One act of worship that has an important role in maintaining the unity of Muslims is the Tarawih prayer. Tarawih prayer is a sunnah prayer performed in Ramadan after the Isha prayer. This prayer has a special place in the lives of Muslims because it is not only a means of getting closer to Allah, but also plays a crucial role in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and maintaining the unity of the ummah. In this article, we will discuss the role of Tarawih prayers in maintaining the unity of the ummah by referring to the proofs from the Qur’an and Hadith.
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The Important Role of Tarawih Prayers
Tarawih prayers play an important role in strengthening social relations and brotherhood among Muslims. When Muslims gather in the mosque to perform Tarawih prayers, they interact with each other, share experiences, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood especially after the Prayer. This is in line with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad who emphasized the importance of ukhuwah Islamiyah or brotherhood among Muslims.
Proposition Regarding the Importance of Maintaining Community Unity
One of the dalils from the Qur’an that emphasizes the importance of maintaining the unity of the people is in Surah Al-Anfal verse 46, Allah SWT said:
وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ وَلَا تَنَٰزَعُوا۟ فَتَفْشَلُوا۟ وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ ۖ وَٱصْبِرُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ
“And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute, (for) surely you will become weak and lose your strength. And be patient, surely Allah is with those who are patient.”
The Hadith of the Prophet SAW also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the unity of the people. Narrated from Abu Hurairah RA, the Prophet SAW said:
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ فَارَقَ الْجَمَاعَةَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ فَارَقَ الْجَمَاعَةَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ فَارَقَ الْجَمَاعَةَ شِبْرًا فَقَدْ خَلَعَ رِبْقَةَ الْإِسْلَامِ مِنْ عُنُقِهِ فَقَدْ خَلَعَ رِبْقَةَ الْإِسْلَامِ مِنْ عُنُقِهِ
“Whoever separates himself from the congregation by an inch has cut the rope of Islamic brotherhood from his neck until the Day of Judgment.” (HR Muslim).
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Tarawih Prayers Encourage the Spirit of Solidarity Among Muslims
Tarawih prayer gives Muslims the opportunity to gather for the same worship in the mosque. This creates a strong bond between them and encourages a spirit of togetherness and mutual support in worship. As Muslims stand together in prostration and ruku’, they feel a deep sense of unity as part of the same community worshipping Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.
Tarawih Prayers Provide an Opportunity to Strengthen Your Relationship with the Qur’an
In addition, Tarawih prayers also give Muslims the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the Qur’an. In each rak’ah, several verses from the Qur’an are recited, allowing Muslims to reflect on the meaning of the verses and deepen their understanding of Islam’s holy book. This also helps in strengthening the spiritual connection between the individual and Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.
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Tarawih Prayers as a Means of Strengthening Social Relations and Muslim Brotherhood
Thus, Tarawih prayers play a very important role in maintaining the unity of Muslims. It is not only a means to get closer to Allah, but also a way to strengthen social relations and brotherhood among Muslims. By gathering at the mosque to perform Tarawih prayers, Muslims can feel a deep sense of unity as one people united in the worship of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. Therefore, it is important for Muslims to continue to maintain the tradition of Tarawih prayers and take maximum advantage of this worship in maintaining the unity of the ummah and strengthening their Islamic bonds.
Tarawih Prayers Have a Positive Impact in Developing Individual Character
However, it should be understood that Tarawih prayers not only provide benefits in a social and spiritual context, but also have a positive impact on individual character development. When one consistently performs Tarawih prayers, one exercises discipline, patience, and perseverance in worship, which are important aspects in building a strong and responsible personality.
By extending social relations, deepening understanding of the Qur’an, and raising awareness of the Islamic brotherhood, Tarawih prayer has become an important momentum in fostering the unity of Muslims around the world. This prayer is not just a ritual, but also a vehicle to strengthen inner bonds and maintain the unity of the ummah in facing the challenges of the times. May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala always strengthen us in carrying out worship in the month of Ramadan, especially Tarawih prayers and make Muslims united in ukhuwah Islamiyah.
May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala always strengthen us in performing the acts of worship in the month of Ramadan, especially the Tarawih prayer, and make Muslims united in ukhuwah Islamiyah.
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Wallahu a’lam
References:
Al-Qur’an. (n.d). Al-Anfal: 46.
Muslim, Imam. (n.d). Sahih Muslim.
Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Ismail. (n.d). Sahih al-Bukhari.