Witr prayer is an odd-numbered prayer performed after the Isha prayer and before Fajr, and it’s an essential part of the night prayers (Tahajjud) in Islam.

In this blog post we will dive into the significance of Witr prayer, including its timing, step-by-step guide for performing it.

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When is Witr Prayer Performed?

Witr prayer is typically performed as the final prayer of the evening, after the Isha prayer and before Fajr. It can be offered individually or as part of the Tahajjud (night) prayers.

During Ramadan, many Muslims include Witr prayer as part of the Taraweeh prayers performed after Isha. It is recommended to perform Witr prayer before the Fajr prayer time begins.

Did you know? You can check our prayer timetable for accurate prayer timings based on your local area, helping you stay consistent in your worship and devotion. 

How to Pray Witr Prayer?

1. Begin with Intention (Niyyah)

Start by sincerely intending to perform the Witr prayer for the sake of Allah. While it's not mandatory to say it aloud, your intention should be clear in your mind regarding how many rakats of Witr you intend to offer, to give you an idea: “I intend to offer _____ rakats of the Witr prayer.”

2. Takbeer and Recitation

Initiate the prayer with Takbeer, saying "Allahu Akbar" and raising your hands. Proceed with the first two rakats like a regular Fardh salah, reciting Surah Al-Fatiha followed by Quranic verses. In the third Rakat of Witr, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by additional verses.

3. Qunoot Dua

Following the recitation, it is Sunnah to recite the Witr dua, known as Qunoot or dua-e-qunoot. There are two acceptable versions of this dua, such as:

First Version

"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.”

transliteration: Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayt, 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.

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.

Second Version

"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.”

Transliteration: “Allahumma inna nasta-eenoka wa nastaghfiruka wa nu’minu bika wa natawakkalu alaika wa nusni alaikal khair, wa nashkuruka wala nakfuruka wa nakhla-oo wa natruku mai yafjuruka, Allah humma iyyaka na’budu wa laka nusalli wa nasjud wa ilaika nas aaa wa nahfizu wa narju rahma taka wa nakhshaa azaabaka inna azaabaka bil kuffari mulhik.”

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.”

4. Completion and Tasleem (Salutation)

After finishing the Qunoot dua, continue the prayer as usual and conclude with Tasleem (Salutation), saying "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah" (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah) to end the prayer.

5. Surahs Recitations

In each rakat of Witr, it's recommended to recite specific Surahs. For instance, in the first rakat, you can recite Surah Al-A'la (chapter 87), followed by Surah Al Kafirun (chapter 109) in the second, and Surah Ikhlas (chapter 112) in the final rakat.

Is Witr Obligation (Fardh) or Recommendation (Sunnah)?

The status of Witr prayer in terms of obligation (fardh) or recommendation (sunnah) varies among Islamic scholars. Most scholars consider Witr prayer as a Sunnah, meaning it is highly recommended but not obligatory like the five daily prayers. Performing Witr prayer regularly is encouraged to gain spiritual benefits and blessings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Witr prayer holds immense significance in Islam as a voluntary prayer that strengthens the bond between a believer and Allah. By understanding its importance, following the recommended timing, and performing it with sincerity and devotion, Muslims can enhance their spirituality and draw closeness to Allah and strengthen their spiritual connection.

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FAQs 

Q1: How many rakats are in Witr prayer?

Witr prayer consists of an odd number of rakats, commonly performed as either one, three, five, seven, up to eight rakats, and then end it with one single rakat.

Q2: What is the Witr dua?

The Witr dua is a supplication made during the Witr prayer, typically recited after the ruku (bowing) of the final rakat. It is a time for personal supplication and asking for Allah's guidance, mercy, and protection, and it’s known as Qunoot or dua-e-qunoot.

Q3: Is Witr prayer mandatory?

It is not mandatory (fardh) to offer Witr prayer according to the majority of scholars. It is rather a confirmed Sunnah that Muslims are highly recommended to offer.

Q4: When do I pray Witr prayer?

The Witr prayer is performed after the Isha (night) prayer and before the Fajr (dawn) prayer. It can be offered at any time during the night.

Q5: What are the rewards of praying Witr prayer?

Praying the Witr prayer is considered a means of drawing closer to Allah, seeking His forgiveness, and strengthening one's faith.