The Book of Prayer - Travellers

Author: Sahih Muslim | Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 744 a

Hadith Text

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray in the night and when he observed Witr, he said to me: O 'A'isha, get up and observe Witr.

Commentary

This noble hadith demonstrates the Prophet's concern for his Ummah's spiritual welfare, particularly his family. The command to Lady 'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) to pray Witr indicates that one should not remain without Witr, even if they have prayed much at night.

Scholars derive from this that Witr prayer is a emphasized sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah), not obligatory but strongly recommended. The Prophet's practice shows that the night prayer should conclude with Witr, making it the seal of one's nightly devotion.

The timing for Witr extends from after Isha until dawn, with the best time being the last part of the night. However, those who fear they may not wake up should pray it before sleeping, following the Prophet's example when he traveled or was concerned about missing it.

Legal Rulings

Witr consists of an odd number of rak'ahs - one, three, five, seven, or nine. The minimum is one rak'ah, while three is most common.

If one fears dawn approaching, they should pray one rak'ah to fulfill Witr rather than missing it entirely.

Whoever has prayed Witr then wishes to pray more at night may do so, but should make their final rak'ah odd by adding another single rak'ah at the end.