What is Witr Salat?
The Witr prayer is a unique and deeply valued voluntary (Sunnah) prayer in Islam, performed at night after the obligatory Isha prayer. The term Witr means “odd” in Arabic, emphasizing its odd-numbered rakats, typically prayed as one, three, five, or more rakats, with three being the most common. While it is not obligatory, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consistently performed Witr, strongly encouraging us to make it a part of our nightly worship.
What makes Witr distinct is its connection to the night prayers, especially Tahajjud. It is not on the same level of obligation as the five daily prayers, yet it holds great spiritual significance for those who strive to enhance their relationship with Allah (SWT). The Witr prayer is often seen as the “crown” of night worship, serving as a beautiful conclusion to one’s prayers for the day. Additionally, it is regarded as a means of seeking Allah’s (SWT) protection, whether praying before sleeping or at the end of Tahajjud for those observing night worship later in the evening.
Timing of Witr Prayer
The timing of the Witr prayer is flexible, allowing it to be performed any time after the obligatory Isha prayer and before the arrival of Fajr. Many Muslims prefer to pray Witr immediately after Isha to ensure they complete it, while others, particularly those who engage in night worship (Tahajjud), delay Witr to the end of their prayers.
It was highly stressed by the Prophet Muhammad (saw), who never missed this prayer. According to a hadith, he (SAW) said,
“Make witr as your last prayer at night.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 998]
For those who pray Tahajjud (the night prayers), Witr can be delayed until after Tahajjud, as it is traditionally considered the last prayer of the night. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) practiced this by often performing his Witr after extended periods of night worship.
Number of Rak’ahs in Witr Prayer
Witr can be prayed with one, three, five, seven, nine, or eleven rakats, though three rakats are the most commonly practiced. This flexibility allows Muslims to incorporate Witr into their nightly prayer routines according to their spiritual needs. Many scholars recommend three rakats, as it was the most frequent practice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). There are different ways to perform Witr:
- Single Rakat: A single rakat can be prayed after Isha as a simple way to fulfill the Witr prayer.
- Three Rakats with One Tasleem: This can be done with two rakats followed by a Tasleem and then one more Rakat by itself.
- Three Rakats in a Single Set: This involves praying three continuous rakats without concluding with Tasleem after the second rakat.
How to Pray Witr Prayer
Praying Witr is simple, though the number of rak’ahs and slight variations can differ according to different schools of thought. However, praying Witr in 1 or 3 rak’ahs is the most common approach.
One Rak’ah of Witr
If you choose to pray only one rak’ah, follow these steps:
- Make your Intention (Niyyah): Begin by silently intending in your heart to pray one rak’ah of Witr. It is not necessary to vocalize this intention.
- Say Takbir (Allahu Akbar): Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” to start the prayer.
- Recite Surah al-Fatiha: After saying the opening Takbir, recite Surah al-Fatiha, just as in any other prayer.
- Recite a Short Surah: After Surah al-Fatiha, recite a short surah, or any surah of your choice.
- Complete the Rak’ah: Continue the rak’ah by performing Ruku (bowing) and Sujood (prostration) as you would in any other prayer.
- Perform Qunoot (Optional): Before going into Ruku, you may perform Dua Qunoot, which is an optional supplication where you can ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness and mercy. Raise your hands, if you choose, and recite a short or long supplication.
- End with Tasleem: After completing the rak’ah, end the prayer by turning your head to the right, then left, saying, “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”.
Three Rak’ahs of Witr
If you choose to pray three rak’ahs, you have two common methods. Here is the first method:
Method 1: Praying Two Rak’ahs, Then One Rak’ah
- Pray Two Rak’ahs: Start by praying two rak’ahs like a normal prayer. After completing these two rak’ahs, you will perform Tasleem (ending the prayer by saying “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”).
- Pray One Rak’ah Separately: After the two rak’ahs, you will pray one more rak’ah separately. After reciting a short surah, you can add the Dua Qunoot to this rak’ah.
Method 2: Three Continuous Rak’ahs
Alternatively, you can pray all three rak’ahs together as one continuous set without breaking them up. This is similar to the Maghrib prayer but with one key difference: in Witr, you do not sit for Tashahhud after the second rak’ah. Here’s how to perform it:
- Make your intention for three rak’ahs.
- Pray the first two rak’ahs normally, reciting Surah al-Fatiha and a short surah in each rak’ah.
- Do not sit for Tashahhud after the second rak’ah. Instead, stand up for the third rak’ah directly.
- Recite Surah al-Fatiha and a short surah in the third rak’ah.
- Perform the Qunoot supplication before bowing in Ruku (optional).
- Complete the prayer with Tasleem, as usual.
Both methods are valid; you can choose whichever feels comfortable.
Duas for Witr
The most commonly recited dua during Witr prayer is the Dua e Qunoot. This heartfelt supplication is a beautiful way to seek Allah’s (SWT) guidance, forgiveness, and mercy. Though reciting Dua e Qunoot is not obligatory, it is a highly recommended Sunnah and adds depth to the Witr prayer. Here is the Arabic text, along with the transliteration and the English translation:
This dua emphasizes our reliance on Allah (SWT), our gratitude, and our commitment to worship and faith in Him alone. It reflects a balanced mix of hope for His mercy and awareness of His punishment.
If you are unfamiliar with Dua e Qunoot, you may recite any other supplication or make your own dua, asking Allah (SWT) for His help, guidance, and forgiveness in your own words.
When to Recite Dua Qunoot
Recite Dua Qunoot in the final rak’ah of Witr before you go into Ruku. Here’s a breakdown of how to include the dua in your prayer:
- After reciting Surah al-Fatiha and a short surah in the last rak’ah, pause.
- Raise your hands and make the Dua Qunoot before bowing (Ruku).
- After finishing the dua, proceed into Ruku and complete your prayer as usual.
FAQs About Witr Prayer
Yes, Witr can be made up if you miss it. However, it is best to pray during the recommended time (between Isha and Fajr). If you forget or are unable to perform Witr, you may make it up the next day before or after the Duha prayer (mid-morning).
Yes, you can pray Witr right after Isha. Many people prefer to do this to ensure they don’t miss it, especially if they are not sure they’ll wake up for Tahajjud.
No, Witr must be prayed with an odd number of rak’ahs. “Witr” means “odd,” so it should always be prayed in 1, 3, 5, 7, or more odd rak’ahs.
If you do not know Dua e Qunoot, there’s no issue. You can recite any other dua or even silently ask Allah (SWT) for what you need. It is the intention and sincerity that matter most.
No, Dua e Qunoot is not compulsory. It is highly recommended, and part of the Sunnah, but your prayer is still valid if you need to learn it or remember to recite it.
Conclusion
The Witr prayer is a beautiful way to conclude your day with a special connection to Allah (SWT). Its significance in Islam is well-established, offering numerous spiritual rewards. Whether you pray it right after Isha or later after Tahajjud, strive to include this blessed prayer in your nightly routine.
Why not make a habit of praying Witr daily and experience the peace and tranquility it brings? Start tonight and feel the closeness to Allah (SWT) that this prayer offers. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!
