How to proven learn Pray Witr namaz – Complete Step-by-Step Guide and chart

The Witr prayer is an important part of the night prayers, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized its importance. This step-by-step guide explains the correct method of performing the Witr prayer in simple terms, based on the Quran and Hadith. Here you will learn about the importance of Witr, the number of rak’ahs, the ruling according to the Hanafi school of thought, and the practical method of performing it. This guide is useful for beginners and those who want to perform their Witr prayer correctly.

1. Importance of Witr namaz in Islam

Witr Salah is a very important and sacred part of night worship in Islam, performed after Isha and before Fajr. The Qur’an emphasizes praying and glorifying Allah during the night: “And during the night, glorify your Lord” (Surah Al-Insan 76:26), highlighting the virtue of night prayers. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ consistently offered Witr after Isha and strongly encouraged his Ummah to do the same. He said: “Allah is One and loves the odd-numbered prayer, so pray Witr” (Tirmizi). Another hadith states: “Witr is a right” (Abu Dawood). These Qur’anic and Prophetic evidences show that Witr Salah completes the night prayers, serves as a means of forgiveness, and brings one closer to Allah.

2. Ruling on Witr namaz (Hanafi & Other Schools)

There is a difference of opinion among Islamic scholars regarding the ruling of Witr prayer. According to the Hanafi school of thought, Witr Salah is Wajib (obligatory). This view is based on the strong emphasis the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ placed on Witr prayer and the fact that he consistently performed it and never abandoned it. Hanafis also cite narrations in which Witr is described as a confirmed duty, making it sinful to deliberately neglect it.

On the other hand, the Shafi‘i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools consider Witr prayer to be Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly emphasized Sunnah), not obligatory. They argue that if Witr were compulsory like the five daily prayers, it would have been clearly declared as fard. Therefore, according to the non-Hanafi view, Witr is not obligatory, but regularly performing it brings great reward and spiritual benefit, while missing it without a valid reason is considered blameworthy but not sinful like abandoning an obligation.

3. How Many Rakats Are in Witr namaz and table?

Rakat	What to Recite	Special Notes
1st Rakat	Surah Al-Fatiha + any short Surah (e.g., Al-Ikhlas)	Regular ruku & sajdah
2nd Rakat	Surah Al-Fatiha + any short Surah	Regular ruku & sajdah; after 2nd rakat, sit for Attahiyyat before standing for 3rd rakat
3rd Rakat	Surah Al-Fatiha + dua-e-qunoot	Raise hands, recite Dua-e-Qunoot, then ruku & sajdah, complete remaining pillars, finish with salam

Witr namaz is always prayed in an odd number of rakats, as established by the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. According to authentic Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ prayed Witr with 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 rakats. Even if a person prays just 1 rakat, it counts as Witr, while praying more rakats brings additional reward and virtue.

According to the Hanafi method, Witr is prayed in 3 rakats and completed with a single salam. This method is similar to Maghrib prayer, but in the third rakat, it is necessary to recite Dua-e-Qunoot before going into ruku. In Hanafi fiqh, these 3 rakats of Witr are Wajib (obligatory), and following this method is considered the most preferred way to perform Witr Salah.

4. How to Pray Witr namaz (Step-by-Step Method)

Witr namaz is performed in the same way as other prayers, with the same basic steps. However, in the third rakat of Witr, after reciting Al-Fatiha and another Surah, raise both hands up to the ears (like during Takbeer), then say Allahu Akbar and bring your hands down to your sides.

Next, recite the Dua-e-Qunoot. After that, continue the prayer as usual with ruku and sajdah, completing all the required pillars (Arkaan) of Salah. Finally, conclude the prayer by giving salam.

This method ensures Witr Salah is performed according to the Sunnah while maintaining all its special features, like Dua-e-Qunoot in the final rakat.

🔹 Intention (Niyyah)-Witr namaz

Make the intention in your heart:

‘’I intend to perform the wajib three rak’ahs of the witr prayer for the sake of Allah Almighty, with my face towards the Kaaba, following this Imam. Allahu Akbar.’’

(Saying it out loud is not necessary.)

Note: Pay close attention to the correct pronunciation of the letters, otherwise, if the letters are not pronounced correctly, the prayer may become invalid.

🟢 1. First Rakat

• Say Takbeer-e-Tahreema – Allahu Akbar

اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ

• Recite Thana (Subhanaka Allahumma…)

سُبْحَانَكَ اللّٰهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ
وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ
وَتَعَالٰى جَدُّكَ
وَلَا إِلٰهَ غَيْرُكَ

• Recite Ta’awwudh and Tasmiyah

أَعُوذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ | بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

• Recite Surah Al-Fatiha

الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ
غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

• Recite any Surah –

أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِأَصْحَابِ الْفِيلِ
أَلَمْ يَجْعَلْ كَيْدَهُمْ فِي تَضْلِيلٍ
وَأَرْسَلَ عَلَيْهِمْ طَيْرًا أَبَابِيلَ
تَرْمِيهِمْ بِحِجَارَةٍ مِنْ سِجِّيلٍ
فَجَعَلَهُمْ كَعَصْفٍ مَأْكُولٍ

• Go into Ruku

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

• Perform two Sujood

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

🟢 2. Second Rakat

For the second rak’ah, recite this while standing:

• Recite Surah Al-Fatiha

الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ-عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

• Recite any Surah

قُلْ هُوَ اللّٰهُ أَحَدٌ-كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

• Go into Ruku

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

• Perform two Sujood

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

• Sit for Qa’dah Ula and recite Tashahhud (At-Tahiyyat) only

التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلّٰهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللّٰهِ الصَّالِحِينَ
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ
وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

🟡 3. Third Witr namaz –For the third rak’ah, recite this while standing:

• Stand up for the third rakat
  
• Recite Surah Al-Fatiha only (no additional Surah) + After Al-Fatiha, recite a short surah.

+الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ—عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
قُلْ هُوَ اللّٰهُ أَحَدٌ—كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

• Duaye qunoot in witr- After reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and Surah Al-Ikhlas, raise both hands to your ears, say “Allahu Akbar,” then lower your hands and clasp them below your navel. Then recite Dua-e-Qunoot.

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْتَعِينُكَ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُكَ
وَنُؤْمِنُ بِكَ وَنَتَوَكَّلُ عَلَيْكَ
وَنُثْنِي عَلَيْكَ الْخَيْرَ
وَنَشْكُرُكَ وَلَا نَكْفُرُكَ
وَنَخْلَعُ وَنَتْرُكُ مَنْ يَفْجُرُكَ

اللَّهُمَّ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ
وَلَكَ نُصَلِّي وَنَسْجُدُ
وَإِلَيْكَ نَسْعَى وَنَحْفِدُ
نَرْجُو رَحْمَتَكَ وَنَخْشَى عَذَابَكَ
إِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالْكُفَّارِ مُلْحِقٌ

• Go into Ruku

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

• Perform two Sujood

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

• Tashahhud

التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلّٰهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللّٰهِ الصَّالِحِينَ
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ
وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

• Durood-e-Ibrahim

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ
إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ
إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

• Any Masnoon Dua

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً
وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً
وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

• End the prayer by turning the head right and left, saying Salam soldier twin side

السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ

5. Hadiths About Witr namaz

1. Importance of Witr namaz

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the significance of Witr prayer. He said:
“Witr is a right; whoever does not pray Witr is not from us.”
(Abu Dawood)
This hadith highlights the strong emphasis and importance of performing Witr.

2. Time of Witr namaz

The time for Witr is after Isha prayer until the beginning of Fajr. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah has added a prayer for you that is prayed after Isha and before Fajr, and that is Witr.”
(Ahmad)
This shows the correct timing for performing Witr.

3. Virtue of Witr namaz

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah is One and loves the odd-numbered prayer, so pray Witr.”
(Tirmizi)
This hadith demonstrates that performing Witr is a means of drawing closer to Allah and earning great reward.

6. How Witr namaz Is Performed in Mecca and Medina

In Mecca and Medina, Witr Salah is performed following the Sunnah with simplicity and devotion, often reflecting the Hanafi or local practices:

1. Rakats: Most people pray 3 rakats as Witr, though praying 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 rakats is valid.
   
2. Dua-e-Qunoot: In the 3rd rakat, Dua-e-Qunoot is recited before ruku.
   
3. Qira’at: After Surah Al-Fatiha, a short Surah like Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, or Al-Nas is recited in each rakat.
   
4. Ruku & Sajdah: Performed as in any other Salah with proper humility and focus.
   
5. Salam: Witr is concluded with a single salam to the right side.
   

In the Haramain, Witr is often prayed congregationally at the mosque after Isha, especially during Ramadan, though it can also be prayed individually at home. This method ensures consistency with the Sunnah while maintaining ease for the worshippers.

7. How to Pray Tahajjud and Witr namaz Together

1. Witr namaz After Tahajjud

Tahajjud is prayed in the last part of the night, and it is highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) to pray Witr afterward.

• Pray any number of rakats for Tahajjud (2, 4, 6, etc.).
  
• After Tahajjud, Witr can be prayed with 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 rakats.
  
• Hanafi method: 3 rakats, reciting Dua-e-Qunoot in the third rakat before ruku.
  
• Perform ruku and sajdah with full concentration, and conclude the prayer with salam.
  

2. Best Time for Witr namaz

• Witr can be prayed after Isha until the beginning of Fajr.
  
• The preferred time is during the last part of the night, just before Fajr, especially after Tahajjud.
  
• It is also valid to pray Witr immediately after Isha if needed.
  

Praying Witr after Tahajjud is considered the best way to complete night worship and draw closer to Allah.

8. Witr namaz While Travelling

1. Do You Witr namaz When Travelling?

Yes, Witr namaz should still be performed while travelling, as it is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly emphasized Sunnah) in most schools of thought and Wajib according to Hanafi fiqh. It is highly recommended to maintain the practice even on a journey.

2. Shortening Rules

• While travelling, Muslims are allowed to shorten (Qasr) the prayers:
  
  • Isha, zohar, and Asr can be shortened from 4 rakats to 2 rakats.
    
• Witr is always prayed in odd rakats, usually 1 or 3 rakats, depending on ease.
  
• This flexibility makes it easier to maintain Witr even during travel.
  

3. Hadith Evidence

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Pray the Witr before you sleep, even while travelling.”
This shows the importance of not neglecting Witr, regardless of being on a journey, and emphasizes its regular performance.

9. Ruling on Neglecting Witr namaz

1. Deliberately Leaving Witr namaz

According to Hanafi fiqh, Witr is Wajib (obligatory). Intentionally leaving it without a valid excuse is considered sinful, as it neglects a duty emphasized by the Prophet ﷺ.

2. When Is It Considered a Sin?

• If a person misses Witr without a valid reason (such as sleep, forgetfulness, or genuine inability), it is sinful, and they should make it up as soon as possible.
  
• In the Shafi‘i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools, Witr is Sunnah Mu’akkadah. Regularly neglecting it is blameworthy but not sinful like abandoning a fard prayer.
  
• Scholars recommend that Witr should not be habitually skipped. Even while travelling or on busy nights, one should try to pray it, preferably in the last part of the night.
  

Maintaining Witr prayer consistently is highly encouraged, as it strengthens night worship and brings spiritual reward.

10. Common Mistakes in Witr Salah

1. Forgetting Dua-e-Qunoot

One common mistake is forgetting to recite Dua-e-Qunoot in the third rakat (Hanafi method). While the prayer is still valid without it, consistently skipping this dua reduces the Sunnah’s full reward. It is recommended to recite it carefully before going into ruku in the final rakat.

2. Missing the Time for Witr

Another frequent mistake is delaying Witr until Fajr or missing its time entirely. Witr should be prayed after Isha until the start of Fajr, ideally in the last third of the night. Praying it at the correct time ensures adherence to Sunnah and maximizes spiritual benefits.

Avoiding these mistakes helps maintain the proper form of Witr Salah and ensures the prayer is performed according to the Prophet ﷺ’s guidance.

11. Summary: How to Pray Witr namaz Correctly

Witr namaz is a highly emphasized night prayer, ideally performed after Isha and before Fajr, preferably in the last third of the night. It is prayed in odd rakats—3, 5, 7, or 9—depending on ease and school of thought, with 3 rakats being the Hanafi standard. Begin with niyyah (intention), say Takbeer-e-Tahreema, recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah in each rakat, perform ruku and sajdah, and conclude with salam. In the final rakat, recite Dua-e-Qunoot before ruku.

Witr can be prayed individually or in congregation, and it is recommended to maintain it even while travelling. Avoid common mistakes such as forgetting Dua-e-Qunoot or missing the correct time. Following this method ensures Witr Salah is performed according to the Sunnah, bringing spiritual reward and closeness to Allah.

Activity for namaz

Start incorporating namaz into your nightly routine today to earn Allah’s blessings and spiritual reward. Whether at home or while travelling, make it a habit to pray Witr consistently. Share this guide with family and friends so they too can learn the correct method of performing Witr Salah. Don’t miss the opportunity to complete your night prayers and strengthen your connection with Allah—pray Witr tonight!

faqs-witr namaz

How do Hanafis pray Witr?
Hanafis pray 3 rakats Witr after Isha, with Dua-e-Qunoot in the third rakat before ruku. They recite Al-Fatiha + a short Surah in each rakat, do ruku and sajdah, and finish with salam.

Can Hanafis pray 1 rakat Witr?
No, in Hanafi fiqh, Witr must be 3 rakats. Praying only 1 rakat does not fulfill the Wajib requirement.

Is Qunoot compulsory in Witr Hanafi?
Yes, Dua-e-Qunoot is Wajib in the 3rd rakat for Hanafis. Skipping it without excuse makes the prayer incomplete.

Can you make up Witr Hanafi?
Yes, if you miss Witr, you should make it up as soon as possible, ideally before Fajr.

How is Witr prayer performed?
Witr is prayed like other Salah, in odd rakats (1, 3, 5, etc.), with Dua-e-Qunoot recited in the last rakat before ruku.

How do you pray 3 Witr step by step?

1. Niyyah (intention)
2. Takbeer
3. Surah Al-Fatiha + another Surah in each rakat
4. Ruku & Sajdah
5. In the 3rd rakat, recite Dua-e-Qunoot
6. Finish with salam

Is Witr only 1 rakat?
No, Witr can be 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 rakats, but 1 rakat is the minimum.

Is Witr namaz mandatory?
Hanafi: Wajib. Other schools: Sunnah Mu’akkadah.

How to pray 4 Rakat of Witr?
Witr should always be odd rakats, so 4 rakats is not correct.

Can I miss Witr prayer?
It’s recommended not to miss it. In Hanafi fiqh, skipping without reason is sinful; in other schools, it’s blameworthy.

How to pray 3 Witr without Dua-e-Qunoot?
You can pray 3 rakats without Qunoot; the prayer is valid but less rewarded.

What are common mistakes in Witr?

• Forgetting Dua-e-Qunoot
• Missing the Witr time
• Not maintaining proper ruku/sajdah

How to perform Witr Namaz at home?
Pray after Isha, follow the normal Salah steps, recite Qunoot in the last rakat, then finish with salam.

How to read 1 Witr?
Pray 1 rakat like normal Salah with Al-Fatiha + any Surah, perform ruku and sajdah, recite Qunoot optional, then salam.

Is Witr three rakat?
Yes, 3 rakats is the common Hanafi method.

Can you read 2 rakat Witr?
No, Witr must be an odd number of rakats.

How to perform 3 Witr?
Follow the step-by-step guide in Q2.

Is Witr valid without dua?
Yes, Witr is still valid without Dua-e-Qunoot, but it’s sunnah to recite it.

Is 3 rakat Witr compulsory in Isha?
Hanafi: Yes (Wajib). Other schools: not compulsory.

What to recite instead of Qunoot?
If Qunoot is skipped, you can continue normal ruku & sajdah; no replacement is needed.

Can I pray Witr silently or aloud?

• Silent in all rakats except Fajr and Maghrib if praying aloud in congregation.
• Dua-e-Qunoot is recited silently.

What to recite in third rakat?
Al-Fatiha + a short Surah, then Dua-e-Qunoot before ruku.

Can I skip Witr in Isha?
It’s better not to; in Hanafi fiqh it’s Wajib, skipping is sinful.

Is Witr 3 rakats or just one Rakat?
Minimum 1 rakat; commonly 3 rakats in Hanafi practice.

How to finish Witr prayer?
After the last rakat, perform ruku, sajdah, and conclude with salam.

Does Allah love Witr?
Yes, Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah is One and loves the odd-numbered prayer, so pray Witr” (Tirmizi).

What to say right after Witr?
After salam, you may make any personal supplication (dua).

Can I pray Witr immediately after Isha?
Yes, Witr can be prayed immediately after Isha or later during the night before Fajr.