Written by: Hafiz Zubair Ali Zai (رحمه الله)
Regarding the three-rak‘ah Witr, the most authentic method is:
This method is supported by numerous authentic evidences, such as:
Sahih Muslim (Vol. 1, p. 254), Sahih Ibn Hibban (Vol. 4, p. 70), Musnad Ahmad (Vol. 2, p. 86), and al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat by Tabarani (Vol. 1, p. 222).
The narration for performing three rak‘ahs together with one salām is weak due to the issue of ‘an‘anah in the narration of Qatadah, who, although trustworthy, is a well-known mudallis (narrator who omits names in chains of transmission).
See: Taqreeb at-Tahdheeb and others.
However, it is also proven from the Salaf (righteous predecessors) that they prayed three Witr rak‘ahs with one salām.
See: Sharh Ma‘ani al-Athar by al-Tahawi (1/293 – sanad is hasan), and al-Mustadrak by al-Hakim (1/305 – sanad is hasan).
Hence, this method is also permissible, but in such a case, tashahhud is only done in the final (third) rak‘ah—not in the second rak‘ah.
❖ Question:
How should the Witr prayer be performed? Should two rak‘ahs be offered first, followed by taslim (salutation), and then a separate single rak‘ah? Or should all three rak‘ahs be performed together with one final tashahhud and taslim?❖ Answer:
It is correct and permissible to offer Witr as one, three, or five rak‘ahs, etc.Regarding the three-rak‘ah Witr, the most authentic method is:
- First, offer two rak‘ahs, then conclude with salām,
- After that, perform one separate rak‘ah.
This method is supported by numerous authentic evidences, such as:
Sahih Muslim (Vol. 1, p. 254), Sahih Ibn Hibban (Vol. 4, p. 70), Musnad Ahmad (Vol. 2, p. 86), and al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat by Tabarani (Vol. 1, p. 222).The narration for performing three rak‘ahs together with one salām is weak due to the issue of ‘an‘anah in the narration of Qatadah, who, although trustworthy, is a well-known mudallis (narrator who omits names in chains of transmission).
See: Taqreeb at-Tahdheeb and others.However, it is also proven from the Salaf (righteous predecessors) that they prayed three Witr rak‘ahs with one salām.
See: Sharh Ma‘ani al-Athar by al-Tahawi (1/293 – sanad is hasan), and al-Mustadrak by al-Hakim (1/305 – sanad is hasan).Hence, this method is also permissible, but in such a case, tashahhud is only done in the final (third) rak‘ah—not in the second rak‘ah.
