Comprehensive Definition
Ṣalātu ʾl-Witr (صلاة الوتر), often referred to simply as Witr, is an optional but highly virtuous Islamic prayer performed after the ʿIshāʾ (night) prayer. The term “Witr” means “odd,” reflecting the prayer’s structure, which consists typically of one, three, or five rakʿahs (units of prayer), underscoring its characteristic odd-numbered rakʿāt format.
Etymology
The Arabic term “وِتْر” (Witr) directly translates to “odd” or “single,” highlighting the distinctive nature of the prayer as having an odd number of rakʿahs. “Ṣalātu” (صلاة) means “prayer,” hence Ṣalātu ʾl-Witr translates to “the prayer of the odd-numbered units.”
Background
Ṣalātu ʾl-Witr emerges from both the Hadith (recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) and various Islamic traditions. The Prophet is known to have emphasized its performance, often culminating his nightly devotions with this prayer, thus setting a compelling example for his followers.
The prayer stands as a bridge bringing completion to the day and offering tranquility before sleep, serving as an emblematic time for Muslims to seek forgiveness and blessings.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Hanafi Perspective
Among the Hanafi sect, Witr is typically viewed as wājib (compulsory but of a slightly lesser obligation than farḍ, mandatory). They often incorporate a specific supplication known as Qunūt al-Witr within the three rakʿahs of the Witr prayer.
Shafi’i and Other Schools of Thought
In the Shafi’i school, Witr is deemed a Sunnah Mu’akkadah – an emphasized Sunnah. The Qunūt is recited in the latter portion of the prayer, stressing the invocation asking for divine guidance akin to the Hanafi practice but with different liturgical elements.
Both traditions celebrate Witr as a profound end to their nightly devotional practices, differing slightly in structure and mandatory nature but unified in essence.
Synonyms
- Night Prayer (for Muslims aware of its timing)
- Odd-numbered Rakʿah Prayer
- Witr Ṣalāh
Antonyms
- Even prayer units (Witr always maintains an odd numbering in terms of rakʿahs)
Related Terms
Qunūt Al-Witr: A supplication made during the Witr prayer.
Sunnah Mu’akkadah: An action that the Prophet regularly performed and emphasized, lying between farḍ (obligatory) and regular Sunnah (voluntary).
ʿIshāʾ Prayer: The night prayer that precedes Witr.
Exciting Facts
- The longest reported Witr prayer by the Prophet Muhammad consisted of eleven rakʿahs.
- Imam Abu Hanifa, founder of the Hanafi school, considered Witr almost like a mandatory prayer due to its consistent performance by the Prophet.
- Khalifat Muslims (Caliphs) used to often conclude their nightly prayers with Witr, reflecting its perceived importance.
Quotations
“The Witr prayer is by no means a mandatory vacancy; it is rather an embrace of completion amid the peaceful silence of the night” – Anonymous
“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to offer 13 rakʿahs (including the two rakʿah before the dawn prayer) and used to conclude with Witr.” – Sahih Bukhari
References & Suggested Literature
- “Fiqh al-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sabiq – a highly valuable Islamic jurisprudence reference.
- “The Book of Supplications” by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya – offers insights into different prayers, including supplications during Witr.
- “The Clear Path” by Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen – provides expansive interpretations of Witr as part of evening devotions.
- “Sahih al-Bukhari” and “Sahih Muslim” – offer prophetic traditions regarding Witr.
- Engage with “Riyad as-Salihin” for a collection of Hadith describing various virtues, including nightly prayers.
May the constant pursuit of understanding keep enlightening our souls as eternal lamps of wisdom. May our nightly devotion, marked by Witr, weave harmoniously with the rhythms of the divine. 🌙📚
- Yasir Al-Mansour, October 2023
