The nocturnal prayer (Tharaweeh) is a voluntary prayer which is recommended only in the nights of Ramadan. Imam Sharqavi says: the word, Tharaweeh, is the plural form of tharweehath, its meaning is ‘to take rest at one time’. The one who does this prayer might take rest at each four Raka’ths of it (Fath-hul mubdi 2/165).

The very name, Tharaweeh, itself can be seen in the time of the Companions of Prophet (Peace and Blessing of Allah be upon him). Imam Masu’di states in his Muruju-dhahab(2/328): the caliph Umer (R) ordered to pray Tharaweeh in the nights of Ramadan in 14H. Muhammad ul Baghdadi says: it was Umer (R) who was the first one for implementing the prayer, Tharaweeh, in congregation. But, the deviators argue that it is imam Bukhari who brings the name, Tharaweeh, at first. Some argue that this naming took place after the time of imam Bukhari. Nevertheless, from the histories we can understand that this naming was famous in the time of the prophet’s followers.

In a Hadith reported by Salman, he says: at last night of Sha’ban, the Prophet (PBH) addressed to the people as following: “oh People! Verily, the Almighty blessed you with a holy month. In this month, there is a holy night which is more grateful than thousands of months. The Almighty obliges to take fasting in this specified month. And it is desirable to perform the prayer in its nights”.

This Hadith, Ibnu khuzaima reported from Salman (R) in his Sahih (3/191), imam Baghvi in his Ma’alimuthanzeel (1/133), Abu Lais samarqandi in his Thanbeeh (124) and so on.

When Imam Abu haneefa (R) was asked about the Tharaweeh in congregation by Umer (R), he replied so: “verily, Tharaweeh is most preferable one in Sharee’a. Umer (R) would never his own make it up. It is all knowing-fact that the caliph Umer (R) never implement Tharaweeh in congregation without getting clear evidence from the Prophet ( PBH). Definitely, a lot of great companions such as Usman, Ali, Ibnu masu’d, abbas, Ibnu Abbas, Thwalhath, Zubair, Mua’d and Ubayy (Allah be pleased with them) are in favorable of Umer (R) in this matter. They didn’t remonstrate with him at any way. But, they stand staunchly in favor of him” (Ithhaf 3/417).

Imam Subki (R) says: the clear evidence, mentioned above words of Abu hanifa (R), is as following: Abu huraira (R) reports “verily, the Messenger (PBH) said: if any one perform the prayer in Ramadan with faith and awareness of Reckoning, then his all past sins might be forgiven” (Bukhari, Muslim).

Aysha (R), the mother of believers, reports: “verily, the Prophet (PBH) went out from his house. After wards, he did prayer in the Masjid. In the next morning, the people asked him about the night prayer. In the second day, they gathered in the Masjid earlier and performed the prayer with the Prophet (PBH). On the next dawn, they spoke about this matter. At the third night, the Masjid was congested with the believers. The Prophet (PBH) did the prayer in that day also. At the fourth night, the Masjid became so crowded that it couldn’t imbibe the people”. These words are from Imam Abu Davood and Imam Muslim’s words also like this.

In nutshell, the Muslim world unanimously agreed that it has been proved with Hadiths that Tharweeh is only recommended in the nights of Ramadan and this very naming was known from the time of Prophet’s Companions onwards.

The benefit for health         

There is a beneficial effect of extra prayer at night.  This not only helps with better utilization of food but also helps in output.  There are 10 extra calories output for each Rakath of the prayer.  Therefore, the total output is 200 calories because of 20 Rakath of Tharaweeh.  Again, we do not do prayer for exercise, but a mild movement of the joints with extra calorie utilization is a better form of exercise.  Similarly, recitation of the Qur’an not only produces a tranquility of heart and mind, but improves the memory.  Therefore encouragements are to be given to Muslim patients to fast in the month of Ramadan, but they must do it under medical supervision. Healthy adult Muslims should not fear becoming week by fasting, but instead it should improve their health and stamina.