Some (Ghair Muqallids) claim that Taraweeh is the same as Tahajjud, then why are there differences.

Differences between Tahajjud and Taraweeh

1. Tahajjud is mentioned in The Quran: "Stand up at night except a little." Taraweeh being a Sunnah was established through the hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "I have made its standing Sunnat for you."

2. Everyone agrees that the number of Rakaats of Tahajjud have been transmitted by Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), the maximum being 13 including Witr and the minimum being 7 including Witr. However no specific number has been transmitted from Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) regarding Taraweeh as clearly stated by ibne Taymiyyah. Therefore the Aimma-e-Mujtahideen differ in the number. Some say 20 and some say 36, even more. ANd we all know why, and that the action of 36 soon stopped.

3. Tahajjud was ordained in Makkah whilst Taraweeh was prescribed in Madina.

4. It is mentioned in the realiable books of the Hambali Mazhab, Muqna: "Taraweeh is 20 Rakaats which a person performs in Ramadhaan in Jamaat. He will read Witr after it in Jamaat. However if he reads Tahajjud then he will make Witr after it."

5. Tahajjud is generally performed after sleeping while Taraweeh is performed after Esha.