Can I join after 6 or 8 rakaats, and if I have not performed Esha prayer, can I add two rakaats to the Tarawih and consider it to be Esha?

Answer:

Though not obligatory, Taraweeh prayers are highly recommended and come with immense spiritual rewards. The obligatory prayers consist of the five daily prayers and the Jumu’ah prayer, but Taraweeh holds a special place during Ramadan. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, their past sins will be forgiven.”

It is strongly encouraged that Taraweeh be performed in the congregation at the mosque. However, praying at home is recommended for those unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances. Families, in particular, are encouraged to pray Taraweeh together in congregation at home, fostering a sense of unity and spirituality.

If someone arrives late to the mosque while Taraweeh is in progress, they can still join the imam to complete their Isha prayer. After the imam concludes that unit of Taraweeh with salam, the latecomer should stand and finish the two rak’ahs missed from Isha before continuing with Taraweeh. This practice is rooted in authentic traditions and has been affirmed by scholars.

A narration by Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) recounts that Muadh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) would pray Isha with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the Prophet’s Mosque. He would then go to his people, the Banu Salama, and lead them in the same Isha prayer. (Reported by Bukhari)

This narration supports the permissibility of joining the imam during Taraweeh to pray Isha and completing any missed rak’ahs afterward. Scholars have validated this practice as a beneficial option for latecomers, making it an accessible and practical solution for those striving to participate in these blessed prayers.