Easy to follow step by step guide for a Muslim looking to learn how to properly perform Witr Salah according to Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
INTRODUCTION TO WITR PRAYER
If you’re looking to learn how to pray Witr Salah then you probably know that it is slightly different from the other daily Islamic prayers.
The Witr Salah can be seen as problematic as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught us different ways it could be completed. This has led to discussion of which is the right way to pray Witr?
The answer… there actually is no one right way. If there was there would be no discussion or disagreement. The way you may offer Witr prayer depends on which school of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) you follow. All schools of Fiqh are based around Sahih Hadith and done according to Qura’nic teachings, no one school is more correct over another and it’s often a matter of preference.
Another common misconception is the Witr prayer is thought to be part of ‘Isha Salah, this is not entirely correct. Witr prayer can be offered anytime after Isha salah up until break of dawn.
Regarding the importance of Witr Salah, in a Sahih Hadith, The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The Witr is a duty for every Muslim. [1]
As mentioned in our previous guide on how to pray Salah, every prayer is an opportunity for a Muslim to invest in deepening his or her relationship with their creator. As kids we may have viewed prayers as a duty or a chore but if we shift our perspective and take the time to understand why we offer prayer then we may be more disciplined and consistent with our prayers.
The Holy Qur’an teaches us that the prayer can be a source to gain sabr (patience), it is a spiritual act which brings tranquility to the believer’s heart, and is a means of self purification:
“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
2:153
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.”
13:28
“Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.”
29:45
HOW MANY RAK’ATS IN WITR?
The consensus among the jurists is the Witr should be completed in odd number of Rak’ats. This can be three, five, seven, or even nine. The most common practice is to pray three Rak’ats for Witr and there are two ways this can be completed.
1. The first way is to pray three Rak’at without sitting for Tashahhud in the second Rak’at. [2]
2. You can pray two Rak’ats for Witr with Tashahhud and Tasleem. Then follow with one Rak’at again with Tashahhud and Tasleem. [3]
It is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) to pray two by two and finish Witr with one Rak’at so an odd numbered of Rak’ats is completed.
In another Hadith it was mentioned that the Prophet (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) prayed five, seven, and even nine Raka’ts in one Salat and did not separate them with Tasleem. [5]
There is a difference of opinion as to whether Witr Salat is obligatory.
Wajib – Mandatory prayer, in missing the prayer you are blameworthy. But it is not as bad as missing a Fard prayer.
Sunnah – Referred to as the Prophet’s practice. Here there are two types, one Rasoolullah (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) prayed regularly known as Mu’akkadah (for example, Eid prayer) and the other which the Prophet (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) abandoned occasionally, Ghair Mu’akkadah.
According to Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimullahi ‘alaihi) the Witr Salat is considered Wajib. The other three Imams regard this prayer as Sunnah Al-Mu’akkadah based off the Hadith which stresses that it is not obligatory.
HOW TO PRAY WITR (STEP BY STEP):
After going through the prerequisites of Salah, we are now ready to begin our Witr prayer. We will demonstrate what offering three Rak’ats Witr prayer would look like.
1. Begin with the proper Niyyah (intention) that you want to pray Salatul Witr and decide how many Rak’ats you will offer. This is not mandatory to say but just to give you an idea,
“I intend to offer _____ Rak’ats of the Witr prayer.”
2. Pray the first two Rak’ats just like a regular Fard Salah. We cover this in our guide to learning how to pray Salah. In the third Rak’at of Witr prayer recite Surah al-Fatihah followed by a few verses from the Holy Qur’an, then say the Takbir “Allahu Akbar”. Instead of going down for Ruku’ raise your hands to your ear lobes and bring them back down to your naval.
3. Here it is Sunnah to recite the Witr Du’a known as Qunoot or Du’a-e-Qunoot. There are two variations which are recorded and either is acceptable.
اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ فَإِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلاَ يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ وَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ
Allahumma ihdini feeman hadait, wa a’fini fiman ‘aafait, wa tawallani feeman tawallait, wa baarik lee feemaa a’tait, wa qinee sharra maa qadait, fa innaka taqdee wa laa yuqda 'alaik, wa innahoo laa yadhillu man walait, tabaarakta Rabbanaa wa ta’alait.
Meaning: O Allah guide me among those You have guided, pardon me among those You have pardoned, befriend me among those You have befriended, bless me in what You have granted, and save me from the evil that You decreed. Indeed You decree, and none can pass decree, and none can pass decree upon You, indeed he is not humiliated whom You have befriended, blessed are You our Lord and Exalted.
The above is generally the more accepted dua for Witr, the Hanafi commonly recite the version below. [8]
اَللَّهُمَّ إنا نَسْتَعِينُكَ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَنُؤْمِنُ بِكَ وَنَتَوَكَّلُ عَلَيْكَ وَنُثْنِئْ عَلَيْكَ الخَيْرَ وَنَشْكُرُكَ وَلَا نَكْفُرُكَ وَنَخْلَعُ وَنَتْرُكُ مَنْ ئَّفْجُرُكَ اَللَّهُمَّ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَلَكَ نُصَلِّئ وَنَسْجُدُ وَإِلَيْكَ نَسْعأئ وَنَحْفِدُ وَنَرْجُو رَحْمَتَكَ وَنَخْشآئ عَذَابَكَ إِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالكُفَّارِ مُلْحَقٌ
Allahumma innaa nasta-‘eenuka wa nastaghfiruka wa nu’minu bika wa natawakkalu ‘alaika wa nuthnee ‘alaikal khair, wa nashkuruka walaa nakfuruka wa nakhla’u wa natruku man-yyafjuruka, Allaahumma iyyaaka na’budu wa laka nusalli wa nasjudu wa ilaika nas’aa wa nahfidu wa narjoo Rahmataka wa nakhshaa ‘adhaabaka inna ‘adhaabaka bil kuffaari mulhiq.
Meaning: O Allah! We invoke you for help, and beg for forgiveness, and we believe in you and have trust in you and we praise you, in the best way we can; and we thank you and we are not ungrateful to you, and we forsake and turn away from the one who disobeys you. O Allah! We worship you and prostrate ourselves before you, and we hasten towards you and serve you, and we hope to receive your mercy and we dread your torment. Surely, the disbelievers shall incur your torment.
If you wish to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) you can recite the Witr Du’as above. But this is not obligatory. You can substitute with any Du’a if you find the ones above difficult to learn.
An easier one to begin with is Rabanna aatina fid dunyaa du’a. It is, however, recommended to complete Witr according to Sunnah for the most blessings. This includes taking the time out to memorize the Qunoot Du’a.
4. After finishing the invocation, continue with Salat in the regular manner and finish with Tasleem.
5. For the three Raka’ts of Witr, it is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to recite Surah Al-A’la (Chapter 87) for first Rak’at, Surah Al-Kaafiroon (Chapter 109) in the second, and then Surah Ikhlas (chapter 112) in the final Rak’at. I stress again, this is not mandatory but the Sunnah of the Prophet (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam).
HOW WITR IS PERFORMED IN MAKKAH AND MADINAH:
The two Harams at Makkah and Madinah follow the Shafi’i fiqh which differs in one way.
The Imam will pray two Rak’ats as usual.
He then starts a new Salat for one Rak’at. Reads the Holy Quran aloud and bows for Ruku’ in the regular manner.
The Imam will say SamiAllahu liman Hamidah and rise from the Ruku’. After recitation of Rabbanaa lakal Hamd the Imam will raise his hands and begin the supplication.
The Imam will audibly recite the Qunoot Du’a “Allaahumma ihdini feeman hadait…”, the followers behind him in prayer can say Ameen.
After the completion of Du’a-e-Qunoot, the Imam will complete the Salah in the usual manner.
[1] Narrated Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (RadiyAllah ‘anhu): The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The witr is a duty for every Muslim so if anyone wishes to observe it with five Rak’ats, he may do so; if anyone wishes to observe it with three, he may do so, and if anyone wishes to observe it with one, he may do so. Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani) Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud
[2] It was narrated that ‘Aishah (RadiyAllahu 'anhaa) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray Witr with three Rak‘ats, only sitting [for Tashahhud] in the last of them. Narrated by al-Bayhaqi (4581). This Hadith was classed as Sahih by Al-Hakim, and Adh-Dhahabi agreed with him. Al-Mustadrak (1/304). Classed as Sahih by An-Nawawi in Al-Majmoo’a (4/7).
[3] Narrated from Ibn ‘Umar (RadiyAllahu 'anhumaa), that he used to separate the two Rak’ats from the single Rak’ah with a Tasleem, and he said that the Prophet (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) used to do that. Narrated by Ibn Hibban (2435); Ibn Hajar said in al-Fath (2/482): its Isnad is Qawwiy (strong).
[4] It was narrated that Ibn Umar (RadiyAllahu ‘anhumaa) said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Prayer at night is two by two, and Witr is one Rak’at.'” Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference: Sunan an-Nasa’i
[5] Mansur reported from Al-Hakam, from Miqsam, from Ibn ‘Abbas (Radiyallahu ‘anhumaa) that Umm Salamah (Radiyallah ‘anhaa) said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray witr with seven or five (Rak’ats), not separating between them with the Tasleem.” Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference: Sunan an-Nasai
[6] It was narrated that Ali (RadiyAllahu ‘anhu), said: “Witr is not essential like the obligatory prayers, but it is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference: Sunan an-Nasa’i
[7] Al-Hasan bin Ali (RadiyAllahu ‘anhumaa) said: “Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) taught me some phrases to say during Al-Witr (Allahummahdini feeman hadait, wa aa’fini feeman ‘aafait, wa tawallanee feeman tawallait, wa baarik lee feemaa a’tait, wa qinee sharra ma qadait, fa innaka taqdee wa la yuqda ‘alaik, wa innahu laa yadhillu man walait, tabaarakta Rabbanaa wa ta’alait.)
‘O Allah guide me among those You have guided, pardon me among those You have pardoned, befriend me among those You have befriended, bless me in what You have granted, and save me from the evil that You decreed. Indeed You decree, and none can pass decree, and none can pass decree upon You, indeed he is not humiliated whom You have befriended, blessed are You our Lord and Exalted.'” Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference: Jami At-Tirmidhi, also mentioned in Sunan Abi Dawud and Sunan Nasai.
[8] Narrated by al-Bayhaqi, 2/210; classed as Sahih by al-Albaani in al-Irwa’, 2/170.
[9] It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (RadiyAllahu ‘anhumaa) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform Witr and recite: “Glorify the Name of your Lord the Most High,” [Al-A’laa (87)] “Say: O you disbelievers!” [Al-Kaafiroon (109)] and ‘Say: Allah is One.”. [Al-Ikhlaas (112)] Another chain with similar wording. Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference: Sunan Ibn Majah
[10] It was narrated that Ubayy bin Ka’b (RadiyAllahu ‘anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform Witr and recite: ‘Glorify the Name of your Lord the Most High.’, [Al-A’laa (87)] ‘Say: O you disbelievers!” [Al-Kaafiroon (109)] and ‘Say: Allah is One.”. [Al-Ikhlaas (112)] Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Sunan Ibn Majah
Easy to follow step by step guide for a Muslim looking to learn how to properly perform Witr Salah according to Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
INTRODUCTION TO WITR PRAYER
If you’re looking to learn how to pray Witr Salah then you probably know that it is slightly different from the other daily Islamic prayers.
The Witr Salah can be seen as problematic as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught us different ways it could be completed. This has led to discussion of which is the right way to pray Witr?
The answer… there actually is no one right way. If there was there would be no discussion or disagreement. The way you may offer Witr prayer depends on which school of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) you follow.
All schools of Fiqh are based around Sahih Hadith and done according to Qura’nic teachings, no one school is more correct over another and it’s often a matter of preference.
Another common misconception is the Witr prayer is thought to be part of ‘Isha Salah, this is not entirely correct. Witr prayer can be offered anytime after Isha salah up until break of dawn.
Regarding the importance of Witr Salah, in a Sahih Hadith, The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The Witr is a duty for every Muslim. [1]
As mentioned in our previous guide on how to pray Salah, every prayer is an opportunity for a Muslim to invest in deepening his or her relationship with their creator.
As kids we may have viewed prayers as a duty or a chore but if we shift our perspective and take the time to understand why we offer prayer then we may be more disciplined and consistent with our prayers.
The Holy Qur’an teaches us that the prayer can be a source to gain sabr (patience), it is a spiritual act which brings tranquility to the believer’s heart, and is a means of self purification:\
“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
2:153
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.”
13:28
“Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.”
29:45
HOW MANY RAK’ATS IN WITR?
The consensus among the jurists is the Witr should be completed in odd number of Rak’ats. This can be three, five, seven, or even nine. The most common practice is to pray three Rak’ats for Witr and there are two ways this can be completed.
1. The first way is to pray three Rak’at without sitting for Tashahhud in the second Rak’at. [2]
2. You can pray two Rak’ats for Witr with Tashahhud and Tasleem. Then follow with one Rak’at again with Tashahhud and Tasleem. [3]
It is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) to pray two by two and finish Witr with one Rak’at so an odd numbered of Rak’ats is completed.
In another Hadith it was mentioned that the Prophet (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) prayed five, seven, and even nine Raka’ts in one Salat and did not separate them with Tasleem. [5]
There is a difference of opinion as to whether Witr Salat is obligatory.
Wajib – Mandatory prayer, in missing the prayer you are blameworthy. But it is not as bad as missing a Fard prayer.
Sunnah – Referred to as the Prophet’s practice. Here there are two types, one Rasoolullah (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) prayed regularly known as Mu’akkadah (for example, Eid prayer) and the other which the Prophet (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) abandoned occasionally, Ghair Mu’akkadah.
According to Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimullahi ‘alaihi) the Witr Salat is considered Wajib. The other three Imams regard this prayer as Sunnah Al-Mu’akkadah based off the Hadith which stresses that it is not obligatory.
HOW TO PRAY WITR (STEP BY STEP):
After going through the prerequisites of Salah, we are now ready to begin our Witr prayer. We will demonstrate what offering three Rak’ats Witr prayer would look like.
1. Begin with the proper Niyyah (intention) that you want to pray Salatul Witr and decide how many Rak’ats you will offer. This is not mandatory to say but just to give you an idea,
“I intend to offer _____ Rak’ats of the Witr prayer.”
2. Pray the first two Rak’ats just like a regular Fard Salah. We cover this in our guide to learning how to pray Salah. In the third Rak’at of Witr prayer recite Surah al-Fatihah followed by a few verses from the Holy Qur’an, then say the Takbir “Allahu Akbar”. Instead of going down for Ruku’ raise your hands to your ear lobes and bring them back down to your naval.
3. Here it is Sunnah to recite the Witr Du’a known as Qunoot or Du’a-e-Qunoot. There are two variations which are recorded and either is acceptable.
اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ فَإِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلاَ يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ وَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ
Allahumma ihdini feeman hadait, wa a’fini fiman ‘aafait, wa tawallani feeman tawallait, wa baarik lee feemaa a’tait, wa qinee sharra maa qadait, fa innaka taqdee wa laa yuqda 'alaik, wa innahoo laa yadhillu man walait, tabaarakta Rabbanaa wa ta’alait.
Meaning: O Allah guide me among those You have guided, pardon me among those You have pardoned, befriend me among those You have befriended, bless me in what You have granted, and save me from the evil that You decreed. Indeed You decree, and none can pass decree, and none can pass decree upon You, indeed he is not humiliated whom You have befriended, blessed are You our Lord and Exalted.
The above is generally the more accepted dua for Witr, the Hanafi commonly recite the version below. [8]
اَللَّهُمَّ إنا نَسْتَعِينُكَ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَنُؤْمِنُ بِكَ وَنَتَوَكَّلُ عَلَيْكَ وَنُثْنِئْ عَلَيْكَ الخَيْرَ وَنَشْكُرُكَ وَلَا نَكْفُرُكَ وَنَخْلَعُ وَنَتْرُكُ مَنْ ئَّفْجُرُكَ اَللَّهُمَّ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَلَكَ نُصَلِّئ وَنَسْجُدُ وَإِلَيْكَ نَسْعأئ وَنَحْفِدُ وَنَرْجُو رَحْمَتَكَ وَنَخْشآئ عَذَابَكَ إِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالكُفَّارِ مُلْحَقٌ
Allahumma innaa nasta-‘eenuka wa nastaghfiruka wa nu’minu bika wa natawakkalu ‘alaika wa nuthnee ‘alaikal khair, wa nashkuruka walaa nakfuruka wa nakhla’u wa natruku man-yyafjuruka, Allaahumma iyyaaka na’budu wa laka nusalli wa nasjudu wa ilaika nas’aa wa nahfidu wa narjoo Rahmataka wa nakhshaa ‘adhaabaka inna ‘adhaabaka bil kuffaari mulhiq.
Meaning: O Allah! We invoke you for help, and beg for forgiveness, and we believe in you and have trust in you and we praise you, in the best way we can; and we thank you and we are not ungrateful to you, and we forsake and turn away from the one who disobeys you. O Allah! We worship you and prostrate ourselves before you, and we hasten towards you and serve you, and we hope to receive your mercy and we dread your torment. Surely, the disbelievers shall incur your torment.
If you wish to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) you can recite the Witr Du’as above. But this is not obligatory. You can substitute with any Du’a if you find the ones above difficult to learn.
An easier one to begin with is Rabanna aatina fid dunyaa du’a. It is, however, recommended to complete Witr according to Sunnah for the most blessings. This includes taking the time out to memorize the Qunoot Du’a.
4. After finishing the invocation, continue with Salat in the regular manner and finish with Tasleem.
5. For the three Raka’ts of Witr, it is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to recite Surah Al-A’la (Chapter 87) for first Rak’at, Surah Al-Kaafiroon (Chapter 109) in the second, and then Surah Ikhlas (chapter 112) in the final Rak’at.
I stress again, this is not mandatory but the Sunnah of the Prophet (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam).
HOW WITR IS PERFORMED IN MAKKAH AND MADINAH:
The two Harams at Makkah and Madinah follow the Shafi’i fiqh which differs in one way.
The Imam will pray two Rak’ats as usual.
He then starts a new Salat for one Rak’at. Reads the Holy Quran aloud and bows for Ruku’ in the regular manner.
The Imam will say SamiAllahu liman Hamidah and rise from the Ruku’. After recitation of Rabbanaa lakal Hamd the Imam will raise his hands and begin the supplication.
The Imam will audibly recite the Qunoot Du’a “Allaahumma ihdini feeman hadait…”, the followers behind him in prayer can say Ameen.
After the completion of Du’a-e-Qunoot, the Imam will complete the Salah in the usual manner.
[1] Narrated Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (RadiyAllah ‘anhu): The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The witr is a duty for every Muslim so if anyone wishes to observe it with five Rak’ats, he may do so; if anyone wishes to observe it with three, he may do so, and if anyone wishes to observe it with one, he may do so. Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani) Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud
[2] It was narrated that ‘Aishah (RadiyAllahu 'anhaa) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray Witr with three Rak‘ats, only sitting [for Tashahhud] in the last of them. Narrated by al-Bayhaqi (4581). This Hadith was classed as Sahih by Al-Hakim, and Adh-Dhahabi agreed with him. Al-Mustadrak (1/304). Classed as Sahih by An-Nawawi in Al-Majmoo’a (4/7).
[3] Narrated from Ibn ‘Umar (RadiyAllahu 'anhumaa), that he used to separate the two Rak’ats from the single Rak’ah with a Tasleem, and he said that the Prophet (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) used to do that. Narrated by Ibn Hibban (2435); Ibn Hajar said in al-Fath (2/482): its Isnad is Qawwiy (strong).
[4] It was narrated that Ibn Umar (RadiyAllahu ‘anhumaa) said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Prayer at night is two by two, and Witr is one Rak’at.'” Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference: Sunan an-Nasa’i
[5] Mansur reported from Al-Hakam, from Miqsam, from Ibn ‘Abbas (Radiyallahu ‘anhumaa) that Umm Salamah (Radiyallah ‘anhaa) said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray witr with seven or five (Rak’ats), not separating between them with the Tasleem.” Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference: Sunan an-Nasai
[6] It was narrated that Ali (RadiyAllahu ‘anhu), said: “Witr is not essential like the obligatory prayers, but it is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference: Sunan an-Nasa’i
[7] Al-Hasan bin Ali (RadiyAllahu ‘anhumaa) said: “Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) taught me some phrases to say during Al-Witr (Allahummahdini feeman hadait, wa aa’fini feeman ‘aafait, wa tawallanee feeman tawallait, wa baarik lee feemaa a’tait, wa qinee sharra ma qadait, fa innaka taqdee wa la yuqda ‘alaik, wa innahu laa yadhillu man walait, tabaarakta Rabbanaa wa ta’alait.)
‘O Allah guide me among those You have guided, pardon me among those You have pardoned, befriend me among those You have befriended, bless me in what You have granted, and save me from the evil that You decreed. Indeed You decree, and none can pass decree, and none can pass decree upon You, indeed he is not humiliated whom You have befriended, blessed are You our Lord and Exalted.'” Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference: Jami At-Tirmidhi, also mentioned in Sunan Abi Dawud and Sunan Nasai.
[8] Narrated by al-Bayhaqi, 2/210; classed as Sahih by al-Albaani in al-Irwa’, 2/170.
[9] It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (RadiyAllahu ‘anhumaa) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform Witr and recite: “Glorify the Name of your Lord the Most High,” [Al-A’laa (87)] “Say: O you disbelievers!” [Al-Kaafiroon (109)] and ‘Say: Allah is One.”. [Al-Ikhlaas (112)] Another chain with similar wording. Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference: Sunan Ibn Majah
[10] It was narrated that Ubayy bin Ka’b (RadiyAllahu ‘anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform Witr and recite: ‘Glorify the Name of your Lord the Most High.’, [Al-A’laa (87)] ‘Say: O you disbelievers!” [Al-Kaafiroon (109)] and ‘Say: Allah is One.”. [Al-Ikhlaas (112)] Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Sunan Ibn Majah
Easy to follow step by step guide for a Muslim looking to learn how to properly perform Witr Salah according to Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
INTRODUCTION TO WITR PRAYER
If you’re looking to learn how to pray Witr Salah then you probably know that it is slightly different from the other daily Islamic prayers.
The Witr Salah can be seen as problematic as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught us different ways it could be completed. This has led to discussion of which is the right way to pray Witr?
The answer… there actually is no one right way. If there was there would be no discussion or disagreement. The way you may offer Witr prayer depends on which school of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) you follow.
All schools of Fiqh are based around Sahih Hadith and done according to Qura’nic teachings, no one school is more correct over another and it’s often a matter of preference.
Another common misconception is the Witr prayer is thought to be part of ‘Isha Salah, this is not entirely correct. Witr prayer can be offered anytime after Isha salah up until break of dawn.
Regarding the importance of Witr Salah, in a Sahih Hadith, The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The Witr is a duty for every Muslim. [1]
As mentioned in our previous guide on how to pray Salah, every prayer is an opportunity for a Muslim to invest in deepening his or her relationship with their creator.
As kids we may have viewed prayers as a duty or a chore but if we shift our perspective and take the time to understand why we offer prayer then we may be more disciplined and consistent with our prayers.
The Holy Qur’an teaches us that the prayer can be a source to gain sabr (patience), it is a spiritual act which brings tranquility to the believer’s heart, and is a means of self purification:\
“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.”
“Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.”
HOW MANY RAK’ATS IN WITR?
The consensus among the jurists is the Witr should be completed in odd number of Rak’ats. This can be three, five, seven, or even nine. The most common practice is to pray three Rak’ats for Witr and there are two ways this can be completed.
1. The first way is to pray three Rak’at without sitting for Tashahhud in the second Rak’at. [2]
2. You can pray two Rak’ats for Witr with Tashahhud and Tasleem. Then follow with one Rak’at again with Tashahhud and Tasleem. [3]
It is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) to pray two by two and finish Witr with one Rak’at so an odd numbered of Rak’ats is completed.
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