DESCRIPTION OF PRAYING WITR:-
1) WITR IS ONE OF THE GREATEST ACTS OF WORSHIP THAT DRAW ONE CLOSER TO ALLAH SWT.
2) TIMING.
3) IS IT BETTER TO OFFER THIS PRAYER AT THE BEGINNING OF ITS TIME OR TO DELAY IT ?
4) NUMBER OF RAK’AH IN WITR.
5) TWO WITR IN ONE NIGHT.
6) DO MAKE LAST PRAY WITR.
7) HOW TO PRAY THREE RAK’AH WITR.
8) RECITATION IN THREE RAK’AH WITR.
9) RULING ON PRAYING WITR IN THE SAME WAY AS MAGHRIB.
10) HOW TO PRAY FIVE RAK’AH.
11) HOW TO PRAY SEVEN RAK’AH WITR.
12) HOW TO PRAY NINE RAK’AH WITR.
13) HOW TO PRAY ELEVEN,THIRTEEN RAK’AH WITR.
14) NAFIL PRAYER AFTER WITR.
15) DUAA QUNOOT IN WITR.
16) WHEN DUAA QUNOOT SHOULD BE RECITED BEFORE OR AFTER RUKOO.
17) SHOULD HANDS BE RAISED DURING DUAA QUNOOT WITR ?
18) SAYING AMEEN DURING DUAA QUNOOT WITR (IN JAMAAT-CONGREGATION)
19) SHOULD WE SAY DUAA QUNOOT IN ALWAYS IN EVERY WITR?
20) SOME DUA,DHIKR AFTER OFFERING WITR.
21) RULING ON IF SOMEONE MISS WITR.
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WITR IS ONE OF THE GREATEST ACTS OF WORSHIP THAT DRAW ONE CLOSER TO ALLAH SWT.
It was narrated that Ali, may Allah (SWT) be pleased with him, said:
“Witr is not essential like the obligatory prayers, but it is the sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H).” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1677)
Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard that a man asked Abdullah ibn umar whether the witr was obligatory and Abdullah ibn umar said, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, prayed witr, and the muslims prayed witr.” The man began repeating his question, and Abdullah ibn umar kept saying, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, prayed witr, and the muslims prayed witr.”
MUWATTA MALIK (Book #7, Hadith #7.3.17)
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said:
“My dearest friend advised me (to do) three things: ‘To sleep after praying Witr, to fast three days each month, and to pray two rak’ahs of Fajr.’” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1678)
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said:
“My closest friend advised me to do three things: ‘To pray witr at the beginning of the night, to pray two rak’ahs of Fajr and to fast three days of each month.’” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1679)
Narrated Ali ibn AbuTalib: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: Allah is single (witr) and loves what is single, so observe the witr, you who follow the Qur’an.
ABU DAWOOD (Book #8, Hadith #1411)
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TIMING:-
It starts when a person has prayed ‘Isha’, even if it is joined to Maghrib at the time of Maghrib, and lasts until dawn begins.
Kharijab bin Hudhafah narrated:
“Allah’s Messenger came out to us and he said: ‘Indeed Allah has assisted you with a Salat that is better for you than “””red camels””””: Al-Witr which Allah made for you between the Isha prayer till Al-Fajr has begun.
SUNAN TIRMIDHI (Vol. 1, Book 3, Hadith 452)
Narrated Kharijah ibn Hudhafah al-Adawi: The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) came out to us and said: Allah the Exalted has given you an extra prayer which is better for you then the”” red camels”” (i.e. high breed camels). This is the witr which Allah has appointed for you between the night prayer and the daybreak.
ABU DAWOOD (Book #8, Hadith #1413)
NOTE (THE WORD RED CAMEL IS DAEEF BY ALBANI R.H)
Abu Nadrah Al-’Awaqi narrated that he heard Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri say:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) was asked about witr and he said: ‘Pray witr before dawn (Subh).’” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1684)
It was narrated from Au Sa’eed that :
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “Pray witr before dawn(fajr).” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1685)
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IS IT BETTER TO OFFER THIS PRAYER AT THE BEGINNING OF ITS TIME OR TO DELAY IT ?
The Sunnah indicates that if a person thinks he will be able to get up at the end of the night, it is better to delay it, because prayer at the end of the night is better and is witnessed (by the angels). But whoever fears that he will not get up at the end of the night should pray Witr before he goes to sleep.
Jabir reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying:
If anyone is afraid that he may not get up in the latter part of the night, he should observe Witr in the first part of it; and if anyone is eager to get up in the last part of it, he should observe Witr at the end of the night, for prayer at the end of the night is witnessed (by the angels) and that is preferable.
SAHIH MUSLIM (Book 4, Hadith 1650)
Jabir reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying:
He who amongst you is afraid that he may not be able to get up at the end of the night should observe Witr (in the first part) and then sleep, and he who is confident of getting up and praying at night (i. e. Tahajjud prayer) should observe it at the end of it, for the recitation at the end of the night to visited (by angels), and that is excellent.
SAHIH MUSLIM (Book 4, Hadith 1651)
Al-NAWAWI :
This is the correct view. Other hadeeth which speak of this topic in general terms are to be interpreted in the light of this sound, specific and clear report, such as the hadeeth, “My close friend advised me not to sleep without having prayed Witr.” This is to be understood as referring to one who is not sure that he will be able to wake up (to pray Witr at the end of the night).
SHARH MUSLIM 3/277.
It was narrated that Aishah said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) prayed witr at the beginning (of the night) and at the end, and in the middle. And toward the end of his life, he settled on performing witr at the end of the night.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1682)
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NUMBER OF RAK’AH IN WITR:-
THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF RAK’AHS FOR WITR IS ONE RAK’AH:-
It was narrated from Ibn Umar that:
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “Witr is one rak’ah at the end of the night.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1690)
It was narrated from Ibn Umar that:
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “Witr is one rak’ah at the end of the night.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1691)
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that:
A man from among the people of the desert asked the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) about prayer at night. He said:”(It is) two by two, and Witr is one rak’ah at the end of the night.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1692)
It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar that:
The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said: “Prayer at night is two by two, then when you want to finish, pray one rak’h which will make the total number that you prayed odd.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1693)
It was narrated that Ibn Umar said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said: ‘Prayer at night is two by two, and witr is one rak’ah.’” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1694)
It was narrated from Abdullah bin ‘Umar that:
A man asked the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) about prayer at night and the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said: “Prayer at night is two by two, then if one of you fears that dawn will break, pray one rak’ah to make the total number that he prayed odd.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1695)
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that:
He heard the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) say: “Prayer at night is two rak’ahs by two rak’ahs, then when you fear tat dawn will break, pray witr with one rak’ah.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1696)
It was narrated from ‘Aishah that:
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to pray eleven rak’ahs at night, ending them with one rak’ah of witr, then he would lie down on his right side. (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1697)
It was narrated from Aishah that:
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to pray eleven rak’ahs at night, of which one was witr, then he would lie down on his right side. (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1727)
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THREE AND FIVE, SEVEN RAKAH WITR:-
Narrated AbuAyyub al-Ansari: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: The witr is a duty for every Muslim so if anyone wishes to observe it with five rak’ahs, 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.
ABU DAWOOD (Book #8, Hadith #1417)
Duwaid bin Nafi’ said:
Ibn Shihab informed me, saying: ‘Ata bin Yazid narrated to me from Abu Ayyub: That the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: ‘Witr is a duty, and whoever wants to pray witr with seven (rak’ahs), let him do so; whoever wants to pray witr with five, let him do so, whoever wants to pray witr with three, let him do so; and whoever wants to pray witr with one, let him do so.’”(Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1711)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1712)
Abu Mu’aid narrated from Az-Zuhri, who said:
“Ata’ bin Yazid narrated to me that he heard Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari say: ‘Witr is a duty, so whoever wants to pray witr with five rak’ahs let him do so, whoever wants to pray witr with three, let him do so; and whoever wants to pray witr with one, let him do so.’”(Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1713)
Sufyan narrated from Az-Zuhri, from ‘Ata bin Yazid, from Abu Ayyub, who said:
“Whoever wants to pray witr with seven (rak’ahs) let him do so, and whoever wants to pray witr with five (rak’ahs) let him do so, and whoever wants to pray witr with three rak’ahs, let him do so; and whoever wants to pray witr with one rak’ah, let him do so, and wants to do so gesturing, let him do so.’”(Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1714)
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NINE RAK’AH,ELEVEN,THIRTEEN RAK’AH:-
It was narrated that Aishah said:
“The Messenger of Alah (P.B.U.H) used to pray witr with nine rak’ahs, then he would pray two rak’ahs sitting down. When he grew weaker he prayed witr with seven rak’ahs, then he prayed two rak’ahs sitting down.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1723)
It was narrated that Umm Salamah said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to pray witr with thirteen rak’ahs, and when he grew older and weaker he prayed witr with nine.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1709)
It was narrated that Umm Salamah said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to pray witr with thirteen rak’ahs, but when he grew older and weaker he prayed witr with nine.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1728)
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TWO WITR IN ONE NIGHT:-
It was narrated that Qais bin Talq said:
“My father, Talq bin ‘Ali visited me one day in Ramadan and stayed with us until the evening. He led us in praying Qiyam that night and prayed witr with us. Then he went down to a masjid and led his companions in prayer until only witr was left. Then he told a man to go forward and said to him: ‘Lead them in praying witr, for I heard the Messenger of Allah (P.B.UH) say: There should not be two witrs in one night.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1680)
Narrated Talq ibn Ali: Qays ibn Talq said: Talq ibn Ali visited us on a certain day during Ramadan. He remained with us till evening and broke fast with us. He then stood up and led us in the witr prayer. He then went to his mosque and led them in prayer. When the witr remained, he put forward another man and said: Lead your companions in the witr prayer, for I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) as saying: There are no two witrs during one night.
ABU DAWOOD (Book #8, Hadith #1434)
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DO MAKE LAST PRAY WITR:-
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said:
“Whoever prays during the night, let him make the last of his prayers at night witr, because the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to enjoin that.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1683)
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HOW TO PRAY THREE RAK’AH WITR :-
Rasool (s.a.w) used to pray 3 rak’ah witr by 2 methods. One of which wherein he prayed 3 rak’ah back to back (continuously) without sitting (for tashahud) in between except in the last (3rd) rak’ah.
The second method reported is where he would pray 3 rak’ah as 2+1. Meaning, he prayed 2 rak’ah, then said the tasleem and ended the 2 rak’ah prayer and then he prayed one rak’ah witr separately (thus making it a total of 3 rak’ah witr.
FIRST METHOD:-
It was narrated that Ubayy bin Ka’b said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H ) used to recite: “Glorify the Name of Your Lord, the Most High;” in witr, in the second rak’ah he would recite: “Say: O you disbelievers!”; and in the third “Say: He is Allah, (the) One”. And he only said the taslim at the end, and he would say- meaning after the taslim: Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus (Glory be to the Sovereign, the Most Holy)’ three times.
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1702)
Saeed ibn hisham (r.a) on the authority of Ayesha (r.a) said “ prophet (s.a.w) prayed 3 raka’t witr and did not sit (for tashahud) except in the last raka’at
SUNAN AL BAIHAQI (Book : kitabus Salaah,Hadith.4803)
Qatada (r.h) said “He used to pray Witr with three rak’ahs and he did not sit except in the last (rakah) of them.”
SUNAN AL BAIHAQI ( Book : kitabus salaah,Hadith. 4814)
Narrated by Ata’ (r.h) that prophet (s.a.w) did not sit in BETWEEN and did not do tashahud except in the last rakah
SUNAN AL SAGHEER (IMAM BAIHAQI VOL.1 PAGE 281 HADITH 777)
Isha narrated: “The Prophet used to read three witr and he would not sit except in the last rak’ah”
MUSTADRAK AL-HAAKIM (1/304)
Aynee al-Hanafi said: “This hadeeth is Saheeh according to the conditions of Shaikhain” (Umdat ul-Qaari: 4/203)
CONCLUSION:-
Hence the Above ahadith teach us that if we want to pray 3 rak’ah witr, then one method of praying it is – wherein we pray 3 rak’ah back to back (one after the another) and sit (for tashahud) only in the last (3rd) rak’ah of our witr salah.
SECOND METHOD :-
PRAYING 3 RAK’AH WITR BY SAYING THE TASLEEM AFTER 2 RAK’AH AND THEN PRAYING 1 RAK’AH ON ITS OWN
Narrated by Ibn umar (r.a) that he said “rasool (s.a.w) used to separate the two rak’ahs from the single rak’ah with a tasleem”
SAHIH IBN HIBBAN (Book : Bab Al Witr,Hadith 2435,Ibn Hajar said in al-Fath (2/482): its isnaad is qawiy strong]
This means that , rasool (s.a.w) while praying a three raka’at witr would pray 2 raka’h and then one rak’ah seperately. Hence we can pray 3 witr according to any of the above 2 methods.
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RECITATION IN THREE RAK’AH WITR:-
It was narrated from Ubayy bin Ka’b that:
The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to pray witr with three rak’ahs. In the first he would recite: “Glorify the Name of Your Lord, the Most High” in the second: “Say: O you disbelievers!”, and in the third: “Say: He is Allah, (the) One”. And he would say the Qunut before bowing, and when he finished he would say: Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus (Glory be to the Sovereign, the Most Holy) three times, elongating the words the last time. (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1700)
It was narrated that Ubayy bin Ka’b said:
“In the first rak’ah of witr, the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to recite: “GLorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High;” in the second; “Say: O you disbelievers!” and in the third; “Say: He is Allah, (the) One.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1701)
Zakariyya bin Abi Za’idah narrated from Abu Ishaq, from Sa’id bin Jubair, that Ibn Abbas said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to pray witr with three rak’ahs. In the first he would recite “Glorify the Name of Your Lord, the Most High;” in the second: “Say: O You disbelievers!” and in the third: “Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1703)
Zuhair narrated from Abu Ishaq, from Sa’eed bin Jubair, :
Ibn Abbas used to pray witr with three: (Reciting): Glorify the Name of Your Lord, the Most High;” “Say: O You disbelievers!” and: “Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1704)
Sa’eed bin ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Abza narrated from his father, that:
Ubayy bin Ka’b said: “The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to recite in Witr: “Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High;” and “Say: O you disbelievers!;’ and ‘Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’ And when he said the salam, he would say: Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus (Glory be to the Sovereign, the Most Holy) three times.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1730)
Sa’eed bin Abdur-Rahman bin Abza narrated from his father, that:
Ubayy bin Ka’b said: “The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to recite in Witr: “Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High;” and “Say: O you disbelievers!;’ and ‘Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1731)
Abdul-Malik bin Abi Sulaiman reported from Zubaid, from Sa’eed bin Abdur-Rahman bin Abza, from his father, who said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to recite in witr: Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High;” and “Say: O you disbelievers!;’ and ‘Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1736)
Shu’aib bin Harb reported from Malik, from Zubaid, from Ibn Abza, from his father, who said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to recite in witr: Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High;” and “Say: O you disbelievers!;’ and ‘Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1738)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1740)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1743)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1744)
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PRAYING WITR IN THE SAME WAY AS MAGHRIB:-
It was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prayed Witr in different ways. He prayed one rak’ah, and three, and five, and seven, and nine. And he prayed three rak’ahs in two different ways, either continuously with one tashahhud, or saying salaam after two rak’ahs and praying one rak’ah and saying salaam after it but He (s.a.w) did not pray it like Maghrib, with two tashahhuds and one salaam.
Rather he forbade doing that, and said:
“Do not pray Witr with three rak’ahs like Maghrib.
Al-Haakim (1/403 kitab al witr , Hadith .1137),SUNAN AL BAIHAQI (3/31 Hadith 4814)Sunan Al Daraqutni (kitab ul witr Hadith 1650 & 1651),Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar said in Fath al-Baari (4/301).Its isnaad fulfils the conditions of the two Shaykhs (Al-Bukhaari and Muslim) See also ‘Awn al-Ma’bood, commentary on hadeeth no. 1423)Salaat al-Taraaweeh by Al-Albaani, Page 97.
Now the meaning of the above command of rasool (s.a.w) wherein he said “don’t pray witr resembling Maghrib” is explained by the Muhadith mentioned above wherein they said that the meaning of the above hadith is that one should not pray 3 rak’ah witr with 2 tashahud , rather one should pray 3 rak’ah witr as explained in the hadith
Shaikh ‘Awn Al-Ma’bood’s commentary on the above hadeeth mentioned in his book – Sharh Sunan Abi dawood, KItab ‘Awn al Ma’abood Vol. 4 page 209 & 210 says :
And this hadith (shows that it is) forbidden to resemble the (Ish’a witr by praying it like the) Maghrib prayer of three rak’ah with 2 tashahud and this (ruling of not resembling the maghrib prayer) has been followed by the salaf (righteous predecessors) as well. And the narration of Muhammad Ibn nasr on the authority of hassan narrates that Umar ibn khattab (r.a) commenced the three rak’ah prayer of Witr with takbeer. Meaning (when) he arose (got up) from the sujood of the second rak’ah he (got up) saying the takbeer without sitting for the tashahud (in the second rak’ah).
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HOW TO PRAY FIVE RAK’AH :-
If he prays Witr Five rak’ahs, then they should be continuous, and he should only recite one tashahhud in the last of them and say the tasleem.
‘A’isha reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to observe thirteen rak’ahs of the night prayer. five out of them consisted of witr, and he did not sit, but at the end (for salutation).
SAHIH MUSLIM (Book #004, Hadith #1604)
Hisham bin Urwah narrated from his father, from Aishah, that:
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to pray witr with five and he did not sit except in the last (rak’ah) of them. (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1718)
Mansur reported from Al-Hakam, from Miqsam, that Umm Salamah said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to pray witr with five and seven rak’ahs which he did not separate with any taslim nor talk.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1715)
Narrated by Aish’a (r.a) : The messenger of Allah (s.a.w) prayed thirteen rak’ahs of the night prayer. Five out of them consisted of Witr and he did not say the tasleem in any of the five rak’ahs until he sat in the last rak’ah and did the tasleem
SUNAN AL BAIHAQI (Book : Salah, Hadith 774)
Narrated by Aisha (r.a) that the messenger of Allah (s.a.w) prayed five rak’ah witr and he did not sit except in the last rak’ah
SAHIH IBN HIBBAN (Vol.6 Page 194 Hadith 2439)
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HOW TO PRAY SEVEN RAK’AH WITR :-
If he prays Witr Seven rak’ahs, then they should be continuous, and he should only recite one tashahhud in the last of them and say the tasleem.
Mansur reported from Al-Hakam, from Miqsam, from Ibn ‘Abbas that Umm Salamah said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to pray witr with seven or five (rak’ahs), not separating between them with the taslim.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1716)
Mansur reported from Al-Hakam, from Miqsam, that Umm Salamah said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to pray witr with five and seven rak’ahs which he did not separate with any taslim nor talk.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1715)
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HOW TO PRAY NINE RAK’AH WITR :-
If he prays Witr with Nine rak’ahs, then they should be continuous and he should sit to recite the tashahhud in the eigth rak’ah, then stand up and not say the tasleem, then he should recite the tashahhud in the ninth rak’ah and then say the tasleem.
I said: Mother of the Faithful, inform me about the Witr of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). She said: I used to prepare tooth stick for him and water for his ablution, and Allah would rouse him to the extent He wished during the night. He would use the tooth stick, and perform ablution, and would offer nine rak’ahs, and would not sit but in the eighth one and would remember Allah, and praise Him and supplicate Him, then he would get up without uttering the salutation and pray the ninth rak’ah. He would then sit, remember, praise Him and supplicate Him and then utter a salutation loud enough for us to hear. He would then pray two rak’ahs sitting after uttering the salutation, and that made eleven rak’ahs. …………………………………………….
SAHIH MUSLIM (Book #004, Hadith #1623)
It was narrated from Sa’d bin Hisham that Aishah said:
“We used to prepare siwak and water for wudu for the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H). Allah (SWT) would wake him when He willed to wake him at night, then he would clean his teeth and make wudu, and pray nine rak’ahs, not sitting until the eighth, when he would praise Allah (SWT) and send blessings upon His Prophet and supplicate between them, but he did not say the taslim. Then he prayed the ninth and sat, and said something similar, praising Allah (SWT) and sending blessings upon His Prophet (P.B.U.H), then he said a taslim that we could hear, then he prayed two rak’ahs sitting down.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1721)
It was narrated from Zurarah bin Awfa:
“When Sa’d bin Hisham bin Amir came to visit us, he told us that he came to Ibn Abbas and asked him about the witr of the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H). He said: ‘Shall I not tell you of the most knowledgeable person on Earth about the witr of the Messenger of Allah ()?’ I said: ‘Who?’ He said: ‘Aishah.’ So we went to her and greeted her with Salam and entered and asked her. I said: ‘Tell me about the witr of the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H).’ She said: ‘We used to prepare for him his siwak and water for wudu, then Allah (SWT) would wake him when He willed to wake him at night. He would clean his teeth and perform wudu, then he would pray nine rak’ahs, during which he would not sit until the eighth. Then he would praise Allah (SWT) and remember Him and supplicate, then he would get up and not say the taslim. Then he would pray the ninth, then sit and praise Allah (SWT) and remember Him and supplicate, then he would say a taslim that we could hear. Then he prayed two rak’ahs sitting, and that was eleven rak’ahs, O my son. When the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) grew older and put on weight, he prayed witr with seven, then he prayed two rak’ahs sitting after saying the taslim, and that was nine, O my son. And when the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) offered a prayer, he liked to persist in offering it.’” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1722)
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HOW TO PRAY ELEVEN,THIRTEEN RAK’AH :-
If he prayed Witr with eleven rak’ahs,Thirtheen rak’ahs he would say the tasleem after each two rak’ahs, then pray one rak’ah at the end.
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NAFIL PRAYER AFTER WITR :-
Umm Salamah narrated:
“The Prophet (P.B.U.H) would pray two Rak’ah after Al-Witr.” (Sahih)
SUNAN TIRMIDHI (Vol. 1, Book 3, Hadith 471)
Sufyan narrated from Habib bin Abi Thabit, from Muhammad bin Ali, from his father, from his grandfather, that:The Prophet (P.B.U.H) got up at night and cleaned his teeth, then he prayed two rak’ahs, then he slept. Then he got up and cleaned his teeth, then he performed wudu and prayed two rak’ahs, until he had prayed six. Then he prayed witr with three rak’ahs, and prayed two rak’ahs. (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1705)
It was narrated from Aishah that:
The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to pray witr with nine and pray two rak’ahs sitting down. (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1724)
It was narrated from Sa’d bin Hisham:
That he came to the Mother of the Believers Aishah and asked her about the prayers of the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H). She said: “He used to pray eight rak’ahs at night and pray witr with the ninth, then he would pray two rak’ahs sitting down.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1725)
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DUAA QUNOOT IN WITR :-
It was narrated that Abu Al-Jawza said:
“Al-Hasan said: “The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) taught me some words to say in witr in Qunut: Allahumma ihdini fiman hadayta wa ‘afini fiman afayta wa tawallani fiman tawallayta wa barik li fima a’tayta, wa qini sharra ma qadayta, fa innaka taqdi wa la yuqda ‘alayk, wa innahu la yadhilluman walayta, tabarakta Rabbana wa at’alayt (O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided, pardon me among those You have pardoned, turn to me in friendship among those on whom You have turned in friendship, and bless me in what You have bestowed, and save me from the evil of what You have decreed. For verily You decree and none can influence You; and he is not humiliated whom You have befriended. Blessed are You, O Lord, and Exalted.)’” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1746)
Al-Hasan bin Ali [may Allah be pleased with him] said:
“Allah’s Messenger taught me some phrases to say during Al-Witr (Allahummahdini fiman hadait, wa a’fini fiman afait, wa tawallani fiman tawallait, wa barik Li fima atait, wa qini sharra ma qadait, fa Innaka taqdi wa la yuqda Alaik, wa innahu la yadhillu man walait, tabarakta Rabbana 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.’” (Sahih)
SUNAN TIRMIDHI (Vol. 1, Book 3, Hadith 464)
Narrated Al-Hasan ibn Ali: The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) taught me some words that I say during the witr. (The version of Ibn Jawwas has: I say them in the supplication of the witr.) They were: “O Allah, guide me among those Thou hast guided, grant me security among those Thou hast granted security, take me into Thy charge among those Thou hast taken into Thy charge, bless me in what Thou hast given, guard me from the evil of what Thou hast decreed, for Thou dost decree, and nothing is decreed for Thee. He whom Thou befriendest is not humbled. Blessed and Exalted art Thou, our Lord.”
ABU DAWOOD (Book #8, Hadith #1420)
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WHEN DUAA QUNOOT SHOULD BE RECITED BEFORE OR AFTER RUKOO:-
There is a valid difference of opinion amongst scholars regarding this topic. However to summarize, most of the scholars say one can make the dua either before the rukoo or after the rukoo and both are permissible.
The reasons scholars give regarding the permissibility of saying the qunoot after rukoo in Isha’a witr is the general evidence that rasool (s.a.w) used to say the qunoot e nazilah in fardh prayer after rukoo and also because there are certain ahadith and athar from the sahabas (but they are weak according to muhadiths ). Another principle based on which they grant it permissible is that Whatever is established for the naazilah qunoot (performed in the obligatory prayers) is also acceptable for the qunoot of witr prayer. This is supported by the principle that whatever is allowed in an obligatory act is also allowed in an optional act, unless there exists specific evidence to prohibit it. “
Allaama Ibn Hajar (R.A.) writes in his commentary on Bukhari, Fath al-Bari that after analysing all these narrations we learn that it was the normal practice to recite the qunoot before ruku. However on certain occasions (such as the befalling of a calamity, etc.) the qunoot would be recited after ruku.
(Fath ul Bari Vol. 1, Page 291)
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SHOULD HANDS BE RAISED DURING DUAA QUNOOT WITR ?
Raising the hands here implies that the palm is pointed or kept towards the sky for making dua. This is again a topic upon which scholars have differed. some say it is mustahab (recommended), some say it is allowed and some say it is better not to do so.
Ibn Mas’ood that he used to raise his hands in the Witr then after that hewould lower them.’
(Abdur Razzaq 4/325)
Narrations from prophet (s.a.w) and sahabas like Umar (r.a), Ibn abbas (r.a) and etc which state that they raised their hands during Qunoot e Nazilah. The scholars (to support raising the hands in Isha’a witr) imply the principle that “whatever is allowed in an obligatory act , it is also allowed in an optional (sunnah or nafil) act unless there is evidence prohibiting it”
(Ibn Abee Shaybah (3/316), Baihaqi (2/212) & Ibn al-Mundhir (5/213)Ibn Abee Shaybah (2/316)
Narrated Salman al-Farsi: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: Your Lord is munificent and generous, and is ashamed to turn away empty the hands of His servant when he raises them to Him.
ABU DAWOOD (Book #8, Hadith #1483)
However, there is no sahih hadith which informs us specifically that rasool (s.a.w) or the majority of the sahabas (r.a.a) raised their hands for making dua during qunoot e witr. Hence keeping the below hadith in mind:
Narrated An-Nu`man bin Bashir:
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said “Both legal and illegal things are obvious, and in between them are (suspicious) doubtful matters. So whoever forsakes those doubtful things lest he may commit a sin, will definitely avoid what is clearly illegal; and whoever indulges in these (suspicious) doubtful things bravely, is likely to commit what is clearly illegal. Sins are Allah’s Hima (i.e. private pasture) and whoever pastures (his sheep) near it, is likely to get in it at any moment.”
SAHIH BUKHARI (Vol. 3, Book 34, Hadith 267)
SAHIH MUSLIM (Book #010, Hadith #3882)
Narrated Hasan ibn Ali R.A
I have learnt from the Prophet (peace be upon him) and preserved this (in my memory): Leave those things which create doubts in your mind and adopt that which does not create any doubt in your mind.
SUNAN TIRMIDHI (Hadith 593)
Therefore the safer option If sum raise hands in Dua Qunoot in witr nothing wrong,bt it is better not to raise hands.
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SAYING AMEEN DURING DUAA QUNOOT WITR (IN JAMAAT-CONGREGATION)
It is permissible to say Aameen during Qunoot in jama’at if the Imam makes it loudly (like in ramadan)
Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) recited the supplication (Qunut) daily for a month at the noon, afternoon, sunset, night and morning prayers. When he said: “Allah listens to him who praises Him” in the last rak’ah, invoking a curse on some clans of Banu sulaym, Ri’l, Dhakwan and Usayyah, and those who were standing behind him said: Amen.
ABU DAWOOD (Book #8, Hadith #1438)
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SHOULD WE SAY DUAA QUNOOT IN ALWAYS IN EVERY WITR?
There is nothing wrong with that. The du’aa’ of Qunoot is Sunnah and the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to recite Qunoot. He taught Qunoot and the words of Qunoot in Witr to al-Hasan, so it is Sunnah. If you recite it every night, there is nothing wrong with that, and if you omit it on some occasions so that the people will know that it is not obligatory, there is nothing wrong with that either. If the imam omits Qunoot on some occasions so that the people will know that is not obligatory, there is nothing wrong with that. When the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) taught al-Hasan Qunoot, he did not tell him to omit it on some days. This indicates that if he does it persistently, there is nothing wrong with that.
Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) – Fataawa Noor ‘ala al-Darb, 2/1062
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SOME DUA,DHIKR AFTER OFFERING WITR:-
It was narrated from Ali bin Abi Talib that:
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to say at the end of witr: Allahumma inni audhu bi ridaka min sakhatika wa bi mu’afatika min uqubatika, wa audhu bika minka la uhsi thana’an ‘alayka, anta kama athwart ala nafsik ( O Allah, I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your wrath and in Your forgiveness from Your punishment. And I seek refuge in You from You; I cannot praise You enough; You are as You have praised Yourself.).” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1748)
ABU DAWOOD (Book #8, Hadith #1422)
HE P.B.U.H WOULD SAY THREE TIMES SUBHANAL MALIKIL QUDDUS RAISING HIS VOICE IN THIRD TIME.
Bahz bin Asad, said:
“Shu’bah narrated to us, from Salamah and Zubaid, from Dharr, from Ibn Abdur-Rahman bin Abza from his father that the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to recite in Witr: “Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High;” and “Say: O you disbelievers!;’ and ‘Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’ And when he said the taslim, he would say: Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus (Glory be to the Sovereign, the Most Holy) three times, raising his voice the third time.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1733)
Khalid said:
“Shu’bah narrated to us, he said: Salamah and Zubaid informed me, from Dharr, from Ibn ‘Abdur-Rahman bn Abza from Abdur-Rahman, that the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to recite in Witr: “Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High;” and “Say: O you disbelievers!;’ and ‘Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’ And when he said the taslim, he would say: Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus (Glory be to the Sovereign, the Most Holy) three times, raising his voice with Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus the third time.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1734)
Mansur reported from Salamah bin Kuhail, from Sa’eed bin Abdur-Rahman bin Abza, from his father, who said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to recite in witr: Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High;” and “Say: O you disbelievers!;’ and ‘Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’ And when he said the taslim, he would say: Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus (Glory be to the Sovereign, the Most Holy) three times, elongating his words the third time.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1735)
Muhammad bin Juhadah reported from Zubaid, Sa’eed bin ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Abza, from his father, who said:
“The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to recite in witr: Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High;” and “Say: O you disbelievers!;’ and ‘Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’ And when he had finished praying, he said: Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus (Glory be to the Sovereign, the Most Holy) three times.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1737)
Muhammad bin Bashshar informed us, he said:
“Abu Dawud narrated to us from Shu’bah, from Qatadah, who said: I heard ‘Azarah narrating from Sa’eed bin ‘Abdur-Rahman Ibn Abza, from his father That the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to recite in witr: Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High;” and “Say: O you disbelievers!;’ and ‘Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’ And when he had finished praying, he said: Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus (Glory be to the Sovereign, the Most Holy) three times.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1741)
Ishawq bin Mansur informed us, he said:
“Abu Dawud narrated to us, he said: Shu’ba narrated to us, from Qatadah, from Abdur-Rahman bin Abza, that The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to recite in witr: Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High;” and “Say: O you disbelievers!;’ and ‘Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’ And when he said the taslim, he would say: Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus (Glory be to the Sovereign, the Most Holy) three times, elongating his words the third time.” (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1742)
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RULING ON IF SOMEONE MISS WITR:-
The time for praying Witr ends when dawn comes.
Abu Sa’id (al Khudri) reported Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: Observe witr prayer before it is morning. abu Sa’id reported that they (the Prophet’s Companions) asked the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) about witr (prayer). (In reply to their inquiry) he said: Observe witr prayer before it is morning.
SAHIH MUSLIM (Book #004, Hadith #1648)
Abu Sa’id reported that they (some of the Companions) of the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) asked the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) about witr. He said: Observe witr before morning.
SAHIH MUSLIM (Book #004, Hadith #1649)
If the adhaan for Fajr is given and a person has not yet prayed witr, he should delay it until the forenoon, after the sun has risen high, then he should pray whatever he can, two or four rak’ahs or more, two by two. If his habit is to pray three and he did not pray them at night, he should pray them in the forenoon with four rak’ahs and two tasleems. If his habit is to pray five and he was not able to do them at night because he was sick or he was asleep and so on, he should pray them in the forenoon with six rak’ahs and three tasleems, and so on.
Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 11/300
Shaykh Ibn Baaz was also asked:
Should the last of Witr prayer be done when the adhaan begins for Fajr or at the end of the adhaan? If a person sleeps and misses it, should he make it up and how?
He replied:
It is prescribed for every believer, male and female, to pray Witr every night. If a worshipper does not know when dawn is, he may rely on a muezzin who is known to pay attention to the right time. If the muezzin who pays attention to the right time gives the adhaan, then he has missed witr. As for the one who gives the adhaan before dawn breaks, he has not missed witr when he gives the adhaan and this does not mean that it has become haraam for one who is fasting to eat and drink, and the time for Fajr prayer has not begun with this adhaan.
If a person misses Fajr, it is prescribed for him to pray what he usually prays during the day, but he should make it even-numbered by adding one rak’ah. If he usually prays three, he should make it four, and if he usually prays five, he should make it six, and so on, saying the tasleem after each two rak’ahs.
Aishah narrated:
“When the Prophet (P.B.U.H) did not pray at night because he was prevented from it by sleep or being sleepy then he would pray twelve Rak’ah during the daytime.” (Sahih)
SUNAN TIRMIDHI (Vol. 1, Book 2, Hadith 445)
It was narrated from Aishah that:
When the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) did not pray at night because he was prevented from doing so by sleep- meaning, sleep overwhelmed him- or by pain, he would pray twelve rak’ahs during the day. (Sahih)
SUNAN NASEEI (Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1790)
Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 11/305-308
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: I am keen to offer witr prayer at the best time for it, before dawn breaks, but sometimes I cannot do it before dawn. Is it permissible for me to pray witr after dawn breaks?
He replied:
If dawn breaks and you have not prayed witr, then do not pray witr, rather pray four rak’ahs during the day if you usually pray witr with three, and six if you usually pray witr with five, and so on.
Because if the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) missed the night prayers, he would pray twelve rak’ahs during the day. End quote.
Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 14/114
It was narrated from a number of the Sahaabah that there is nothing wrong with praying witr after the adhaan of Fajr until the iqaamah is given.
Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard that Abdullah ibn abbas and Ubada ibn as-Samit and al-Qasim ibn Muhammad and Abdullah ibn Amir ibn Rabia had all prayed witr after the break of dawn.
MUWATTA MALIK (Book #7, Hadith #7.3.24)
Yahya related to me from Malik that Yahya ibn Said said, ”Ubada ibn as-Samit used to lead the people in prayer. One day he came out for subh and the muadhdhin began to give the iqama for the subh prayer Ubada silenced him, prayed witr and then led them in subh.”
MUWATTA MALIK (Book 7, Hadith 26)
Yahya related to me from Malik from Hisham ibn Urwa from his father that Abdullah ibn Masud said, “I do not mind if the iqama for the subh prayer is called while I am still praying witr.”
MUWATTA MALIK (Book 7, Hadith 25)
ALLAH SWT KNOWS BEST.
http://islaahh.wordpress.com/2012/07/19/description-of-witr/
Quraan & Sunnah 