How to Perform Three Rak‘ahs of Witr Prayer

Author: Sheikh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (حفظه الله)

Division of Witr Prayer into Two and One Rak‘ah​

The method of offering the three Rak‘ahs of Witr prayer by performing two Rak‘ahs first, ending with Salam, and then praying one separate Rak‘ah is entirely correct and in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This practice is supported by both narrative and practical Hadiths.

Evidence from the Hadiths​

1. Hadith of Abdullah ibn Umar (رضي الله عنهما):
   
   • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
     "The night prayer is two by two (Rak‘ahs). If one fears the break of dawn, let him pray one Rak‘ah, which will make what he has prayed Witr."
     [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 990]
2. Hadith of Aisha (رضي الله عنها):
   
   • She narrated:
     "The Prophet (ﷺ) would pray eleven Rak‘ahs at night, including one Rak‘ah of Witr. After finishing, he would lie on his right side."
     [Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 1335; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 736]
3. Hadith of Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
   
   • He mentioned the practice of the Prophet (ﷺ) praying Witr as one Rak‘ah.
     [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 763; Abu Dawood, Hadith 1353]
4. Hadith of Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه):
   
   • He reported:
     "The Prophet (ﷺ) would pray in pairs of two Rak‘ahs and then perform one Rak‘ah of Witr."
     [Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1177]

The Practice of Abdullah ibn Umar (رضي الله عنهما)​

1. Abdullah ibn Umar (رضي الله عنهما) narrated:
   "The Prophet (ﷺ) would separate the even and odd (Shafa‘ and Witr) with a Salam, which we could hear."
   [Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith 2433]
2. Nafi‘ (رحمه الله) narrated:
   "Ibn Umar (رضي الله عنهما) used to perform two Rak‘ahs, say Salam, and then pray one Rak‘ah of Witr."
   [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 991]
3. A further narration states:
   "After praying two Rak‘ahs, Ibn Umar (رضي الله عنهما) would instruct his servant to bring his camel and then pray one Rak‘ah of Witr."
   [Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Vol. 2, Page 292]

Scholarly Viewpoints​

1. Imam Al-Hakim (رحمه الله):
   
   • He stated that the Prophet's (ﷺ) Witr prayer varied between 13, 11, 9, 7, 5, 3, and 1 Rak‘ah, with the most authentic being the performance of one Rak‘ah alone.
     [Mustadrak Al-Hakim, Vol. 1, Hadith 119]
2. Shaykh Al-Albani (رحمه الله):
   
   • He verified the Hadiths related to separating Witr into two and one Rak‘ah and deemed their chains of narration authentic.
     [Irwa' Al-Ghalil, Vol. 2, Page 150]

Key Lessons​

1. Validity of Dividing Witr into Two and One Rak‘ah:
   
   • This method is firmly established through multiple authentic Hadiths and the practices of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions.
2. Flexibility in Witr:
   
   • While praying three Rak‘ahs together is also permissible, dividing them with Salam is preferred and closer to the Sunnah.
3. Criticism of this Practice is Unfounded:
   
   • Denying or criticizing this method contradicts authentic Hadiths and the practices of the Sahabah (رضي الله عنهم). Such denial stems from ignorance.

Conclusion​

Praying three Rak‘ahs of Witr by dividing them into two and one Rak‘ah is a Sunnah-based practice. It aligns with the teachings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and is supported by authentic narrations from his companions. This method is valid, correct, and virtuous, and rejecting it is baseless.