A man who lived in the desert asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about the prayer at night. He made a sign with his two fingers-in this way in pairs. The witr consists of one rak'ah towards the end in night.
Hadith Text & Context
Narrated from a desert dweller: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about night prayer. He indicated with two fingers, saying: "Prayer at night consists of pairs, and the witr is one rak'ah at the night's end." (Sunan Abi Dawud 1421)
The Gesture of Two Fingers
The Prophet's gesture with two fingers symbolizes the paired nature of night prayers. Classical scholars explain this indicates praying two rak'ahs at a time, with separate tasleem after each pair, following the sunnah of Prophet David who prayed six rak'ahs in three pairs.
Meaning of "Pairs" in Prayer
The term "pairs" (mathna mathna) refers to performing night prayer in units of two rak'ahs. This was the consistent practice of the Prophet, who would never exceed two rak'ahs without sitting for tashahhud. This preserves the proper structure of voluntary prayers while allowing flexibility in number.
Position of Witr in Night Prayer
Witr serves as the seal and conclusion of night prayers. Scholars emphasize it should be the final prayer of the night, performed after all other voluntary prayers. The wisdom lies in ending one's worship with an odd number, as Allah describes Himself as "The Odd" (Al-Witr), loving what is odd.
Single Rak'ah for Witr
While witr can be performed as one, three, five, or more rak'ahs, the minimum complete unit is one rak'ah. This hadith specifically mentions the single rak'ah option, showing its permissibility. However, most scholars recommend three rak'ahs with two salams (2+1) as the complete sunnah.
Timing of Witr Prayer
The phrase "toward the end of night" indicates the preferred time for witr is the last third of the night. However, it remains valid from after Isha until dawn. Those uncertain about waking later may perform it before sleeping, while those confident may delay it for greater spiritual reward.