The Witr prayer is the last prayer of the night. The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:
“The Witr prayer is offered in units of 2 raka’at. If you fear that dawn is near, conclude with a single rak’ah so the night prayer will be of an odd number.”Al-Bukhari, vol. 2, book 16, #105
It can be offered at any time after the Isha’ prayer and before the Fajr prayer.
Why is it important?
The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, strongly emphasised the importance of this prayer, and he, himself, did not leave this prayer even if he was on a journey or on his mount. Due to the very firm nature of the Prophet’s emphasis some scholars have classed this prayer as wajib (compulsory) but, in reality, it is a strongly encouraged action of the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
How is it prayed?
The Witr prayer is commonly 3, 5, 7 or 9 raka’at but can also be just the single rak’ah. It is authentically related that the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, prayed it in a number of different ways, so the worshipper can choose to pray it in any of the following ways:
