Witr Prayer - Sahih al-Bukhari 994

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to pray eleven rak`at at night and that was his night prayer and each of his prostrations lasted for a period enough for one of you to recite fifty verses before Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) raised his head. He also used to pray two rak`at (Sunnah) before the (compulsory) Fajr prayer and then lie down on his right side till the Mu'adh-dhin came to him for the prayer.

Commentary on the Night Prayer

The Prophet's practice of eleven rak'at constitutes the Tahajjud prayer, which includes the Witr prayer. Scholars differ whether this was performed as 8 rak'at with 3 Witr, or 10 with 1 Witr, but the total remains eleven.

The prolonged prostrations demonstrate the perfection of khushu' (devotion) in prayer. The ability to recite fifty verses indicates approximately 15-20 minutes per rak'ah, showing the Prophet's complete immersion in worship.

Significance of the Two Rak'at Before Fajr

These two rak'at are among the most emphasized Sunnah prayers, described by the Prophet as "better than this world and all it contains." Their performance is strongly recommended even when traveling.

Lying on the right side afterward symbolizes tranquility and preparedness for Fajr prayer, demonstrating the seamless connection between voluntary and obligatory worship in the Prophet's practice.

Legal Rulings Derived

Witr prayer is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) according to the majority of scholars, with some considering it obligatory.

Taking rest between the Sunnah and Fard of Fajr is permissible and demonstrates the flexibility within Islamic worship.

The length of prayer postures may vary according to one's capacity, though prolonging them with proper devotion is meritorious.