Can One Who Prayed the Farḍ Alone in Ramaḍān Join the Congregational Witr?
Source: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil – Bāb al-Ṣalāh, Vol. 1, p. 160
Question:
If a person prays the obligatory (farḍ) prayer alone in Ramaḍān, can he later join the congregation for witr or not?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
Yes, such a person may join the congregation for witr.
However, it must be remembered that offering the obligatory prayer in congregation is itself an obligation and should be given due importance.
Allah Almighty commands:
﴿وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ﴾
"Bow with those who bow (in prayer)."
Therefore, while it is permissible to participate in the witr congregation, praying the obligatory prayer alone without congregation is not correct. Offering the obligatory prayers in congregation is necessary and must not be taken lightly.
Hādhā mā ʿindī, wallāhu aʿlam bi-ṣ-ṣawāb.
