Witr and Dua e Qunoot

Witr and Dua e Qunoot

The word "Witr", in the Arabic language means "odd" (as in "odd number", as opposed to "even 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 Prophet (S.A.W.W.) offered his Tahajjud prayers in such a way that the number of the rakaat totaled to an odd number. 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.) never exceeded eleven rakaat in this prayer;

"Qunoot" means 'obedience'. Thus, from a literal perspective, Du`a-e-Qunoot would mean the supplication expressing obedience to God. 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.

Du`a e Qunoot is an extremely beautiful and concise supplication expressing our love, respect, reverence, reliance and hope in God. It is reported that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.) used to recite this supplication during his prayers. Thus, even though this supplication is not an essential part of the Sala'h, yet one may recite it any of his prayers.  As in other prayers, one may also recite this supplication in the Witr prayers. However, reciting it during the Witr prayers is not obligatory.

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. 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.

For 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. 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. Indeed some narratives do mention thirteen rak'at but two of them are the optional rak'at. 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.

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.

However, if a person is not able to reap the blessings of this prayer, he can offer this prayer before going to sleep. This inference is also evident from the verses of Surah Muzzammil which mention a reduction of the amount of the prayer in the following words:

[O Prophet! We had enjoined upon you to stand by night]. Your Lord, indeed, knows that sometimes you stand two thirds of the night and sometimes half and sometimes one third of it, and so does a group among your followers. And Allah alone [keeping in regard the need of people] appoints the day and night in due measure. He knew that you would not be able to follow this [routine]. So He turned towards you mercifully. Recite then from this Qur'an [in this prayer] as much as you are able to. He knows that there are among you who will be sick and others who will be traveling to seek the bounty of Allah and others who will be fighting for the cause of Allah; so, recite then from this as much as is possible for you. (73:20) 

The Prophet (S.A.W.W.) is reported to have said:

أيكم خاف أن لا يقوم من آخر الليل فليوتر ثم ليرقد ومن وثق بقيام من الليل فليوتر من آخره فإن قراءة آخر الليل محضورة وذلك أفضل

Whoever among you fears that he would not be able to get up in the last part of the night, he should offer the Witr; but he who is certain that he would be able to get up, he should offer this prayer in the last part of the night because the recital [of the Qur'an] at that time is in the presence of the Almighty and it is this which is more blessed. (Muslim 755)