Taraweeh is the soul of Ramadan nights. After Isha prayer, mosques across Sharjah fill with worshippers for this special night prayer — the sound of Quran recitation, rows of the faithful, and a peace you have to experience. Here is your complete guide: timings, how many rakats, the best mosques, and what to expect.
What Is Taraweeh Prayer?
Taraweeh is a voluntary (Sunnah) night prayer performed only during Ramadan, after the obligatory Isha prayer. Many mosques aim to complete the recitation of the entire Quran over the 29–30 nights of the month.
Taraweeh Prayer Time in Sharjah
Taraweeh begins shortly after Isha prayer — usually 10 to 15 minutes after the Isha adhan. Because Isha shifts through Ramadan, Taraweeh moves with it.
In Ramadan 2026 (Feb 18 – Mar 19), Isha ran from ~7:43 PM to 7:58 PM — so Taraweeh typically began between 7:55 PM and 8:15 PM.
| Ramadan 2026 Period | Isha (approx) | Taraweeh Start (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Early Ramadan (Feb 18–28) | 7:43 – 7:49 PM | ~7:55 – 8:05 PM |
| Mid Ramadan (Mar 1–10) | 7:50 – 7:54 PM | ~8:00 – 8:10 PM |
| Late Ramadan (Mar 11–19) | 7:55 – 7:58 PM | ~8:05 – 8:15 PM |
Approximate — your mosque announces the exact start each night.
How Many Rakats? 8 vs 20 Explained
| Format | Rakats | Typical Duration | Common In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 rakats | 8 + 3 Witr | 45 min – 1 hour | Many UAE mosques |
| 20 rakats | 20 + 3 Witr | 1 – 1.5 hours | Many South Asian and traditional mosques |
Which should you follow? Pray at the mosque near you and follow its imam — both formats are authentically rooted. What matters is showing up.
Ramadan 2026 in Sharjah: Key Dates
- First Taraweeh night: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- First fast: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- Last fast: Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Laylat al-Qadr: expected Tuesday, March 17, 2026
- Eid al-Fitr: expected Friday, March 20, 2026 — see our Eid prayer guide
Qiyam-ul-Lail: The Last 10 Nights
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, many Sharjah mosques hold additional late-night prayers (Qiyam-ul-Lail / Tahajjud), often starting around midnight — the nights when Laylat al-Qadr is sought.
Best Mosques for Taraweeh in Sharjah
- King Faisal Mosque — massive capacity, renowned reciters
- Sharjah Mosque (Al Suyoh) — beautiful, well-organised Taraweeh
- Al Noor Mosque — popular with families on the Corniche
- Your neighbourhood mosque — less crowded, equally rewarding
Taraweeh Tips for First-Timers
- Eat a light iftar — a heavy meal makes standing miserable
- Arrive for Isha — Taraweeh follows immediately
- Bring water — especially for 20-rakat prayers
- It’s fine to sit if you need to
- Women are welcome — dedicated women’s sections
- Keep your phone silent
Watch: Taraweeh Nights in the UAE
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Taraweeh start in Sharjah?
About 10–15 minutes after Isha — roughly 7:55–8:15 PM during Ramadan 2026. Your mosque announces the exact start each night.
How many rakats is Taraweeh — 8 or 20?
Both valid: 8 rakats (~45–60 min) or 20 rakats (~1–1.5 hrs), followed by Witr.
When was the first Taraweeh of Ramadan 2026?
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 — the night before the first fast.
Is Taraweeh obligatory?
No — a Sunnah (recommended) prayer, but one of the most rewarding acts of Ramadan.
Can women pray Taraweeh at the mosque?
Yes — dedicated women’s sections; many women attend nightly.
What is Qiyam-ul-Lail?
Extra late-night prayers in Ramadan’s last ten nights, often starting around midnight.
Can I pray Taraweeh at home?
Yes, valid at home — but the congregational mosque prayer is the fuller experience.
How long does Taraweeh last?
45 min–1 hour for 8 rakats; 1–1.5 hours for 20 rakats.
Do I need wudu again for Taraweeh after Isha?
Only if your wudu broke after Isha.
What is Laylat al-Qadr and when was it in 2026?
The Night of Power — expected Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
For year-round timings, see our Sharjah prayer timetable. Last updated: October 2026.