Praying Tarawih Early or Delayed

Q: Is it better to pray tarawih early in the night or delay it to the end of the night?

A: The preferred time for tarawih is early in the night (i.e. after sunnat al-Isha), as was the practice during the time of ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with him). Since people would gather for prayer at the beginning of the night, this became the more virtuous time to perform tarawih.

Additionally, the sunnah is to follow tarawih with the witr prayer in congregation, based on the narration of Abū Dharr, “The Prophet (peace be upon him) gathered his family and companions and said, “Whoever prays with the Imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him as if he prayed the entire night.’”

Since the Imam does not conclude until Witr is prayed, it is best to complete the tarawih prayer with the congregation and conclude with witr alongside them.

Source: Sharh al-Muntaha & Kashshaf al-Qina