How to pray witr prayer
Witr prayer is an essential part of the Islamic faith. It is a voluntary prayer performed after the Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. The word “witr” means odd, indicating that this prayer is performed with an odd number of Rakahs (units). Witr prayer is highly recommended and holds great significance in the eyes of Allah.
To begin the prayer, one must first perform the Isha prayer. After completing the Isha prayer, it is recommended to recite the Tasbeeh Fatima, which consists of saying “SubhanAllah” 33 times, “Alhamdulillah” 33 times, and “Allahu Akbar” 34 times. This Tasbeeh is a way of seeking forgiveness and repenting before embarking on the Witr prayer.
After the Tasbeeh Fatima, it is time to start the Witr prayer. The prayer consists of performing an odd number of Rakahs, ideally three or five. Each Rakah follows the same format as a regular prayer, including recitation of the Fatiha and a portion of the Quran. One can choose any surah or verses from the Quran to recite during the prayer.
It is important to note that the Witr prayer should be concluded with the Qunut supplication, which is a heartfelt prayer made after rising from the bowing position. During the Qunut supplication, one can ask for forgiveness, guidance, and protection from Allah. It is recommended to raise your hands during the supplication and recite various duas and verses from the Quran. The Qunut supplication is a powerful way to connect with Allah and seek His blessings and mercy.
As with any prayer, it is essential to perform the Witr prayer with sincerity and concentration. Remember to purify your intentions and focus on the words and actions of the prayer. By performing the Witr prayer regularly, one can strengthen their relationship with Allah and seek His blessings and guidance in their daily lives.
Steps to Perform Witr Prayer
Step 1: Begin by performing the prescribed number of Rak’ahs of the Isha prayer.
Step 2: After completing the Isha prayer, it is recommended to pray two Rak’ahs as Sunnah Muakkadah, which are often referred to as the Sunnah before Witr.
Step 3: After performing the two Rak’ahs of Sunnah Muakkadah, proceed to perform the Witr prayer.
Step 4: Start the Witr prayer by making the intention to pray Witr and raising your hands to begin the prayer.
Step 5: Begin the Witr prayer by reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran, followed by reciting an additional portion of the Quran in each Rak’ah.
Step 6: Raising your hands to your ears, say “Allahu Akbar” to proceed to the bowing position and perform the Sunnah action of Ruku’, bowing down with your hands rested on your knees.
Step 7: Return to the standing position after the Ruku’ and say “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” to rise before proceeding to the prostration position (Sujood).
Step 8: Perform two prostrations, resting your forehead and nose on the ground, while saying “Subhan Allah” (Glory be to Allah) three times.
Step 9: Rise from the first prostration and sit briefly in a position called Jalsa, reciting the phrase “Allahu Akbar”.
Step 10: Perform another prostration and say “Subhan Allah” three times.
Step 11: Return to the sitting position for Tashahhud (a prayer recited while sitting) and recite the appropriate supplication.
Step 12: Complete the Witr prayer by ending with Taslim, turning your head to the right and saying “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah), then turning your head to the left and saying the same.
Step 13: It is customary to recite additional supplications after completing the Witr prayer, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and blessings from Allah.
Note: It is worth mentioning that the Witr prayer can also be performed in different numbers of Rak’ahs, such as three or five, depending on personal preference or following the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
Preparing for Witr Prayer
Witr prayer is an important and recommended prayer that is performed after the essential night prayers. It consists of an odd number of units and is usually performed right before going to bed for the night. To properly prepare for Witr prayer, one should follow these steps:
1. Make intention
Before beginning any prayer, it is important to make a clear intention in your heart to pray Witr prayer and seek the pleasure of Allah during this prayer. This intention should be sincere and focused on fulfilling your obligation as a Muslim.
2. Perform any necessary ablution
Just as with any other obligatory or recommended prayer, performing ablution (wudu) is necessary before performing Witr prayer. This involves washing the hands, arms, face, feet, and wiping the head according to the proper Islamic rituals.
3. Find a quiet and clean place
Preferably, find a quiet and clean place where you can focus on your prayer without any distractions. It is recommended to pray in the same place where you perform your other daily prayers or in a designated prayer area at home.
4. Make dua (supplication)
Before starting the Witr prayer, it is customary to make dua (supplication) to seek Allah’s guidance, forgiveness, and blessings. You can use existing duas from the Quran or Sunnah, or you can make your own heartfelt dua in your own words.
5. Recite necessary surahs
During Witr prayer, it is recommended to recite a specified portion of the Quran. One should recite Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a longer portion of any other Surah or a few shorter surahs. This recitation should be done with focus and understanding of the verses.
6. Perform Qiyam al-Layl
Witr prayer is usually performed after tahajjud prayer, a voluntary prayer performed during the night. If you are already awake and have performed tahajjud prayer, you can perform Witr prayer directly afterwards. However, if you have not performed tahajjud prayer yet, it is recommended to perform some optional nighttime prayers (qiyam al-layl), as this is a time of great virtue and reward.
7. Make a cool and calm environment
Before beginning the Witr prayer, it is recommended to create a cool and peaceful atmosphere. Dim the lights, lower the noise, and create a serene environment to help enhance your focus and connection with Allah.
By following these steps and preparing yourself mentally and physically for Witr prayer, you can perform this important prayer with sincerity and devotion. Remember to always seek refuge in Allah, seek His forgiveness, and ask for His guidance during your prayers.
Performing the Witr Prayer
The Witr prayer is a voluntary prayer performed after the Isha prayer, during the night. It is an important aspect of the Muslim prayer routine and holds great significance in Islamic practice.
Here are the steps to perform the Witr prayer:
- Perform the Isha prayer as usual, including the obligatory prayer and any additional recommended prayers.
- After completing the Isha prayer, it is preferred to make a short supplication and then raise your hands to perform the Takbir al-Haram, holding your hands to your ears.
- Recite the “Qunut” supplication, which is an important part of the Witr prayer. This supplication can be recited in Arabic or in your native language, and you can choose from various authentic supplications recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- After reciting the Qunut supplication, bow down to perform the Ruku’ and then rise up straight, reciting the usual portion of the prayer.
- Perform the Sujood (prostration), touching the ground with your forehead, nose, and hands, while reciting recommended supplications.
- Sit up straight after the first Sujood, and then perform the second Sujood in the same manner as the first.
- Sit up straight again and recite the Tashahhud (testimony of faith) and Salawat (sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad), just as during the regular prayer.
- Finish the prayer by making a Taslim, turning the head to the right and saying “Assalamu alaikum warahmatullah” (peace and mercy of Allah be upon you), and then turning the head to the left and saying the same words.
It is important to note that the Witr prayer can be performed in different ways, depending on individual interpretations and practices. Some people may choose to perform it differently, such as praying an odd number of Rak’ahs (units of prayer) without making the Qunut supplication. It is best to consult with a knowledgeable Imam or refer to reliable sources for specific guidance on performing the Witr prayer in accordance with your preferred school of thought.
Overall, the Witr prayer is a beautiful and spiritually fulfilling practice that allows Muslims to seek nearness to Allah and seek His forgiveness and blessings in the later part of the night.
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