If you pray Taraweeh and you do not speak Arabic, it is easy to feel the words passing by without touching your heart. This manual will assist you in getting the taraweeh dua in English in a clear, practical format, with the Arabic text, an easy transliteration, a line-by-line meaning and simple ways to use it in your prayer. By the end, you will know what to say between the rak’ahs and why you say it.
What is Taraweeh, and why do we pray?
Taraweeh is the special night prayer of Ramadan, performed in congregation after the Isha prayer. The name derives from the Arabic word for “rest”, as worshippers traditionally paused after every four rak’ahs. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Ramaḍān with faith and hoping for reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
These pauses are your opportunity to praise Allah, ask for forgiveness and refresh your focus. During these breaks, many Muslims repeat a famous tasbeeh, which is generally what people mean when they talk about the taraweeh dua.
Dua After 4 Rakat Taraweeh in English
The dua after 4 rakat taraweeh in English is in the form of the tasbeeh that is recited at the end of each set of four rak’ahs. A simple routine would be:
- After the salaam, sit calmly and breathe a few times.
- If possible, say the tasbeeh below in Arabic or think about what it means in English.
- And peace be upon the Prophet ﷺ.
- Stand for the next set. Make a short personal dua in your own words.
Take your time. Even a moment of honest reflection can provide more clarity than rushing straight into the next rak’ah.
The Arabic Text
سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْمُلْكِ وَالْمَلَكُوتِ
سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْعِزَّةِ وَالْعَظَمَةِ وَالْهَيْبَةِ وَالْقُدْرَةِ وَالْكِبْرِيَاءِ وَالْجَبَرُوتِ
سُبْحَانَ الْمَلِكِ الْحَيِّ الَّذِي لَا يَنَامُ وَلَا يَمُوتُ
سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّ الْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالرُّوحِ
اللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ، يَا مُجِيرُ، يَا مُجِيرُ، يَا مُجِيرُ
Transliteration
Subhana dhil-mulki wal-malakut. Subhana dhil-izzati wal-azamati wal-haybati wal-qudrati wal-kibriya’i wal-jabarut. Subhanal-Malikil-Hayyil-ladhi la yanamu wa la yamut. Subbuhun Quddusun, Rabbuna wa Rabbul-mala’ikati war-ruh. Allahumma ajirni minan-nar, ya Mujir, ya Mujir, ya Mujir.
English Translation
Many people search the phrase “dua e taraweeh” in English when they want to find the translation of the above tasbeeh. Here it is, exactly as it is:
Glory be to the Owner of the Kingdom and the realm of dominion.
Glory be to the Owner of might, greatness, awe, power, majesty and sovereignty.
Glory be to the King, the Ever-Living, who neither sleeps nor dies.
Most glorified, most holy, our Lord and the Lord of the angels and the Spirit.
O Allah, protect me from the Fire. O Protector, O Protector, O Protector.
It is worth knowing that this tasbeeh is an old tradition, especially in the Hanafi tradition, and is not a particular supplication prescribed by the Prophet ﷺ for every four rak’ahs. You are free to recite it or use any other dhikr or dua, or rest quietly.
Taraweeh Dua Meaning in English
It is understanding the taraweeh dua meaning in English that turns memorized words into worship. Here’s what each part of it is saying to you.
- “Glory be to the Owner of the Kingdom and dominion”: Everything you see and everything you cannot see belongs to Allah alone.
- “Owner of might, greatness, awe, power, majesty and sovereignty”: These are attributes of perfection that belong only to Him, and they remind us how small and dependent we are.
- “The King, the Ever-Living, who neither sleeps nor dies”: Unlike every created being, Allah never tires, never sleeps and never ends, so you can always turn to Him.
- “Most Glorified, Most Holy, Lord of the angels and the Spirit”: The Spirit here refers to Jibril (Gabriel). Even the greatest of creation worship the same Lord you are praying to.
- “O Allah, protect me from the Fire”: After praising Him, you end with the most important request: safety from Hellfire and entry into His mercy.
If you are looking for a Taraweeh dua in English that you can say in your own words, you don’t need fancy phrasing. Here are some short and heartfelt examples you can use in the breaks or in sujood.
A comprehensive dua from the Quran (2:201):
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Asking for forgiveness:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Magnificent; there is no god but Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer, and I turn to Him in repentance.
Asking for Paradise and refuge from the Fire:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ
O Allah, I ask You for Paradise, and I seek refuge in You from the Fire.
For the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Prophet ﷺ taught Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) this dua to say if she found Laylat al-Qadr (Tirmidhi):
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
O Allah, You are most forgiving and love to forgive, so forgive me.
You can also talk to Allah in plain English about your family, your health, your concerns, and your hopes. Sujood is a particularly good time for this, as the Prophet ﷺ said the servant is closest to his Lord when in prostration, so make plenty of dua in it (Muslim).
Tasbeeh Taraweeh Dua in English
Some mosques show the Tasbeeh Taraweeh Dua in English on a screen or wall so worshipers can follow. If you are new to it, here is an easy way to learn it:
- Begin with the meaning. Read the English translation until you can explain every line to yourself.
- Repeat the first line of the Arabic ten times, then the second line, then repeat.
- Hear a reciter. There is a short audio clip to help with pronunciation and rhythm.
- Practice at home. Recite it a few nights before Ramadan softly so it comes naturally when you pray in congregation.
If it takes a while, don’t sweat. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Tips to Make Your Taraweeh More Meaningful
- Read the translation of the part of the Quran being recited that night (preferably prior to the prayer).
- Make a short list of duas you want to do so that you are not distracted during the breaks.
- When they are praying, in the pauses, keep your voice low so you don’t disturb them.
- Eat lightly and drink enough water so you can focus through the whole prayer.
- Be consistent for the whole month, not just on certain nights.
Final Thoughts
The taraweeh dua in English is not about using the longest or most elaborate words. It’s about knowing who you’re talking to, understanding what you’re asking and keeping your heart in it all night long. Learn the tasbeeh, personalise it with your duas and pray sincerely. May Allah accept your fasting and night prayers, forgive your sins and grant you Laylat al-Qadr.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to say this tasbeeh between the rak’ahs?
Nope. Many people do that, but you can do any dhikr or dua or sit quietly.
Can I make dua in English during Taraweeh?
Yes, you can ask Allah in any language during the breaks and during sujood. The parts of the prayer that are recited should be in Arabic.
How many rak’ahs are in Taraweeh?
Practised in both eight and twenty rak’ahs worldwide; both are supported by scholars, so follow your mosque and school of thought.
What if I don’t know how to read Arabic yet?
Go through the transliteration one line at a time. Keep a short translation with you so you know what you are saying.
Is there a special dua after the final set of Taraweeh?
Taraweeh is usually followed by Witr prayers. Hanafis recite the Dua Qunoot in the last rak’ah of Witr. After Witr, many recite “Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus” three times. Check with your imam as to the practice in your school.
