◈ Can a Follower Leave the Imam in Witr After Two Rak'ahs? ◈
Source: Fatawa Muhammadiyyah, Vol. 1, Page 413
If a person is praying Witr behind an Imam, and he intends to offer his Witr prayer later in the night, can he end his prayer after two Rak‘ahs and leave the Imam?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh, ammā ba‘d:
This is absolutely not permissible.
If a follower (Muqtadi) does this, he will be committing a serious sin.
The reason lies in the Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ:
((إنما جعل الإمام ليؤتم به، فإذا ركع فاركعوا))
"The Imam is appointed to be followed, so when he bows, bow (with him)."
This Hadith establishes the obligation of complete following of the Imam during prayer.
Breaking away from the Imam in this manner contradicts the purpose of congregational prayer and violates the principle of Iqtida (following the Imam).
Verdict:
A follower cannot leave the Imam after two Rak‘ahs of Witr with the intention of praying later. Doing so is impermissible and renders him sinful.
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
Source: Fatawa Muhammadiyyah, Vol. 1, Page 413❖ Question:
If a person is praying Witr behind an Imam, and he intends to offer his Witr prayer later in the night, can he end his prayer after two Rak‘ahs and leave the Imam?
❖ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh, ammā ba‘d:
This is absolutely not permissible.
If a follower (Muqtadi) does this, he will be committing a serious sin.
The reason lies in the Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ:
((إنما جعل الإمام ليؤتم به، فإذا ركع فاركعوا))
"The Imam is appointed to be followed, so when he bows, bow (with him)."
This Hadith establishes the obligation of complete following of the Imam during prayer.
Breaking away from the Imam in this manner contradicts the purpose of congregational prayer and violates the principle of Iqtida (following the Imam).
Verdict:A follower cannot leave the Imam after two Rak‘ahs of Witr with the intention of praying later. Doing so is impermissible and renders him sinful.
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
