❀ Performing Night Prayer After Having Prayed Witr Early ❀
✦ Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Shaykh Ibn Bāz (رحمه الله)
❖ Question:
I performed Witr prayer early in the night, then later was blessed with the opportunity to stand in prayer during the last part of the night. How should I now perform the night prayer?
❖ Answer:
If you had already prayed Witr in the early part of the night, and later Allah granted you the ability to engage in night prayer (Qiyām al-Layl) during the latter part, then you should pray in sets of two rak‘ahs, excluding Witr.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are no two Witrs in one night.”
الأ وتران فى ليلة
◈ Additional Clarification:
It is authentically reported from Sayyidah ‘Ā’ishah (رضي الله عنها) that the Prophet ﷺ would pray two rak‘ahs while sitting, after having prayed Witr.
The wisdom behind this was to demonstrate to the people the permissibility of praying after Witr.
✔ Summary of Ruling:
① If Witr has already been offered, do not repeat Witr.
② Continue praying during the night in units of two rak‘ahs.
③ The Witr remains valid, and praying after it does not nullify it.
