It is evident from Surah Bani Isra'il and Surah Muzzammil, the real time of this prayer is when one gets up at night, and for this reason it is called Tahajjud. Since the Tahajjud prayer was obligatory on the Prophet (S.A.W.W.), he prayed two optional rak'at before them much like the optional rak'at Muslims pray before or after the obligatory part of their prayer. Indeed some narratives do mention thirteen rak'at but two of them are the optional rak'at.
It has been narrated that he would at most offer eleven rak'at in this prayer and would stand, kneel and prostrate for great lengths of time in it.
Witr can be offered with Isha namaz, if one is certain that he/she will wake up for Tahajjud then witr can be said with Tahajjud.įor common Muslims, Tahhajud is an optional prayer and it is a great blessing for them if in following the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) they offer this prayer. The Prophet (S.A.W.W.) said, “Witr is a duty, so whoever does not perform Witr is not of us,” and he repeated it three times. However, reciting it during the Witr prayers is not obligatory. As in other prayers, one may also recite this supplication in the Witr prayers. Thus, even though this supplication is not an essential part of the Sala'h, yet one may recite it any of his prayers. It is reported that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.) used to recite this supplication during his prayers. As a term, "Du`a e Qunoot" refers to supplications reported as having been recited by the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) during his prayers.ĭu`a e Qunoot is an extremely beautiful and concise supplication expressing our love, respect, reverence, reliance and hope in God. Thus, from a literal perspective, Du`a-e-Qunoot would mean the supplication expressing obedience to God. The Prophet (S.A.W.W.) never exceeded eleven rakaat in this prayer When some Muslims came to the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) informing him that it was very difficult for them to wake up in the middle of the night for their Tahajjud prayers, and inquiring from the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) regarding what should they do to earn the rewards of offering Tahajjud prayers, the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) allowed them to offer their "Witr" prayers, after `Isha. The Prophet (S.A.W.W.) offered his Tahajjud prayers in such a way that the number of the rakaat totaled to an odd number. The "Witr" prayer that the Muslims generally offer after "Isha" prayers are basically a part of the "Tahajjud" prayers, which were obligatory for the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) and are a "Naf'l" (supererogatory) prayer for other Muslims besides the Prophet (S.A.W.W.). The word " Witr", in the Arabic language means " odd" (as in "odd number", as opposed to "even number").