When is the BEST time to pray Witr?Should I pray it right after Ishaa prayer or should I DELAY it?

by Asma bint Shameem

ANSWER

The timing for Witr prayer lasts from Ishaa to just before Fajr.

🍃 The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Allaah has prescribed for you a prayer (by which He may increase your reward), which is Witr; Allaah has enjoined it for you during the time between ‘Ishaa prayer until dawn begins.” (al-Tirmidhi- saheeh by al-Albaani)

🔺 It’s better to DELAY Witr

It’s better and more rewarding if you can delay your witr until later at night, most preferably making it your last prayer of the night, just before fajr.

🍃 The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Make the LAST of your prayer at night, Witr.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

🍃 And he said:

“Whoever hopes to stand for prayer at the end of the night, let him perform witr prayer at its ending.

Verily, prayer at the end of the night is witnessed, and that is better.” (Muslim)

🔺 But what if I’m not sure I’ll wake up?

The ulama tell us that delaying Witr is a recommendation, and not something obligatory.

So if you’re not able to wake up to pray Witr before it’s time is up, then it’s better to pray it before you sleep.

🍃 That’s because the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Whoever fears that he will not get up at the end of the night, let him pray Witr at the beginning of the night, but whoever thinks that he will be able to get up at the end of the night, let him pray Witr at the end of the night, for prayer at the end of the night is witnessed (by the angels) and that is better.” (Muslim)

So if you are confident that you’re going to get up at night before Fajr, then it’s better to delay your witr and pray it after you’re done with your tahajjud Nawaafil.

That is more rewarding.

But if you’re tired, or not sure you’ll get up before it’s time is up, then it’s better to pray Witr before you go to bed.

And Allaah knows best