When tarawih was first implemented, it is narrated that Rasulullah s.a.w. prayed 8 rakaat.

Sayyidatina Aishah r.a. said: “Rasulullah did not pray more than eleven rakaat in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to pray 4 rakaat,– do not ask about their beauty and length – and he then he would pray 4 rakaat – and do not ask about their length and beauty. He then prayed 3 rakaat (witir). I asked: O Rasulullah, do you sleep before performing witir? He replied: O Aishah, verily my two eyes sleep, but my heart does not.”

The implementation of tarawih as performed by Rasulullah s.a.w. was carried out by the companions until the time of Umar Al-Khattab r.a. He decided to unite the Muslim community to perform tarawih in congregation with a single Imam and 20 rakaat. (Narrated by Imam Bukhari).

In summary, whether one chooses to pray in congregation at the mosques or at home, or whether to pray 8 or 20 rakaat, tarawih is a highly encouraged practice in Islam that we should seek to continue.