Witr Prayer:
Witr meaning (odd) is a highly recommend surah prayer offered at night. It is called witr because it is prayed in an off number of units typically after the Isha prayer and before Fajr.
How to pray 3 Witr step by step:
If you want to pray with as 3 Rakat you must pray 2 Rakaat skip tashahud and only do tashahud on the final Rakaa which is the third one.
1. Begin with the proper niyyah ( intention) that you want to pray salatul witr and decide how many Rakat you will offer.
2. Pray the first two rakah's just like a regular fardh Salah
3. Here it is Sunnah to recite the witr Dua known as qunoot or due e qunoot.
Why did the Prophet pray Witr:
The witr prayer is made as a closing prayer for all Sunnah performed at night, done with at least one rakah. It was narrated from Aisha that the Prophet used to pray two rakah's after Witr sitting down as is recorded by Imam Abu Dawud.
How to wake up witr prayer:
"If sleep or sickness kept him ( the Prophet) from praying at night, the Prophet would pray twelve rakah's during the day ." Sheikh ibn Baaz said: " If a person misses witr, it is prescribed for him to pray what he usually prays, during the day but he should make it even numbered by adding one rakah.
Is witr prayer compulsory:
No, Witr prayer is not compulsory for the majority of scholars. It is considered a highly recommended Sunnah (Sunnah muakkadah) while some scholars, like Imam Abu Hanifah, consider it obligatory(wajib), the majority view is that it is a confirmed Sunnah that Muslims are strongly encourage to perform.
Elaboration:
Majority view:
The majority of Islamic scholars, including those from the Maliki, Shadi and Hanbali schools of thought, consider Witr prayer to be a highly emphasized Sunnah, not an obligatory act.
Importance of Witr:
Even though it's not obligatory, witr prayer is highly recommend and emphasized in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) consistently performed Witr and encouraged his followers to do the same.
Consequences of neglecting witr:
While not sinful in the eyes of the majority, neglecting witr can mean missing out on significant rewards and blessings.
Emphasis on following Sunnah:
Performing witr is seen as following the Prophet's Sunnah, and missing it can be a cause for regret for those who wish to be close to Allah and his Messenger.
How to pray Witr according to Hadith:
Witr prayer, according to Hadith, can be performed with one, three, five, seven, or nine rakah's (unit of prayer) with the most common practice being three rakah's. It is recommended to pray it after the isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. When praying three rakah's it is permissible to pray them together with one tashuhhud (sitting) and tasleem salutation) at the end, or to pray two rakah's followed by a Salam and then one rakah with a Salam. Additionally it is recommended to recite Dua Al qunoot in the third rakah before going into rukuh.
Dua is recited in Witr:
Dua Qunoot is a special supplication which is mentioned in the Hadith. It is often recited and known for it's association with the Witr Salah.
How many Rakah's are in Isha:
The Rakah's of Isha prayer
The Isha prayer consists of 17 rakah's in total. Four Sunnah Rakats. Four fard rakats . Two Sunnah . Two nawafil. Three witr .Two nawafil.
How many Rakah's are there in Salat witr:
Salat witr is a prayer with ab odd and uneven numbers of rakah's (until or payers). The minimum rakah's is one and the maximum number of rakah's is eleven.
Even if the minimum rakah's for salat witr is one , it is not encouraged to normalize it. Thus, Imam An- Nawawi points out in his book, Al- Majmu, that the complete minimum rakah's for the Sunnah witr prayer is three.
If a person intends to do more than three, then he or she may do so in any odd numbers, i.e 5, 7, 9, and 11.
How to perform the witr prayer:
There are two ways to perform the witr prayer.
The best way to perform it is known as the disconnected (fasl) method. It is safe to say that this method is the most commonly used way in our region. For example, if a person intends to pray three rakah's of Witr prayer, she observed it by performing two rakah with a Salam and then concluding th set with one rakah and another Salam.
When do pray salat witr:
The duration to perform the Sunnah witr prayer is after salat isyak until the arrival of subuh. Even if the time for Isyak has arrived, you would have to perform Salat Isyak first before performing the witr prayer. This window of opportunity continues until the time for Subuh prayer arrives.
Neverless, Witr prayer is best observed to conclude the night. Abdullah Bin Umer (R.A) reported the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said:
"Make the last of your prayers at night the Witr prayer."
However, if you ar unsure whether you are able to wake up at night for your night prayers, you may consider performing the witr prayer before you sleep. This is consistent with the Hadith.
Jabir Ibn Abdullah narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said:
"He who apprehends that he may not get up in the later part of the night, should observe the witr prayer in the first part of the night, and he who is certain to get up in the last part of it, he should observe white at the end of the night, because salat at the end of the night is attended and that is better."
In this regard, when you Pray the witr prayer in the first part of the night before going to bed and manage to wake up in the last part of the night before Subuh for the night prayers, you do not have to repeat the witr prayer. As informed by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
Witr prayer narrated by Ibn Umar:
Once a person asked Allah's Apostle about the night prayers Allah's Apostle replied: " The night prayer is offered as two Rakat followed by two rakah's and so on and if anyone is afraid of the approaching dawn ( fajr prayer) he should Pray one rakah and this will be a witr for all the Rakah's which he has prayed before. "Nafi" told that Abdullah bin Umer used to say Taslim between (the first) two rakah's and ( the third) odd one in the witr prayer, when he wanted to attend to a certain matter.
Witr prayer narrated by Abdullah Bin Umer:
The Prophet said, " Night prayer is offered as two rakah's followed by two rakah and so on, and if you want to finish it, pray only one rakah which will be witr for all the previous rakah". Al-Qasim said, "Since we attained the age of puberty we have seen some people offering a three rakah's prayer as witr and all that is permissible. I hope there will be no harm in it."
Witr prayer narrated Hazrat Aisha:
Allah's Apostle used to pray eleven rakahs at night and that was his night prayer and each of his prostrations lasted for a period enough for one of you to recite fifty verses before Allah apostle raised his head. He also used to pray two rakah's before the Fajr prayer and then lie down on his right side till the Maadh-dhin came to him for the prayer.
Witr prayer narrated by Hazrat Abdullah bin Umer:
"The Prophet Muhammad said, Make your last prayer at night"
Witr prayer narrated by ibn Umar:
" The Prophet used to offer (Nawafil) prayers on his Rahila (mount) facing it's direction by signals, but not the compulsory prayer. He also used to pray Witr on his (mount) Rahila.
Witr prayer narrated by Anas bin Malik:
"The Prophet recited Qunut for one month (in the Fajr prayer) asking Allah to punish the tribes of Ral and Dhamwan.
Shafa and witr:
The shafa and witr prayers are part of the night prayers offered after the obligatory Isha prayer. While shafa refers to an even number of rakah's witr is an odd numbered prayer, symbolizing completeness and uniqueness in worship. Together, they culminate the days.
Salat Al- Witr: The Unique night prayer:
The witr prayer stands out as the concluding prayer of the day. It is often referred to as the "night's witr", representing Allah's oneness. While the minimum is one Rakat, three rakats are preferred.
How to pray witr in Isha:
Combining witr with the Isha prayer simplifies the process. After completing the obligatory Isha rakah's:
- Offer the shafa prayer ( two rakah's).
- Conclude with witr (one or three rakah's).
- This sequence ensures a seamless flow of prayers.
How to pray Tahajjud and witr:
If you wish to pray Tahajjud , it's ideal to delay witr until after Tahajjud prayer. Perform the desired number of Tahajjud rakah's, followed by witr as the final prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) recommended making witr the last prayer of the night.
Is Shafa and witr compulsory:
While Shafa and witr are not obligatory like the five daily prayers, they are highly recommended Sunnah Muakkadah. Scholars agree that regularly performing these prayers brings immense rewards.
Benefits of Witr prayer:
The witr prayer holds numerous benefits:
- Strengthen the bond with Allah.
- Offers spiritual contentment and peace.
- Grants forgiveness and blessings in the hereafter.
- Acts as a shield against trials.
What to recite in Shafi and witr:
In Shafa, recite any surahs after surah al- Fatiha .In witr, common recitations include Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-nas. The Dua Qunoot is also recited in the last rakah of Witr.
Dua for Witr:
The Dua e qunoot is a powerful invocation recites during witr. It seeks Allah's guidance, mercy, and protection. Here is a commonly recited version:
"Allahuma ihdini fiman hafayat wa' afini fiman afayt."
Key points about witr prayer:
1. Time of Witr:
- Begin after 'Isha prayer '.
- Extends until break of dawn( Fajr time).
- Best time: In the last third of the night ( especially for those who wake up for Tahajjud.
2. Number of Rakah's :
- Can be prayed as 1,3,5,7,9 or 11 rakah's.
- The Prophet most commonly prayed 3 rakah's.
- Scholars differ on whether the 3 rakah's should be prayed all together or with two rakah's followed by one rakah with tasleem (based on different narrations).
3. How it is prayed:
- If praying 3 rakah's together a tashuhhud is done after the second rakah and again after the third.
- In the last rakah Qunoot Dua may be recited before or after rukoo(bowing) this is Sunnah and not obligatory.
4. Virtues of Witr:
- The Prophet said:
"Make witr your last prayer at night."
- It was so beloved to him that he never left it, even when traveling.
- He said:
"Allah is Witr (one) and loves witr".
5. Ruling:
- Witr is Sunnah Muakkadah (highly emphasized Sunnah)
- It is not obligatory but neglecting it regularly is considered blameworthy by many scholars.
Benefits about witr prayer:
Witr is highly recommended Sunnah prayers in Islam, performed after the isha prayer and before fajr. If holds a special spiritual and more significance.
Spiritual benefits:
1. Closeness to Allah:
Witr is a means of drawing nearer to Allah, especially when prayed in the quiet hours of the night.
2. Completion of night prayer:
It acts as a spiritual "seal" for the night prayers, completing the cycle of worship for the day.
3. Following the Sunnah of the Prophet:
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) never left witr , whether travelling or at a home, showing its importance:He said:
"Make witr your last prayer at night."
Moral and personal benefits:
4. Build discipline and consistency:
Regularly praying witr cultivates self- discipline and a habit of night worship.
5. Spiritual peace and tranquility:
It provides a peaceful end of the day, helping a believer sleep with a heart connected to Allah.
6. Strengthen faith:
Acts of voluntary worship like witr boost Imam and spiritual resilience.
Protective benefits:
7. A shield against shaytan:
The night prayer, especially with, is a protection against the whispers and influence of shaytan.
8. Seeking forgiveness and Mercy:
Witr includes beautiful supplications like (Dua e qunoot) where you ask for guidance, forgiveness and protection especially meaningful in the depths of the night.
Rewards and honor:
9.Highly rewarded by Allah:
It's among the most rewarding optional prayers. The Prophet said:
"Allah has added one more prayer for you, which is witr. Pray it between Isha and Fajr.
10. Sign of the righteous:
Regular performance of Witr is a mark of a devoted believer. Many righteous people and scholars prioritized witr, even during hardship.
Conclusion:
Witr prayer is a beautiful way to end your day and seek Allah's forgiveness and mercy. It holds a special place in nightly worship and helps maintain a strong spiritual connection with Allah. While not obligatory, it is a consistent Sunnah of the Prophet and a sign of the believers dedication to night worship.