How to pray 3 rakat witr
Praying the witr salah is an important part of the Muslim prayer routine, especially for those who follow the Hanafi school of thought. It consists of an odd number of rakats (units of prayer), typically 3, performed as the final salah of the night. While it may seem daunting at first, learning how to pray 3 rakat witr is relatively simple, and with practice, it can become a cherished part of your daily prayers.
The first rakat: Start by performing the first rakat of witr salah, just like you would any other sunnah or fard salah. Begin by making the intention in your heart to pray witr salah, followed by the intention to perform the first rakat. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and raise your hands up to your ears, saying “Allahu Akbar” to begin the prayer.
The second rakat: After completing the first rakat, sit for a brief moment before standing up again to perform the second rakat. Again, make the intention in your heart to perform the second rakat of witr salah. Stand up, with your hands raised to your ears, saying “Allahu Akbar” to begin the prayer. Repeat the same actions and recitations as you did in the first rakat, observing proper form and focus.
The third rakat: After completing the second rakat, sit for a brief moment before standing up again to perform the third and final rakat of witr salah. Make the intention in your heart to perform the third rakat of witr salah, and stand up with your hands raised to your ears, saying “Allahu Akbar” to begin the prayer. Repeat the same actions and recitations as you did in the previous two rakats, maintaining your focus and concentration.
Remember, while the 3 rakat witr salah is the most commonly performed method, some scholars recommend praying just one rakat or five rakats as witr salah. It is important to consult with a knowledgeable scholar or imam to detect the proper way to pray witr salah based on your school of thought and personal circumstances.
In conclusion, praying 3 rakat witr salah is a spiritually fulfilling and essential part of the Muslim prayer routine. By following the proper steps and maintaining focus and concentration, you can make this final nighttime prayer a meaningful and rewarding experience.
What is Witr Salah?
Witr Salah is a special form of prayer that is performed after the Isha prayer (the night prayer) and before Fajr prayer (the pre-dawn prayer). It consists of an odd number of Rakat (units of prayer), with the minimum being one Rakat and the maximum being eleven Rakat. The most common practice is to perform three Rakat of Witr Salah.
Witr Salah is considered as a recommended (Sunnah) prayer in Islam. It is an act of worship that is highly encouraged and holds great rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to perform Witr Salah regularly and said that it is the “latest prayer” on a person’s night, meaning it is the last prayer before the Fajr prayer.
The manner of performing Witr Salah is similar to other units of prayer in Islam, with the recitation of selected verses from the Quran, bowing (Rukoo), prostration (Sujood), and other recommended supplications. However, there are some specific differences in the Witr Salah that make it distinct.
| Number of Rakat | Method | Supplications |
|---|---|---|
| One Rakat | Perform one Rakat of Witr Salah, similar to the last Rakat of the regular prayers. | No specific supplications mentioned. |
| Three Rakat | Perform three Rakat of Witr Salah, usually performed together with one Tashahhud (sitting between the two prostrations). | Recite the recommended Dua Qunoot in the final Rakat after getting up from the bowing position. |
| Five or Seven, or Nine or Eleven Rakat | Perform according to the preferred method of the individual or according to any scholarly guidance. | Optional to recite the Dua Qunoot in the final Rakat. |
It is important to note that the time for performing Witr Salah is after the Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. It is recommended to perform it in the last third of the night for maximum blessings.
Witr Salah holds significant importance in the life of a Muslim, as it is an act of devotion, gratitude, and seeking closeness to Allah. It allows individuals to reflect, seek forgiveness, and make supplications for themselves and others. By consistently performing Witr Salah, Muslims aim to strengthen their connection with Allah and bring more spirituality into their lives.
Importance of Witr Salah
The Witr Salah is a significant and special prayer in Islam that holds great importance in the life of a Muslim. It is a night prayer consisting of an odd number of units which differs from the obligatory prayers that have an even number of units.
A Distinct Prayer:
The Witr Salah is distinct because it is the only prayer that is recommended to be performed after the obligatory Isha prayer. This prayer has been highly emphasized and encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the early Muslims.
A Demonstration of Devotion:
By performing the Witr Salah, a Muslim demonstrates their devotion to Allah and their commitment to striving for closeness to Him. This additional prayer shows that they are willing to go the extra mile in their worship and submission to the Almighty.
An Individual Connection:
Unlike the other prayers that are performed in congregation, the Witr Salah is typically performed individually. This provides an opportunity for personal reflection and a direct communication with Allah. It allows a person to express their needs, seek forgiveness, and seek guidance and support from their Creator.
Protection Against Negativity:
Performing the Witr Salah safeguards a person from falling into unfavorable circumstances and acts as a protection from various trials and tribulations. It has been reported that the Witr Salah can act as a shield from evil and helps in warding off harm.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Witr Salah is a prayer of great significance in Islam. It showcases a Muslim’s dedication and sincerity in worshiping Allah, provides an opportunity for personal connection with the Creator, and serves as a means of protection. Muslims are encouraged to perform the Witr Salah regularly to reap its benefits and deepen their spiritual connection with Allah.
How to Perform Witr Salah?
Witr Salah is a voluntary prayer in Islam that is performed after the Isha prayer. It is traditionally performed as three rakat, although it can also be performed as one rakat or five rakat as well. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Witr Salah:
- Make the intention to perform Witr Salah. It is important to have the intention in your heart before starting the prayer.
- Start by performing two rakat of regular Salah, similar to the Sunnah prayer performed after Isha. You can recite any Surah after Al-Fatihah in these two rakat.
- After completing the two rakat, make a takbir and go into the Qunut position. This is where you raise your hands to your chest level and make a supplication to Allah.
- You can make any dua in the Qunut position, but it is most common to recite the “Qunut Nazilah”, which is a specific supplication for guidance, protection, and forgiveness.
- After the Qunut, go into the final sujood (prostration) and complete the first rakat.
- Stand up and perform the second rakat similar to the first one, reciting any Surah after Al-Fatihah.
- After completing the second rakat, make a takbir and go into the Qunut position again, making any dua or reciting the Qunut Nazilah.
- Go into the final sujood and complete the second rakat.
- After the second sujood, sit up and recite the tashahhud and durood. This is a mandatory part of any Salah.
- Make the final takbir and perform the third rakat. This third rakat will be performed as one unit, similar to the witr prayer performed in taraweeh.
- In this one rakat, you can recite any Surah after Al-Fatihah, and make the takbir, Qunut, and sujood as mentioned before.
- After the final sujood, sit up and recite the tashahhud, durood, and make a final supplication for forgiveness and guidance.
- End the prayer by turning your face to the right and saying “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” and then turning your face to the left and repeating the same greeting.
It is important to note that Witr Salah can be performed in various ways, and the above method is just one of them. It is recommended to learn from an experienced teacher or follow the guidance of your local mosque for the correct way to perform Witr Salah.
Number of Rakat in Witr Salah
In the witr salah, the number of rakat performed differs depending on the individual’s preferred method of salah. There are three common ways in which the witr salah can be performed:
- Three rakat performed continuously without sitting in between.
- Three rakat with a sitting break after the second rakat.
- Three rakat performed separately, with a separate ending tashahhud and salaam after each rakat.
Each of these methods are acceptable and can be performed according to one’s personal preference or following the teachings of a particular school of thought.
It is important to note that the witr salah is performed after the night prayer (isha) and before the dawn prayer (fajr). It is an optional prayer, but highly recommended.
Dua Qunoot in Witr Salah
In the Witr salah, it is highly recommended to recite the Dua Qunoot during the final rakat. The Dua Qunoot is a powerful supplication that is recited in the standing position before or after the Ruku’ (bowing) position. Here is how to recite the Dua Qunoot:
Step 1: Stand up straight
After completing the second Rakat, stand up straight for the final Rakat of Witr Salah.
Step 2: Raise your hands
Raise your hands up to shoulder level with the palms facing towards the Qibla.
Step 3: Begin reciting Dua Qunoot
Start reciting the following Dua Qunoot in a clear and heartfelt manner:
Allahummahd-ini fee man hadayta,
Wa ‘afini fee man ‘afayta,
Wa tawallani fee man tawallayta,
Wa barik li fee ma ‘ateyta,
Waqini sharra ma qadayta,
Fa innaka taqdi wa la yuqda ‘alayk,
Wa innahu la yadhillu man wallayta,
Tabarakta Rabbana wa ta’alayta,
A’udhu bika min sharri ma qadayta,
Wa khalayta, fayaghlitr,
Wa la yughla’alayk.
Step 4: Complete the prayer
After reciting the Dua Qunoot, proceed with the rest of the Rakat by completing the Ruku’, Sujud and Tashahhud. Then, conclude the prayer by making the salam with the customary salutations.
Reciting the Dua Qunoot in the Witr Salah adds a special spiritual dimension to the prayer and is considered highly recommended. It is a powerful supplication that seeks guidance, protection, and blessings from Allah. By incorporating this powerful dua into your Witr Salah, you can deepen your connection with Allah and seek His mercy and assistance in all aspects of your life.
Benefits of Praying Witr Salah
Praying the Witr Salah, which consists of three rakats, is highly rewarded in Islam. This prayer holds great spiritual significance and offers numerous benefits to the one who performs it regularly. Below are some of the benefits of praying Witr:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased closeness to Allah | Praying Witr Salah demonstrates one’s dedication and commitment to the worship of Allah, thereby strengthening their bond with Him. |
| Protection from evil | Performing Witr Salah helps seek Allah’s protection from the evils and challenges of this world and the hereafter. |
| Forgiveness of sins | Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives the sins of those who perform Witr Salah sincerely and seek His forgiveness. |
| Increased tranquility | Praying the Witr Salah brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the heart and mind, relieving stress and anxiety. |
| Strengthened faith | Regularly performing Witr Salah helps in the development and strengthening of one’s faith, increasing their love for Allah. |
| Draws closer to Paradise | The consistent observance of Witr Salah brings one closer to attaining Paradise and earning the pleasure of Allah. |
| Reward with intercession | A person who regularly performs the Witr Salah will be rewarded with the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad on the Day of Judgment. |
These are just a few of the many benefits of praying the Witr Salah. It is an essential part of the night prayers and should be performed regularly to avail oneself of these blessings and attain closeness to Allah.
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