The time, units, qunoot, and Taraweeh of Witr prayer in the light of authentic Ahadith

Question

Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings
Prayer of Witr

Answer with the help of the Bestower, provided the question is correct

And peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings!

الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!

The Importance of Witr and Its Emphasis

❀ We begin the discussion of voluntary prayers with the prayer of Witr because of its special importance.
❀ It is well known that among the voluntary prayers, Witr is the most emphasized; in fact, some scholars even consider it obligatory.
❀ When there is disagreement about whether certain acts are obligatory or not, the emphasis and importance increase for the act about which there is unanimous agreement that it is not obligatory.

✔ There is unanimous agreement among all Muslims on the obligation of the Witr prayer, and abandoning it is not befitting for any Muslim.
✔ A person who insists on abandoning Witr is considered to have an unacceptable testimony.
Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “Whoever deliberately abandons the Witr prayer is a bad person, and his testimony is not to be accepted.”

Hadith

In Sunan Abu Dawood, there is a Marfoo’ narration:

“فَمَنْ لَمْ يُوتِرْ فَلَيْسَ مِنَّا”

Translation

“Whoever does not pray Witr is not one of us.”

The reality and name of Witr

◈ Witr is originally the name of a fixed and separate rak’ah.
◈ If 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 rak’ahs are performed consecutively with one salam, all of these are called Witr.
◈ But if salam is given two or more times, then “Witr” refers to that last separate rak’ah which is prayed individually.

Time of Witr

✔ The time for Witr begins after the Isha prayer and lasts until the break of Fajr.
It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) performed Witr in every part of the night:
◈ At the beginning of the night
◈ In the middle of the night
◈ And in the last part of the night
To the extent that the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed Witr until near the break of Fajr.

✔ From multiple Ahadith, it is understood that the entire night is the time for Witr, but it is not correct to perform Witr before Isha.

Witr First or Last?

◈ Whoever is certain that he will be able to wake up in the last part of the night, it is preferable for him to perform Witr at the end of the night.
◈ And whoever fears that he will not be able to wake up, should perform Witr before sleeping—this is the advice and emphasis of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).

Hadith

In Sahih Muslim, it is narrated from Sayyiduna Jabir رضي الله تعالى عنه that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:

“أيكم خاف أن لا يقوم من آخر الليل فليوتر ثم ليرقد ، ومن وثق بقيام من الليل فليوتر من آخره ، فإن قراءة آخر الليل محضورة وذلك أفضل”

Translation

“Whoever among you fears that he will not be able to get up in the last part of the night, let him pray Witr and then sleep, and whoever is confident of getting up at night should pray Witr at the end of the night, because angels are present during the recitation at the end of the night, and this is better.”

Minimum and Maximum Rak’ahs of Witr

✔ The minimum amount of Witr is one rak’ah; multiple ahadith indicate this, and it is also proven from nearly ten companions رضي الله عنهم أجمعين.
✔ It is better and preferable to pray even (paired) rak’ahs before the one rak’ah Witr.

Best Form of Witr: 11 or 13 Rak’ahs

◈ The one who prays Witr should pray a maximum of eleven or thirteen rak’ahs in such a way that:
✔ He prays two rak’ahs at a time, then at the end prays one rak’ah separately—thus the entire prayer becomes “Witr.”

Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates:

“أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يصلي بالليل إحدى عشرة ركعة يوتر منها بواحدة”

And in another narration:

“يُسلّم بين كل ركعتين، ويوتر بواحدة”

Translation

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to pray eleven rak’ahs at night, and he would make Witr with one rak’ah at the end.”
“And after every two rak’ahs, he would turn the salam, then make Witr with one rak’ah.”

Other ways of praying eleven rak’ahs of Witr

◈ For those who pray Witr, it is also correct to pray ten rak’ahs consecutively, then after the tenth, sit and recite Tashahhud, without giving Salam, stand up directly and pray the eleventh rak’ah, then recite Tashahhud and give Salam.
◈ Similarly, it is also correct to perform eleven rak’ahs consecutively, and at the end recite Tashahhud and give Salam.

◈ One form of nine rak’ahs Witr is to pray continuously without Salam, sit in Tashahhud after the eighth rak’ah, then stand up for the ninth without Salam, then perform the final Tashahhud and give Salam.

Seven or five rak’ahs Witr

◈ If seven or five rak’ahs of Witr are to be performed, do not give salaam in between; rather, sit for Tashahhud only in the last rak’ah and then give salaam, because it is narrated from Hazrat Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed Witr with seven or five rak’ahs, he neither gave salaam in between nor engaged in conversation.
[Performing nine rak’ahs of Witr with one salaam is proven from the authentic ahadith from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ; however, the learned author has not presented any evidence regarding performing ten or eleven rak’ahs. (Saarim)]

Three Rak’ahs of Witr

✔ The way to perform the night prayer as Witr with three rak’ahs is:
① Pray the first two rak’ahs and then give salaam
② Then pray the third rak’ah separately
[The above-mentioned method is better; however, performing three rak’ahs of Witr with one Tashahhud and one salaam is also proven from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. See: Al-Muhalla by Ibn Hazm 3/47. (Saarim)]

◈ It is recommended that:
① In the first rak’ah, recite Surah Al-A’la
② In the second rak’ah, recite Surah Al-Kafirun
③ In the third rak’ah, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas

Summary of Permissible Forms of Witr

From the above narrations, it is understood that the night prayer can be made Witr by:
◈ thirteen, eleven, nine, seven, five, three, or one rak’ah
and this is correct.

✔ Eleven rak’ahs of Witr is the “highest degree.”
✔ Three rak’ahs of Witr is the lesser degree of excellence.
✔ One rak’ah of Witr is the degree of “sufficiency.”

Qunoot of Witr

It is recommended that Qunoot be performed after Ruku in Witr, and for supplication, hands should be raised and this prayer should be recited before Allah Almighty.
[Qunoot after Ruku in Witr is permissible, while the best practice is to perform Qunoot before Ruku without raising hands.

Dua

“اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ، وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ، وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ، وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ، وَقِنِي شَرَّمَا قْضَيْتَ، إِنَّهُ لا يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ، تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ”

Translation

O Allah! Whomsoever You have guided, guide me among them; whomsoever You have granted well-being, grant me well-being; whomsoever You have taken as a guardian, take me as a guardian; bless whatever You have bestowed upon me, and protect me from the evil of the decisions You have made. Indeed, whoever You befriend is never humiliated. O our Lord! You are Blessed and Exalted.

And (with the same supplication) this addition is also narrated:

Emphasis and Meaning of Taraweeh

✔ The Guide of Truth, our Master Muhammad ﷺ, greatly emphasized the Taraweeh prayer in the blessed month of Ramadan; therefore, it is a confirmed Sunnah.

◈ The literal meaning of “Taraweeh” is to rest.
◈ Since in this prayer, after every four rak’ahs there is a long standing followed by a break and rest, it is called Taraweeh.

Taraweeh in Congregation

✔ It is preferable to perform Taraweeh in congregation in the mosque.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ spent a few nights in Ramadan standing in the mosque with the companions, then abandoned it out of concern that it might become obligatory upon the people.

Hadith

Narrated from Sayyida Aisha رضي الله عنها:

“عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ صَلَّى ذَاتَ لَيْلَةٍ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ فَصَلَّى بِصَلَاتِهِ نَاسٌ ، ثُمَّ صَلَّى مِنْ الْقَابِلَةِ ، فَكَثُرَ النَّاسُ ، ثُمَّ اجْتَمَعُوا مِنْ اللَّيْلَةِ الثَّالِثَةِ أَوْ الرَّابِعَةِ ، فَلَمْ يَخْرُجْ إِلَيْهِمْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ، فَلَمَّا أَصْبَحَ قَالَ :(قَدْ رَأَيْتُ الَّذِي صَنَعْتُمْ ، وَلَمْ يَمْنَعْنِي مِنْ الْخُرُوجِ إِلَيْكُمْ إِلا أَنِّي خَشِيتُ أَنْ تُفْرَضَ عَلَيْكُمْ ) وَذَلِكَ فِي رَمَضَانَ”

Translation

The Prophet ﷺ spent a night in the mosque during Ramadan, and some people joined him. The next night, more people gathered. On the third or fourth night, a very large number assembled, but the Prophet ﷺ did not come out. In the morning, he said: “I knew you would gather, but I did not come out because I feared that this prayer might be made obligatory upon you.” And this was during Ramadan.

Arrangement and Virtue of Taraweeh

✔ After the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them all, arranged Taraweeh, and the Ummah accepted it.

Hadith

“مَنْ قَامَ مَعَ الإِمَامِ حَتَّى يَنْصَرِفَ كُتِبَ لَهُ قِيَامُ لَيْلَةٍ”

Translation

“Whoever stands (in Taraweeh) with the Imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him as if he spent the entire night in prayer.”

Hadith

“مَنْ قَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ “

Translation

“Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins are forgiven.”

Expansion in the Number of Rak’ahs of Taraweeh

✔ Taraweeh is an established Sunnah, so it is not appropriate for any Muslim to abandon it.
✔ The number of rak’ahs of Taraweeh is not definitively fixed from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, therefore there is flexibility in it.
[The author, may Allah have mercy on him, points out that the number is not definitively established from the Prophet ﷺ because the three nights during which the Prophet ﷺ led Taraweeh prayers consisted of eleven rak’ahs. Therefore, eleven rak’ahs are Sunnah.]

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, writes:
◈ If someone wishes, he may perform twenty rak’ahs as is the well-known practice of Imam Ahmad and Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on them both,
◈ or he may perform thirty-six rak’ahs as is the practice of Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him,
◈ or he may pray eleven or thirteen rak’ahs—whichever he prays is correct.
◈ If the standing (qiyam) is short, increase the rak’ahs, and if the rak’ahs are fewer, lengthen the standing.

It is reported about Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله تعالى عنه that when he appointed Hazrat Ubayy ibn Ka’b رضي الله تعالى عنه as the imam for the people, he led twenty rak’ahs.

✔ Among the Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, some prayed fewer rak’ahs and some more—there is no explicit text from the Shariah specifying a fixed number.

Emphasis on Humility and Tranquility in Taraweeh

❀ Often, imams of mosques do not perform the Taraweeh prayer with full attention and tranquility; there is no calmness in bowing and prostration, whereas serenity is an essential part of prayer.
❀ The purpose of prayer is that a servant stands before Allah with presence of heart, reflects on the Quran being recited, and gains admonition—this cannot be achieved through undesirable haste.
❀ Therefore, those ten rak’ahs in which the standing is prolonged and with tranquility are better than twenty rak’ahs that are read very quickly, because the spirit of prayer is to keep the heart present before Allah.
❀ Reciting the Quran with tartil (measured, slow recitation) is better than reciting it quickly.
❀ The appropriate speed in recitation is such that no letter is omitted; if letters are missed due to speed, it is not permissible and such a person should be stopped, because this is against the command of Allah.
❀ The reciter should recite in such a way that the listeners benefit and are affected.
❀ Those who do not recite the Quran with understanding, Allah has condemned them:

Verse

﴿وَمِنهُم أُمِّيّونَ لا يَعلَمونَ الكِتـٰبَ إِلّا أَمانِىَّ وَإِن هُم إِلّا يَظُنّونَ ﴿٧٨﴾﴾

Translation

“And among them are some who are illiterate, who do not know the Book except in wishful thinking, and they only conjecture.”

✔ The purpose of the revelation of the Quran is to understand its meanings and act upon it, not merely to recite it.

Some Mistakes and Warnings Regarding Them

❀ Some Imams do not perform Taraweeh in the prescribed manner:
◈ They recite very fast, which causes incorrect pronunciation of words,
◈ There is no calmness in standing, bowing, and prostration, whereas tranquility is a pillar,
◈ Moreover, they reduce the number of Rak’ahs.
This style of worship is equivalent to making it a spectacle.
[Some respected Imams recite the Quran through loudspeakers to people outside the mosque, which causes concern among the worshippers of nearby mosques and the local residents, which is absolutely not permissible. Shaykh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, says: “If a person is reciting the Holy Quran and people are offering Nafl prayers behind him, it is not appropriate for him to recite loudly and disturb others. Once the Prophet ﷺ visited his companions who were performing Qiyam al-Layl in the mosque. He ﷺ said: ‘O people! Each one of you is whispering to his Lord. Therefore, no one should recite loudly and disturb the prayer of others.'”

❀ Some Imams complete the Quran quickly during Taraweeh and finish it at the beginning or middle of the last ten nights, then leave the mosque to go for Umrah, appointing an unqualified person as Imam in their place—this is a great mistake and negligence of responsibility; because the responsibility of leading the prayer is obligatory while Umrah is recommended. [Some Imams recite the Quran very quickly in Taraweeh prayers in mosques and read as much of the Quran as possible, completing it at the beginning or middle of the last ten nights. Then they leave the mosque to go for Umrah and appoint an unqualified person as Imam in their place. This is a very big mistake and negligence of the responsibility of leading the prayer. They should remember that fulfilling this responsibility is obligatory upon them while Umrah is recommended. How can they abandon an obligatory act for the sake of a recommended act? Staying in the mosque and fully performing their responsibility is far better than performing Umrah.]

Some people complete the Quran quickly during Taraweeh and then recite small Surahs in the remaining nights of Ramadan, offering a brief prayer. However, these nights are meant for attaining freedom from Hellfire. These people perhaps think that the purpose of Taraweeh and Tahajjud is merely to complete the Quran, not to stand in prayer following the Divine command and to gain the virtues of these nights. This is their ignorance and turning worship into a pastime or game. May Allah guide such people to the right path. (Author)

Importance of Emphasized Sunnahs

✔ Emphasized Sunnahs hold great status, and abandoning them is disliked.
✔ According to some Imams, a person who consistently abandons the Emphasized Sunnahs is legally unreliable; that is, their testimony is not accepted, and they are also sinful.
✔ Permanently abandoning the Emphasized Sunnahs is a sign of weakness and negligence in faith.

Rak’ahs of Emphasized Sunnahs

The Emphasized Sunnahs are ten Rak’ahs:

① Two rak’ahs before Dhuhr (according to most scholars, four rak’ahs before Dhuhr are emphasized, making a total of twelve rak’ahs)
② Two rak’ahs after Dhuhr
③ Two rak’ahs after Maghrib
④ Two rak’ahs after Isha
⑤ Two rak’ahs after the break of dawn and before the obligatory Fajr

Hadith

Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:

“حفظت من النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم عشر ركعات : ركعتين قبل الظهر ، وركعتين بعدها ، وركعتين بعد المغرب في بيته ، وركعتين بعد العشاء في بيته ، وركعتين قبل صلاة الصبح”

Translation

“I learned ten rak’ahs from the Prophet (peace be upon him): two before Dhuhr, two after Dhuhr, two at home after Maghrib, two at home after Isha, and two before Fajr.”

The report of Sayyida Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) is also narrated by Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) as follows:

“حدثتني حفصة أنه كان إذا إذن المؤذن وطلع الفجر صلى ركعتين”

Translation

“Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) told me: When the Mu’adhdhin gave the Adhan and dawn appeared, you would perform two rak’ahs.”

And it is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):

“كَانَ يُصَلِّي فِي بَيْتِي قَبْلَ الظُّهْرِ أَرْبَعًا، ثُمَّ يَخْرُجُ فَيُصَلِّي بِالنَّاسِ، ثُمَّ يَدْخُلُ فَيُصَلِّي رَكْعَتَيْنِ”

Translation

“The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, used to pray four rak’ahs before Dhuhr in my house, then he would go out to lead the people in prayer, then he would return and pray two rak’ahs.”

Virtue of praying Sunnah at home

From this narration, it is also inferred that performing Sunnah prayers at home is better than in the mosque, and there are many benefits in it:

① Praying voluntary prayers at home protects the act from showing off and keeps it hidden from people’s eyes.
② Performing voluntary prayers at home increases humility and concentration.
③ The home becomes filled with remembrance and prayer, mercy descends, and Satan stays away.

Hadith

“اجْعَلُوا مِنْ صَلَاتِكُمْ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ، وَلَا تَتَّخِذُوهَا قُبُورًا”

Translation

“Pray part of your prayer in your houses, and do not make your houses like graveyards.”

The greatest emphasis on the two rak’ahs of Fajr

There is the greatest emphasis on the two rak’ahs of Fajr among the confirmed Sunnahs. It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her:

“لَمْ يَكُنِ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهم عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَلَى شَيْءٍ مِنَ النَّوَافِلِ أَشَدَّ مِنْهُ تَعَاهُدًا عَلَى رَكْعَتَيِ الْفَجْرِ”

Translation

“The Prophet ﷺ was most consistent in performing the two rak’ahs of Fajr as Nawafil (voluntary prayers).”

And in another narration:

“رَكْعَتَا الْفَجْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا فِيهَا”

Translation

“The two rak’ahs of Fajr are better than the world and everything in it.”

✔ Therefore, whether the Prophet ﷺ was traveling or staying, he especially guarded the Sunnah prayers of Fajr and Witr and did not abandon them.
✔ Apart from the Sunnah prayers of Fajr and Witr, there is no authentic evidence that the Prophet ﷺ regularly performed other Nawafil with care during travel.

Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله تعالى عنه saw people praying the Sunnah of Zuhr while traveling and said: If I were to pray Sunnah, I would also complete the obligatory prayer fully (not shorten it).

Imam Ibn Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, states that during travel, the practice of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was to shorten the obligatory prayers, and there is no evidence for performing other voluntary prayers except the Witr and the Sunnah of Fajr.

Recitation in the Sunnah of Fajr

✔ A brief standing in the Sunnah of Fajr is recommended. It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, that the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to recite Surah Al-Kafirun after Al-Fatiha in the first rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second rak’ah.

And sometimes in the first rak’ah, he would recite the verse from Surah Al-Baqarah:

﴿ قولوا ءامَنّا بِاللَّهِ وَما أُنزِلَ إِلَينا… ﴿١٣٦﴾﴾

“Say: We believe in Allah and in that which has been revealed to us.”

And in the second rak’ah, the verse from Surah Aal Imran:

﴿قُل يـٰأَهلَ الكِتـٰبِ تَعالَوا إِلىٰ كَلِمَةٍ سَواءٍ بَينَنا وَبَينَكُم… ﴿٦٤﴾﴾

“Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to a word that is equitable between us and you.”

Similarly, in the Sunnahs after Maghrib, Surah Al-Kafirun and Surah Al-Ikhlas were also recited.

Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

“ما أحصي ما سمعت رسول صلى الله عليه وسلم يقرأ في الركعتين بعد المغرب والركعتين قبل الفجر ﴿قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْكَافِرُونَ﴾، و﴿قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ﴾”

Translation

“I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) reciting Surah Al-Kafirun and Surah Al-Ikhlas so many times in the Sunnahs after Maghrib and before Fajr that I could not count.”

Qadha (making up) of Sunnah and Witr

✔ If any of the emphasized Sunnah prayers are missed, their qadha is prescribed.
✔ If Witr cannot be performed at night, its qadha can be offered during the day.
✔ On one occasion, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was overcome by sleep, so he made up the Sunnah prayers along with Fajr, and once when the Sunnah prayers of Dhuhr were missed, he made them up after Asr.

Hadith

“مَنْ نَامَ عَنْ وِتْرِهِ أَوْ نَسِيَهُ، فَلْيُصَلِّهِ إِذَا ذَكَرَهُ “

Translation

“Whoever misses Witr due to sleeping or forgetfulness, let him pray it when he remembers.”

If Witr is made up (qada), then even number of rak’ahs should be prayed. It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):

“وَكَانَ إِذَا غَلَبَهُ نَوْمٌ أَوْ وَجَعٌ عَنْ قِيَامِ اللَّيْلِ صَلَّى مِنْ النَّهَارِ ثِنْتَيْ عَشْرَةَ رَكْعَةً”

Translation

“Whenever due to sleep or illness the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) could not perform the night vigil, he would pray twelve rak’ahs during the day.”

Encouragement to maintain the emphasized Sunnahs

My brother! Preserve these emphasized Sunnahs, for in them is the following of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Allah Almighty says:

﴿لَقَد كانَ لَكُم فى رَسولِ اللَّهِ أُسوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَن كانَ يَرجُوا اللَّهَ وَاليَومَ الءاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثيرًا ﴿٢١﴾﴾

Translation

“Indeed, for you in the Messenger of Allah is the best example for anyone who hopes for Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.”

✔ By adhering to Sunnah, the deficiencies in the obligatory prayers are compensated, and since there is generally a possibility of deficiency in a person, this compensation is greatly needed—therefore, do not neglect it.
✔ It is a means of increasing goodness and blessings which a servant surely attains with his Lord (InshaAllah).

✔ Along with every obligatory act of worship, there is a voluntary act of the same kind:
◈ Voluntary prayer along with obligatory prayer
◈ Voluntary fasting along with obligatory fasting
◈ Voluntary Hajj along with obligatory Hajj
So that any shortcomings in the obligatory can be fulfilled.

We pray to Allah Almighty to grant us and everyone the ability to perform such deeds that are beloved and pleasing to Him; indeed, He is the Hearer and Accepter.

Traditions related to Duha

Several narrations have been reported regarding the Duha prayer. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله تعالى عنه:

“أَوْصَانِي خَلِيلِي صلى الله عليه وسلم بِثَلاثٍ : صِيَامِ ثَلاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ , وَرَكْعَتَيْ الضُّحَى , وَأَنْ أُوتِرَ قَبْلَ أَنْ أَنَامَ”

Translation

“My beloved (Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم) advised me three things: fasting three days every month, two rak’ahs of Duha (forenoon) prayer, and praying Witr before sleeping.”

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Saeed Khudri رضي الله تعالى عنه:

“كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يصلي الضحى حتى نقول: لا يدعها، ويدعها حتى نقول: لا يصليها”

Translation

“The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to pray Duha until we said, ‘Now you will never abandon it,’ and sometimes he would abandon it, so we said, ‘Now you will never pray it.’”

Rak’ahs and Virtue of Duha Prayer

✔ Duha prayer is at least two rak’ahs as narrated in the narration of Abu Hurairah رضي الله تعالى عنه.

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Mu’adh bin Anas رضي الله تعالى عنه:

“Whoever prays the morning prayer and then sits at the same place (where) he performed the obligatory prayer and continues to recite the word of goodness and remembrance until he prays the two rak’ahs of Duha prayer, all his sins will be forgiven even if they are more than the foam of the sea.”

✔ The maximum number of Duha rak’ahs is eight and they are Sunnah. It is narrated from Sayyida Umm Hani (may Allah be pleased with her) that in the year of the Conquest of Makkah, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) prayed eight rak’ahs of Duha in her house.

It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to pray four rak’ahs in the forenoon prayer, and sometimes he would pray more than that.

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Allah Almighty says: “O son of Adam! Pray four rak’ahs for Me in the early part of the day, and at its end, I will suffice for you.”

Time for Duha Prayer

✔ The time for Duha prayer begins when the sun has risen to the height of a spear and lasts until just before the zenith (zawal).
✔ Its preferred time is when the heat of the sun intensifies somewhat. It is narrated:

“صلاة الأوَّابين حين تَرمَضُ الفِصالُ”

Translation

“The time for the prayer of the repentant (Duha) is when the young camels begin to feel the heat of the sand.”

What is Sajdah Tilawat?

✔ The prostration of recitation (Sajdah Tilawat) is Sunnah.
✔ The reason for this prostration is the recitation of the Quran, which is why it is called “Sajdah Tilawat.”
✔ This prostration has been prescribed by Allah Almighty and His Messenger ﷺ as an act of worship upon reciting or hearing certain specific verses, with the purpose of:
◈ Expressing servitude
◈ Drawing closer to Allah
◈ Showing humility and reverence before greatness
◈ And expressing meekness and submission.

✔ Sajdah Tilawat is Sunnah for both the reciter and the listener, and scholars unanimously agree on its legitimacy.

Hadith

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله تعالى عنه:

“كَانَ يَقْرَأُ الْقُرْآنَ فَيَقْرَأُ سُورَةً فِيهَا سَجْدَةٌ، فَيَسْجُدُ وَنَسْجُدُ مَعَهُ، حَتَّى مَا يَجِدُ بَعْضُنَا مَوْضِعًا لِمَكَانِ جَبْهَتِهِ”

Translation

“The Prophet ﷺ used to recite the Quran, and when he recited a Surah that contained a prostration, he would perform the prostration, and we would also prostrate with him, to the extent that some of us had no place left to put their forehead.”

Allama Ibn Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) writes that wherever the Quran mentions or commands prostration, a prostration (either obligatory or recommended) is prescribed for the reader and listener so that they resemble the creature who prostrates, and in the verses where the command of prostration is given, prostration is especially necessary.

Hadith

Narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“إِذَا قَرَأَ ابْنُ آدَمَ السَّجْدَةَ فَسَجَدَ اعْتَزَلَ الشَّيْطَانُ يَبْكِي، يَقُولُ: يَا وَيْلَهُ – وَفِي رِوَايَةِ أَبِي كُرَيْبٍ: يَا وَيْلِي – أُمِرَ ابْنُ آدَمَ بِالسُّجُودِ فَسَجَدَ فَلَهُ الْجَنَّةُ، وَأُمِرْتُ بِالسُّجُودِ فَأَبَيْتُ فَلِيَ النَّارُ “

Translation

“When the son of Adam recites the verse of prostration and then prostrates, Satan separates and cries, saying: Alas! The son of Adam was commanded to prostrate and he prostrated, so there is Paradise for him; I was commanded to prostrate and I refused, so there is Hellfire for me.”

Explanation of the Listener

✔ A listener refers to a person who intentionally and deliberately listens to the recitation of the Quran and participates in that gathering.
✔ A person who is not listening intentionally but merely hears the words of the verse of prostration in passing is not required to perform the prostration.

It is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari that Sayyiduna Uthman رضي الله تعالى عنه passed by a reciter who was reciting the verse of prostration, but the Commander of the Faithful did not perform the prostration and said:

“إنما السجدة على من استمعها”

Translation

“Prostration is only obligatory on the one who attentively listens to the verse of prostration.”

Surahs in the Quran with Prostration of Recitation

The prostration of recitation (Sajdah Tilawat) in the Quran is found in the following Surahs:
(Al-A’raf) (Ar-Ra’d) (An-Nahl) (Bani Isra’il) (Maryam) (Al-Hajj) (Al-Furqan) (An-Naml) (As-Sajdah) (Ha Mim As-Sajdah) (An-Najm) (Al-Inshiqaq) (Al-‘Alaq)
And there is a difference of opinion regarding the prostration in Surah Sad, whether it is a prostration of gratitude or a prostration of recitation.

Takbeer in Sajdah Tilawat

It is permissible to say Takbeer when going into the prostration of recitation. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):

“كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى الله عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ … النَّبيُّ صَلَّى الله عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقْرَأُ عَلَيْنَا الْقُرْآنَ؛ فَإِذَا مَرَّ بِالسَّجْدَةِ كَبَّرَ وَسَجَدْنَا مَعَهُ”

Translation

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite the Quran in our presence, and when the verse of prostration came, he would say Takbeer and prostrate, and we would also prostrate with him.”

Tasbeeh and Supplications in Sajdah Tilawat

✔ It is correct to say (Subhana Rabbi al-A’la) in the prostration of recitation as is said in the prostration of prayer.
However, this supplication is also valid:

“سَجَدَ وَجْهِيَ للَّذِي خَلَقَهُ، وَشَقَّ سَمْعَهُ وبَصَرَهُ، بِحَوْلِهِ وَقُوَّتِهِ”

Translation

“My face has prostrated to the One who created it, fashioned it with His power and might, and made its ears and eyes.”

This supplication can also be recited:

“اللَّهُمَّ اكْتُبْ لِي بِهَا عِنْدَكَ أَجْرًا، وَضَعْ عَنِّي بِهَا وِزْرًا، وَاجْعَلْهَا لِي عِنْدَكَ ذُخْرًا”

Translation

“O Allah! In return for this prostration, record a reward for me with You, remove my burden through it, and store it for me with You.”

It has been stated that going into prostration while standing is superior to going into prostration while sitting. [The learned author has not presented any evidence regarding this.]

In conclusion, the advice is that there are many paths to goodness; strive to follow them, cultivate sincerity in speech and action so that Allah Almighty includes you among the successful people. Ameen.

The Most Virtuous Nafl

It was asked from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, which prayer is the most virtuous after the obligatory prayers? He, peace be upon him, said: “The night prayer.”

The Time of Acceptance of Supplication at Night

The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

“إِنَّ فِي اللَّيْلِ لَسَاعَةً لَا يُوَافِقُهَا رَجُلٌ مُسْلِمٌ يَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ خَيْرًا مِنْ أَمْرِ الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ إِلَّا أَعْطَاهُ إِيَّاهُ وَذَلِكَ كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ”

Translation

“There is an hour in the night that if any Muslim asks Allah for the good of this world and the Hereafter during it, Allah surely grants it to him, and this happens every night.”

And he said:

“عَلَيْكُمْ بِقِيَامِ اللَّيْلِ؛ فَإِنَّهُ دَأْبُ الصَّالِحينَ قَبْلَكُمْ، وَهُوَ قُرْبَةٌ إِلَى رَبِّكُمْ، وَمَكْفَرَةٌ لِلسَيِّئَاتِ، وَمَنْهَاةٌ عَنِ الْإِثْمِ”

Translation

“Hold firmly to the night prayer, it was the habit of the righteous before you; it is a means of nearness to the Lord, an expiation for sins, and a deterrent from sin.”

Praise of Those Who Perform Qiyam al-Layl

Allah Almighty praised those who perform Qiyam:

﴿إِنَّهُم كانوا قَبلَ ذ‌ٰلِكَ مُحسِنينَ ﴿١٦﴾ كانوا قَليلًا مِنَ الَّيلِ ما يَهجَعونَ ﴿١٧﴾ وَبِالأَسحارِ هُم يَستَغفِرونَ ﴿١٨﴾﴾

Translation

“They were indeed righteous before, they used to sleep little at night, and they used to seek forgiveness at dawn.”

And He said:

﴿تَتَجافىٰ جُنوبُهُم عَنِ المَضاجِعِ يَدعونَ رَبَّهُم خَوفًا وَطَمَعًا وَمِمّا رَزَقنـٰهُم يُنفِقونَ ﴿١٦﴾ فَلا تَعلَمُ نَفسٌ ما أُخفِىَ لَهُم مِن قُرَّةِ أَعيُنٍ جَزاءً بِما كانوا يَعمَلونَ ﴿١٧﴾﴾

Translation

“Their sides remain apart on their beds, and they call upon their Lord with fear and hope, and they spend from what We have provided them. No soul knows what has been hidden for them as a comfort for the eyes; it is the reward for their deeds.”

The Best Time for Night Prayer

✔ Among the voluntary prayers, the most virtuous is the night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl), and one aspect of it is that it involves more secrecy and sincerity. Also, it is a time when people are heedless—worship during this time is preferring obedience over sleep and rest.
✔ Except for the prohibited times, all times are preferred for voluntary prayers, and the night prayer is superior to the daytime prayer.
✔ The best part of the night prayer is that which is performed in the last third of the night after midnight.

Hadith

“أَحَبُّ الصَّلاَةِ إِلَى اللَّهِ صَلاَةُ دَاوُدَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ، وَأَحَبُّ الصِّيَامِ إِلَى اللَّهِ صِيَامُ دَاوُدَ، كَانَ يَنَامُ نِصْفَ اللَّيْلِ وَيَقُومُ ثُلُثَهُ، وَيَنَامُ سُدُسَهُ”

Translation

“The prayer most beloved to Allah is the prayer of Dawud (peace be upon him), and the fasting most beloved is the fasting of Dawud (peace be upon him); he would sleep half the night, then stand in prayer for a third of it, then sleep for a sixth.”

✔ Dawud (peace be upon him) would rest during the first part, then wake up when the call from Allah came: “Is there anyone who asks so that I may give to him?”

Then he would rest a little at the end so that he could perform Fajr prayer with joy—this is the best form of Qiyam al-Layl, otherwise it can be performed at any part of the night.

Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him, stated that the time for Qiyam al-Layl is from Maghrib until Fajr, but standing in prayer during the last half is better. Then Allah’s statement is:

﴿إِنَّ ناشِئَةَ الَّيلِ هِىَ أَشَدُّ وَطـًٔا وَأَقوَمُ قيلًا ﴿٦﴾﴾

Translation

“Indeed, rising at night is more suitable for concentration and more precise in speech.”

And in this verse, (nashiat) refers to rising after sleeping, and Tahajjud is also performed after sleeping.

The Sunnah Method of Night Prayer (Qiyam al-Layl)

It is befitting for a Muslim to make a habit of standing in prayer at night, even if only a little. The Sunnah method of Qiyam al-Layl is as follows:

① Make the intention for Qiyam al-Layl (the intention is made in the heart, not by the tongue)
② Upon waking, use a miswak, remember Allah, and say these words:

“لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ”

Translation

There is no deity except Allah, He is alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and praise, and He is over all things competent; all praise is for Allah; Allah is pure; there is no deity except Allah; Allah is the Greatest; and protection from sin and strength for good deeds is not possible except through Allah.

And also say:

“الْـحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أمَاتَنَا وإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ”

Translation

“All praise is for Allah who gave us life after death, and to Him is the resurrection.”

And also:

“الحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي عَافَانِي فِي جَسَدِي، وَرَدَّ عَلَيَّ رُوحِي وَأَذِنَ لِي بِذِكْرِهِ”

Translation

“All praise is due to Allah who granted health to my body, restored my soul, and allowed me to remember Him.”

③ It is recommended to begin Tahajjud with two light rak’ahs:

“إِذَا قَامَ أَحَدُكُمْ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَلْيَفْتَتِحْ صَلَاتَهُ بِرَكْعَتَيْنِ خَفِيفَتَيْنِ”

Translation

“When any one of you rises at night (for prayer), let him begin his prayer with two light rak’ahs.”

④ After every two rak’ahs, one should say salam, because it was said:

“صَلَاةُ اللَّيْلِ مَثْنَى مَثْنَى”

Translation

“The night prayer is performed two by two rak’ahs.”

⑤ It is better to prolong the standing, bowing, and prostration appropriately.

⑥ It is preferable to perform Tahajjud at home; scholars agree on this, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) also prayed at home. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ، فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ صَلَاةِ الْمَرْءِ فِي بَيْتِهِ، إِلَّا الصَّلَاةَ الْمَكْتُوبَةَ”

Translation

“Pray in your homes, for the best prayer of a person is the one performed at home, except for the obligatory prayers.”

⑦ It is better to pray Nafl standing than sitting without excuse:

“مَنْ صَلَّى قَائِمًا فَهُوَ أَفْضَلُ وَمَنْ صَلَّى قَاعِدًا فَلَهُ نِصْفُ أَجْرِ الْقَائِمِ”

Translation

“The one who prays standing is better, and the one who prays sitting will receive half the reward of the one who prays standing.”

✔ But if one prays Nafl sitting due to a legitimate excuse, then he will receive the reward equal to that of the one standing:

“إِذَا مَرِضَ الْعَبْدُ أَوْ سَافَرَ كُتِبَ لَهُ مِثْلُ مَا كَانَ يَعْمَلُ مُقِيمًا صَحِيحًا”

Translation

“When a person is sick or traveling, the same deeds are recorded for him as he used to do when healthy and residing.”

Ending Qiyam with Witr

✔ The night prayer should end with Witr, because the Prophet ﷺ used to perform Witr at the end of the night prayer.

And there is also a ruling that the last prayer should be Witr:

If the Night Prayer is Missed, Then Qadha

If someone, for some reason, could not perform the night prayer/worship, and then performs it between Fajr and Zuhr, it is recorded as if it was performed during the night:

“مَنْ نَامَ عَنْ حِزْبِهِ أَوْ عَنْ شَيْءٍ مِنْهُ فَقَرَأَهُ فِيمَا بَيْنَ صَلَاةِ الْفَجْرِ وَصَلَاةِ الظُّهْرِ كُتِبَ لَهُ كَأَنَّمَا قَرَأَهُ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ”

Translation

“Whoever sleeps or misses part of his night portion (worship/prayer), then prays it between Fajr and Zuhr, it is recorded as if he prayed it during the night.”

Finally, advice: O Muslim! Do not deprive yourself of the night prayer, make it a regular practice, even if it is little—so that you may receive the great reward of those who stand and seek forgiveness at dawn. Remember! Allah Almighty does not let the reward of the righteous go to waste.

ھذا ما عندی والله اعلم بالصواب