believe some of the queries I have posed are not mentioned in those articles. Ronnie United States of America Answer: It is not very accurate to say that the Prophet (pbuh) never offered Witr prayers. A more accurate statement would be that the Prophet (pbuh) is not reported to have offered Witr prayers with the Ishaa prayers. On the contrary, the Prophet (pbuh) offered Witr prayers as a part of the Tahajjud prayers, which he regularly offered throughout his life. As for the various methods in which the Prophet (pbuh) offered Tahajjud prayers, please refer to one of my earlier response to a related question titled: " How to Offer Witr Prayers? ". You write: I was told that the Tahajjud prayers are only to be prayed during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Also, praying Taraweeh on whatever day Lailatul'Qadr lands on is as if you've prayed a 1000 months of prayers (or something to that affect). The referred idea is completely unfounded and has no basis in the primary sources of Islam. Not only did the Prophet (pbuh) offer Tahajjud prayer during the whole of the month of Ramadan, but also during all the other nights of the year. As for the special reward of deeds - including offering supererogatory prayers like tahajjud prayers etc. - it is reported in a few narratives ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh) and, as you have mentioned, the idea seems to be based on the referred verse of the Qur'an. You write: I would request that if you could inform me of the things that are Fard and Sunnah during Ramadan. The Fard practices during Ramadan are the same as during other days of the year, except for those obligatory practices, which are specifically related to the practice of fasting. As for the supererogatory practices, there is no limit or specification of these practices. One should try to involve oneself in all kinds of pious deeds, specially those related to God's worship - as in supererogatory prayers and memorizing the supplications taught by the Qur'an and those reported in narratives ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh) - understanding God's guidance - as in reciting the Qur'an - or helping other human beings - as in spending out of one's wealth over and above the obligatory Zaka'h . The essence of one's life during the month of Ramadan, specially, and during the other days of the year, generally, should be to live a life that is as much in compliance and coherence with the recommendations of the Shari`ah as possible. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad November 21, 2002