Witr is the odd-numbered prayer performed after Isha. The Prophet ﷺ never abandoned it — even while travelling — and called it a right (haqq) upon every Muslim (Abu Dawud 1416). This guide shows how to pray Witr step by step.
When to pray Witr
- After Isha prayer until Fajr begins.
- Best: last part of the night, after Tahajjud, making Witr your final prayer (Bukhari 998).
- If you fear you will not wake up, pray Witr before sleeping after Isha.
How many rakats?
| Number | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1 | Valid minimum |
| 3 | Most common — various methods by madhab |
| 5, 7, 9, 11 | Also reported from the Prophet ﷺ |
Common 3-rakat method (Hanafi-style overview)
- Pray two rakats like a normal sunnah, with tashahhud but without salam.
- Stand for a third rakat; recite Fatiha and a surah.
- Say Allahu Akbar and raise hands, then recite Dua e Qunoot.
- Complete ruku', sujood, tashahhud, and salam.
Other schools: often pray two rakats with salam, then one separate rakat; or three continuous with one tashahhud. Qunoot may be after ruku'. Follow your trusted local teacher if you follow a specific madhab.
Dua e Qunoot
Full Arabic, transliteration and English are in our dedicated guide: Dua e Qunoot. If you have not memorised it yet, make any sincere dua in Arabic or your language until you learn it.
If you miss Witr
Make it up after Fajr / in the morning as qada according to many scholars — do not leave it habitually. Consistency matters more than occasional long Witr.