Abu Salama reported that he asked 'A'isha about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) (during the night). The rest of the hadith is the same but with this exception that he (the Holy Prophet) observed nine rak'ahs including Witr.
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Sahih Muslim - Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 738 c
Textual Analysis
This narration from the Mother of the Believers 'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) describes the nocturnal prayer (Tahajjud) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The specific mention of nine rak'ahs including Witr indicates a complete cycle of night prayer.
The wording "observed nine rak'ahs including Witr" demonstrates that the Witr prayer was integrated within the total count, not separate from it. This aligns with the Prophetic practice of making Witr the concluding portion of the night prayer.
Juridical Commentary
The scholars have differed regarding the exact manner of performing these nine rak'ahs. The predominant view among the Hanafi and Hanbali schools is that he prayed eight rak'ahs of Tahajjud in pairs (four sets of two rak'ahs each) followed by a single rak'ah of Witr.
The Maliki and Shafi'i schools maintain that it is permissible to pray Witr as three rak'ahs with one salutation, or as separate rak'ahs. This hadith provides evidence for the flexibility in the number of rak'ahs for night prayer, as other authentic narrations mention different numbers.
Spiritual Significance
The Prophet's consistent observance of night prayer, even in its shorter form of nine rak'ahs, emphasizes the great virtue of Tahajjud. It demonstrates that quality and consistency are more important than mere quantity in worship.
Including Witr within the total count teaches us that the night prayer should properly conclude with Witr, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Make Witr your last prayer at night." This arrangement ensures the night's worship is sealed in the most complete manner.