Performing Witr prayer is a cherished practice for many Muslims. This unique prayer, performed at night, holds a special place in the hearts of believers, offering a chance to seek closeness to Allah and end the day on a spiritual high note. Whether you’re new to this practice or looking to refine your approach, this guide will walk you through the various ways to perform Witr prayer, its significance, and the step-by-step process to help you master it.
Witr Prayer
Witr prayer is an odd-numbered prayer performed after the Isha (night) prayer and before the Fajr (dawn) prayer. The term “Witr” means “odd” in Arabic, signifying the odd number of rakats (units of prayer) involved. It’s a Sunnah Muakkadah, which means it was a regular practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), although there’s scholarly debate about its obligatory nature.
The Significance of Witr Prayer
Witr prayer is highly recommended and offers numerous spiritual benefits. It serves as a means of seeking forgiveness, expressing gratitude, and making supplications. By incorporating Witr into your nightly routine, you follow the example of the Prophet and strengthen your connection with Allah.
Is Witr Wajib or Sunnah?
There’s a scholarly difference of opinion on whether Witr prayer is obligatory (wajib) or highly recommended (sunnah). According to Imam Abu Hanifah, Witr is considered wajib, meaning it’s mandatory but not as critical as the five daily fardh prayers. The other three major imams, including Imam Malik, Imam Shafi’i, and Imam Ahmad, regard Witr as Sunnah Al-Muakkadah, based on hadiths indicating it’s not obligatory but still highly emphasized.
Ways to Perform Witr Prayer
There are different methods to perform Witr prayer, each offering a unique way to connect with Allah. Here, we explore the most common practices:
Method 1: Three Rakats Without Sitting for Tashadud in the Second Rakat
This method involves praying three consecutive rakats without sitting for tashadud (the sitting position) after the second rakat. Instead, you sit only in the final rakat. This approach is simple and straightforward.
Method 2: Two Rakats Followed by One Rakat
In this method, you first pray two rakats, complete with tashadud and tasleem (saying salaam to end the prayer). After that, you pray one additional rakat separately, again including tashadud and tasleem. This aligns with the Sunnah of the Prophet, who often prayed in sets of two rakats and ended with one.
Flexibility in Rakats
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also demonstrated flexibility in the number of rakats for Witr prayer, sometimes praying five, seven, or even nine rakats without breaking them into separate units. This flexibility allows you to choose the method that best suits your routine and spiritual needs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Witr Prayer
Now that we’ve covered the different methods, let’s walk through a step-by-step guide to performing three rakats of Witr prayer.
Step 1: Begin with the Proper Niyyah (Intention)
Before starting your prayer, make the intention (niyyah) to pray Witr. While it’s not mandatory to verbalize this intention, it helps to focus your mind. You can think or say, “I intend to offer three rakats of Witr prayer.”
Step 2: Pray the First Two Rakats Like Regular Fardh Salah
Start by praying the first two rakats as you would for any regular obligatory prayer. Begin with Takbir (saying “Allahu Akbar”) and recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by another Surah or a few verses from the Qur’an. Complete the ruku (bowing) and sujood (prostration) for both rakats.
Step 3: The Third Rakat and Qunoot Dua
In the third rakat, after reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah, raise your hands to your earlobes and say Takbir (“Allahu Akbar”). Instead of going down for ruku, recite the Qunoot dua. There are two widely accepted versions of this supplication:
- The Common Qunoot Dua:
- The Hanafi Qunoot Dua:
Step 4: Complete the Third Rakat
After reciting the Qunoot dua, continue with the ruku and sujood as in regular prayer. Complete the prayer by sitting for tashadud and concluding with tasleem (saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” to end the prayer).
Step 5: Recommended Surahs
For the three rakats of Witr, it’s Sunnah to recite specific Surahs in each rakat:
- First Rakat: Surah Al-A’la (Chapter 87)
- Second Rakat: Surah Al-Kafirun (Chapter 109)
- Third Rakat: Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112)
While this is recommended, it’s not obligatory, and you can recite other Surahs if needed.
How Witr is Performed in Mecca and Medina
In Mecca and Medina, the Witr prayer follows the Shafi’i fiqh, which includes a slightly different approach:
- The Imam prays two rakats as usual.
- He then starts a new Salat for one rakat, reciting the Qur’an aloud and performing the ruku and sujood.
- After rising from the ruku, the Imam recites the Qunoot dua audibly, and followers say “Ameen.”
- The Imam completes the salah with tasleem.
Hadiths on Witr Salah
Several hadiths emphasize the importance and flexibility of Witr prayer:
- Abu Ayyub al-Ansari reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The Witr prayer is a cherished duty for every Muslim, offering flexibility in how it can be performed. Whether you choose to observe it with five rak’ahs, three, or even just one, the beauty lies in the personal connection to your faith. Seize this chance to elevate your spiritual journey and unlock new depths of insight and growth! (Sunan Abi Dawud)
- Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet used to pray Witr with three rak‘ahs, only sitting for tashahhud in the last of them. (Al-Bayhaqi)
- Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned that the Prophet used to separate the two rak’ahs from the single rak’ah with a tasleem. (Ibn Hibban)
- Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet would sometimes pray Witr with seven or five rak’ahs without separating them with tasleem. (Sunan an-Nasa’i)
- Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Witr is not essential like the obligatory prayers, but it is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i)
Conclusion
Witr prayer is a beautiful and flexible practice that offers a chance to seek Allah’s guidance and mercy each night. By understanding the different methods and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently incorporate Witr into your nightly routine.
Remember, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the significance of Witr prayer, and by making it a regular part of your life, you follow his example and draw closer to Allah. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to seek advice from knowledgeable sources or your local mosque.