Praying Taraweeh at Masjid al-Haram, with the Kaaba before you and millions of Muslims beside you, is an experience that words cannot capture. Here's what you need to know for Ramadan 2026.
Prayer Times
Taraweeh begins immediately after Isha prayer (around 8:00-8:30 PM in Ramadan 2026). The prayer consists of 20 rakats with a short break after every 4 rakats. Total duration: approximately 1.5-2 hours. Witr prayer follows. Tahajjud (Qiyam al-Layl) begins around 1:30 AM and continues until Fajr.
The Imams
The Haram's imams are among the world's most renowned reciters: Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, Sheikh Saud Al-Shuraim, Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly, Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al-Juhany, and Sheikh Bandar Baleela. Each has a distinctive style. The schedule rotates, but Sheikh Sudais typically leads on significant nights like the 27th.
Getting a Good Spot
Arrive at least 2 hours before Isha during the last 10 nights. The first floor fills first, then the second, then the rooftop. If you want to see the Kaaba during prayer, you need ground floor — but the spiritual reward is the same everywhere. Bring a small prayer rug; the marble gets cold at night.
