What is the ruling and nature of the Tarawih prayer?

The Tarawih prayer is a voluntary (nafl) prayer performed during the month of Ramadan, after the night (isha) prayer and until the time of the dawn (fajr) prayer. This prayer, described in hadiths as reviving the nights of Ramadan, is called "tarawih" because a short rest is taken after every four units (rak‘ah) for relaxation. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) performed this prayer in congregation with his companions, but when he saw their eagerness, he discontinued leading it in congregation out of concern that it might become obligatory, and continued to perform it alone (Buhârî, Salâtü’t-terâvîh, 1 [2012]; Muslim, Salâtü’l-müsâfirîn, 177-178 [761]). The Prophet also encouraged the Tarawih prayer by saying, “Whoever performs the Ramadan prayer (Tarawih) out of faith and seeking its reward from Allah, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Buhârî, Salâtü’t-terâvîh, 1 [2009]; Muslim, Salâtü’l-müsâfirîn, 173-175 [759-760]).

For this reason, the Tarawih prayer is a confirmed Sunnah (sunnah mu’akkadah) for both men and women. Although it is permissible to offer the Tarawih prayer by giving salutation (salâm) after every four rak‘ahs, it is more virtuous to give salutation after every two rak‘ahs. It is recommended (mustahabb) to sit and rest for a while at the end of every four rak‘ahs. During these breaks, it is appropriate to engage in tahlil (saying lâ ilâhe illallah) and salawat (sending blessings upon the Prophet).

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu