How to pray witr

Overview

Witr prayer, often referred to as 'the odd prayer,' is a highly recommended voluntary prayer in Islam. While not obligatory like the five daily prayers (Salat), its importance is emphasized in various Hadith (sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad). It serves as a concluding prayer for the day's devotions, offering an opportunity to seek forgiveness and draw closer to Allah.

When to Pray Witr

The prescribed time for Witr prayer begins after the completion of the obligatory Isha prayer and extends until just before the dawn (Fajr prayer). Muslims have the flexibility to perform it at different points within this window: immediately after Isha, later in the night after waking up, or even just before Fajr. Praying it later in the night is generally considered more virtuous, especially for those who are confident they will wake up, but praying it immediately after Isha is also perfectly valid and recommended for those who fear they might miss it otherwise.

How to Pray Witr (Common Method: 3 Rak'ahs)

The most common way to perform Witr is by praying three rak'ahs. While it can be prayed as three consecutive rak'ahs with one final sitting (tashahhud and salam), it is also permissible and often preferred to pray two rak'ahs, followed by a salam, and then a single rak'ah with its own salam. This method is often referred to as praying Witr in two parts.

Method 1: Three Rak'ahs in One Sitting

1. First Rak'ah: Begin with the intention (niyyah) to pray Witr. Perform the opening Takbir (saying 'Allahu Akbar'), recite Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by another Surah (like Surah Al-A'la or Surah Al-Ikhlas). Perform Ruku' (bowing) and then stand up straight. Perform Sujood (prostration) twice, sitting between them.
2. Second Rak'ah: Stand up for the second rak'ah. Recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah. Perform Ruku' and Sujood twice. After the second Sujood, sit for the Tashahhud (attahiyat). You may recite Salawat (blessings upon the Prophet) here.
3. Third Rak'ah: Stand up for the third rak'ah. Recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah. Perform Ruku' and Sujood twice. After the second Sujood, sit for the final Tashahhud and recite Salawat. Conclude the prayer with the Tasleem (saying 'Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah' to the right and left).

Method 2: Two Rak'ahs followed by One Rak'ah

1. First Two Rak'ahs: Pray two rak'ahs as you would normally pray any other voluntary prayer (like Sunnah prayers). This involves reciting Al-Fatihah and another Surah in each rak'ah, performing Ruku' and Sujood, and sitting for Tashahhud after the second rak'ah. After the Tashahhud of the second rak'ah, you would say the Tasleem to end these two rak'ahs.
2. Third Rak'ah: After the Tasleem of the first two rak'ahs, stand up again for the third rak'ah. Recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah. Perform Ruku' and Sujood twice. After the second Sujood, sit for the final Tashahhud, recite Salawat, and conclude the prayer with the Tasleem.

Recitation in Witr

It is customary, though not mandatory, to recite specific Surahs in Witr prayer. In the first rak'ah, Surah Al-A'la (Chapter 87) is commonly recited after Al-Fatihah. In the second rak'ah, Surah Al-Kafirun (Chapter 109) is often recited. In the third rak'ah, Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) is typically recited. However, any Surah or verses from the Quran can be recited.

Qunut Dua

A significant aspect of Witr prayer, especially when prayed in the latter half of the night, is the Qunut dua. This is a supplication recited while standing, usually after Ruku' in the final rak'ah (or in the third rak'ah if praying two then one). There are various forms of the Qunut dua found in the Sunnah. One well-known Qunut dua is:

'O Allah, guide me among those You have guided, and strengthen me among those You have strengthened, and protect me among those You have protected, and bless me in what You have bestowed, and save me from the evil of what You have decreed. For indeed, You decree and no one decrees against You, and indeed, he is not humiliated whom You have befriended. Blessed are You, O our Lord, and Exalted.'

The Qunut can be recited in Arabic or in one's native language, expressing needs and seeking Allah's help.

The Minimum and Maximum Rak'ahs

While three rak'ahs is the most common and recommended number, the minimum number of rak'ahs for Witr is one. This single rak'ah is prayed like any other single rak'ah prayer, with Ruku' and two Sujoods, followed by Tashahhud and Tasleem. There is no maximum prescribed limit to the number of rak'ahs one can pray for Witr, as long as they are offered in odd numbers (e.g., 5, 7, 9, 11). If praying more than three, it is generally done in sets of two rak'ahs followed by one rak'ah.

Importance of Witr

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) strongly encouraged the prayer of Witr. In one Hadith, he said, "O people of the Quran, pray Witr, for Allah is One (Witr) and loves Witr (odd numbers)." (Tirmidhi). It is considered a seal for the prayers of the day, a means of drawing closer to Allah, and an opportunity for repentance and seeking forgiveness. Missing it intentionally is discouraged.