Advices for Ḥuffāẓ & Tarawīh

By Qari Mouhammad Dodaki – Director of Al-Utruj Academy

The Responsibility of Stepping onto the Musallah

When it comes to leading tarawīh prayers, many focus solely on completing the recitation of the Holy Qur’ān, often at the expense of the quality of the actual ṣalāh. It’s important to remember that stepping onto the musallah is not just about finishing a recitation of the Qur’ān but it is about fulfilling a sacred responsibility. The Imām is standing before Allah the Almighty, presenting the prayer on behalf of the entire congregation. Tarawīh is an act of worship, not merely a training exercise.

While many may aspire to lead the ṣalāh, it is crucial to recognise the weight of this responsibility. Not everyone should step on to the musallah without proper supervision from scholars or without undergoing adequate training. As with any discipline in life, there is a process: learning, practicing, and only then performing.

Contrary to common belief, preparing to lead ṣalāh is not something that can be done with a single event or workshop in the masjid. The training must begin early, and it must be consistent, to ensure the best possible performance when the time comes.

The Importance of Maintaining a Proper Islāmic Image

Equally important is the external appearance and conduct of the one who leads the ṣalāh. The person on the musallah represents the entire community and must therefore maintain a dignified and Islāmic appearance. This includes having a uniform haircut, keeping the beard in accordance with Islamic guidelines, ensuring that pants are above the ankles, and wearing appropriate Islāmic attire.

While these may seem like small details to some, they are significant. These aspects can greatly impact both the reward of the ṣalāh and the spiritual experience of the congregation.

Being a True Ḥāfiẓ vs. a Ḥāfiẓ in Name Only

Many people assume that being a true ḥāfiẓ simply means having memorised the Qur’ān well. However, this is a common misconception. The essence of being a ḥāfiẓ goes far beyond memorisation. It’s an identity, not just a title!

While accurate memorisation and strong recitation are indeed important, they do not alone define what it means to be a true ḥāfiẓ. Over time, especially with the rise of modern technology and shifting community standards, the title of “Ḥāfiẓ” has often become a mere credential, regardless of the individual’s character or practice. This has unfortunately led to a decline in standards, where anyone who has memorised the Qur’ān is given the opportunity to lead tarawīh under the pretext of “giving everyone a chance.” But as stated earlier, tarawīh is not a training platform.

A real ḥāfiẓ should embody the teachings of the Qur’ān in both character and practice. He should be a role model in the community, upholding Islamic values, maintaining a close relationship with the masjid, and living according to the Sunnah. A true ḥāfiẓ is someone who not only memorises the Qur’ān, but strives to act upon it. He should stand out in his manners, modesty, and lifestyle, drawing inspiration from the pious scholars and righteous predecessors and not from modern trends or popular culture.

Ḥāfiẓ and Personal Spiritual Development

Personal spiritual development is a crucial aspect of being a ḥāfiẓ of the Qur’ān. The sincerity behind one’s recitation carries the greatest reward and has the most profound impact on the hearts of those who listen. This is often described by those who visit the Haramayn, saying, “We felt amazing—peaceful and refreshed.” What they are truly experiencing is the light of the Qur’an reaching their hearts through the spiritual depth of the reciter.

However, this level of impact can only be attained through genuine spiritual growth. It is only when a ḥāfiẓ elevates their spirituality that their recitation begins to deeply move others. Therefore, it is essential that a ḥāfiẓ not only memorises the words of the Qur’ān but also lives by its message—becoming a true embodiment of its teachings.

This journey of spiritual development must encompass all areas of the religion, with no compromise on obligatory acts—such as performing the five daily prayers on time. Only then can a ḥāfiẓ truly fulfil their role, both in memorisation and in character.

Tarāwīḥ: More Than Just a Role

In a world fuelled by ego, recognition, and performance, ḥuffāẓ can sometimes fall into viewing tarāwīḥ as a service they offer to others or simply a task for which they receive compensation from the Masjid while neglecting their own spiritual journey. Yet, the praise of people holds no real weight if the experience isn’t being used to draw closer to Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ. Tarāwīḥ is not the final objective, but a small, meaningful contribution to the greater luggage of deeds we carry toward our departure from this world. Without this perspective, even something as noble as tarāwīḥ can become a repetitive ritual lacking growth, reflection, and lasting impact on the soul.

Essential Qualities of a Ḥāfiẓ Before Leading on the Musallah

Anyone aspiring to lead tarāwīh must meet the following criteria:

• Excellent Recitation: He must be a proficient reciter of the Qur’ān, consistently applying the rules of tajwīd.
• Knowledge of Ṣalāh: He should be well-versed in the rules and responsibilities of leading the prayer as an Imām.
• Consistent Islamic Image: He must uphold Islāmic appearance and behaviour throughout the year, not just during Ramaḍān.
• Ability to Deliver a Khuṭbah: Especially for those leading prayers in foreign countries, the ability to deliver a proper Khuṭbah is essential.

The Importance of Effective Tarāwīh Training

Tarāwīh preparation should ideally begin months before Ramadan. This gives the ḥuffāẓ ample time to build a strong foundation and be fully prepared well before tarāwīh begins. In reality, Tarāwīh should be the result of a year-long effort and training. Tarāwīḥ should not be the training itself.

A proper training program should include the following components:

• Qur’ānic correction – Ensuring tajwīd rules are followed, even during faster-paced recitation.
• Review of Ṣalāh and Imāmah rules – Covering all essential rulings for leading prayer.
• Mock Tarāwīh sessions – Practising within voluntary (nafl) prayers.
• Basic Khuṭbah training – Especially beneficial for those who may be asked to deliver sermons.
• Practical Ṣalāh demonstrations – To ensure the ḥuffāẓ are confident in all aspects of leading.

Efficient Group Tarawīh Management

In a group tarāwīh setting, unity and coordination are key. Naturally, some ḥuffāẓ will perform better than others, but the focus should always be on personal improvement and mutual support.

When it comes to correcting mistakes during ṣalāh, only one person should be assigned the role of correcting – preferably the one with the strongest Qur’ānic knowledge. This ensures the Imām hears corrections clearly and avoids confusion caused by multiple people speaking at once.

At the same time, the person correcting must be understanding and considerate. Not all ḥuffāẓ are on the same level. Some may be under stress or nervous while on the musallah. In such cases, interrupting for every small error can lead to more mistakes. On the other hand, experienced ḥuffāẓ are more composed and can handle corrections better making them ideal candidates for more direct correction when needed.

We pray to Allah the Almighty that He accepts all our worship in the blessed month of Ramadan.