Shafa and Witr prayers are two important prayers in Islam that are performed after the Isha prayer and before going to bed. These two prayers are considered Sunnah and are highly recommended to perform. In this article, we will explain the steps on how to perform Shafa and Witr prayer.
Understanding Shafa Prayer
Shafa prayer is a voluntary prayer in Islam that is performed after the Isha prayer and before going to bed. It consists of two units of prayer and is considered a Sunnah. The word “Shafa” means “healing” in Arabic, and it is believed that performing this prayer can bring healing to the body and soul. Shafa prayer is also known as Salatul-Layl or Tahajjud prayer, which is a voluntary night prayer that is performed after midnight. Muslims who perform the Shafa prayer believe that it is a way to seek forgiveness from Allah and to ask for His blessings and mercy.
Virtues of Shafa Prayer
Shafa prayer has many benefits and rewards that can benefit us in this life and the hereafter.
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Earns forgiveness and blessings Performing Shafa prayer regularly can earn forgiveness from Allah (SWT) and increase our blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever prays six Rak’ahs after Maghrib and does not speak in between them of anything that cancels them, it will be a forgiveness for him for whatever [minor sins] come between them.” (Sahih Bukhari)
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Protects from the punishment of the grave Shafa prayer is a protection against the punishment of the grave. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever prays six Rak’ahs after Maghrib, and he does not speak in between them of anything that cancels them, it will be a protection for him from the punishment of the grave.” (Sahih Muslim)
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Increases reward Performing Shafa prayer regularly increases our rewards in the hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The one who observes the voluntary prayer before the obligatory prayer is like a person who has a house near the mosque, in which he prays, then the obligatory prayer is like a person who goes to the mosque to perform his prayer. Verily, Allah will give a greater reward to the person who prays before the obligatory prayer.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)
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Elevates status in Paradise Shafa prayer elevates our status in Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever prays four Rak’ahs before Zuhr and four after it, Allah will forbid him from the Fire [of Hell].” (Sunan Abi Dawud) These four Rak’ahs can also refer to the two Rak’ahs of Shafa and the two Rak’ahs of Witr prayer.
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Purifies the soul Performing Shafa prayer helps to purify our soul and increase our spirituality. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Verily, when a Muslim prays the two Rak’ahs of Fajr before the rising of the sun, and the two Rak’ahs after its setting, he will enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim) This Hadith can also refer to the two Rak’ahs of the Shafa prayer.
How To Perform The Shafa and Witr Prayers
Performing the Shafa and Witr prayers are two essential aspects of Muslim worship. These two voluntary prayers are performed after the obligatory Isha prayer and are considered Sunnah. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform Shafa and Witr prayers.
Step 1: Make Wudu
Before performing any prayer, it is important to make Wudu, which is a ritual ablution. Start by washing your hands three times, followed by your mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and finally your feet. Ensure that each part is washed thoroughly.
Step 2: Begin the Shafa Prayer
The Shafa prayer consists of two units of prayer. Start by reciting the opening Takbir, “Allahu Akbar,” and then recite Surah Al-Fatihah, which is the first chapter of the Quran. Afterward, recite any other chapter or verses from the Quran that you know. It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas in the first unit and Surah Al-Kafirun in the second unit.
Step 3: Perform Ruku and Sujood
After reciting the Quranic verses, perform Ruku, which is a bowing position. Say “Subhanallah” three times while bowing. Afterward, return to the standing position and recite “Sami Allahu Liman Hamidah,” which means “Allah hears those who praise Him.” Then, perform Sujood, which is a prostration position. Say “Subhanallah” three times while prostrating. Repeat this process for the second unit of prayer.
Step 4: Conclude the Shafa Prayer
After completing the two units of the Shafa prayer, sit and recite the Tashahhud, which is a declaration of faith. Say “At-tahiyyatulillahi Was-Salawatu Wat-Tayyibatu, Assalamu Alaika Ayyuha Annabiyyu Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu,” which means “All compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.” Then, recite the Dua, which is a supplication, asking Allah for His blessings, forgiveness, and guidance.
Step 5: Perform the Witr Prayer
The Witr prayer is a one-unit prayer that is performed after the Shafa prayer. Start by reciting the opening Takbir, followed by reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and any other Quranic verses. Then, perform Ruku and Sujood, as in the Shafa prayer. After the second Sujood, sit and recite the Tashahhud and the Dua, as in the Shafa prayer.
Step 6: Conclude the Witr Prayer
After completing the Witr prayer, recite the Tasbih, which is a declaration of the greatness of Allah. Say “Subhanallah” thirty-three times, “Alhamdulillah” thirty-three times, and “Allahu Akbar” thirty-four times. Then, recite the Dua, asking Allah for His protection and guidance.
Hadith About Witr Prayer
Among the hadiths mentioned in How is Chafa’a and Witr Prayer Performed? are the following:
It was narrated that ‘Abd Khair said: came out to us ( رضي الله عنه) Ali bin Abi Talib when we were in the mosque and said: Where is the one who was asking about Witr? Those among us who had started the first rak’ah added a second to it so as to make it even, then we gathered around him and he said.
The Messenger of Allah () used to pray Witr at the beginning of the night, then he prayed Witr in the middle of the night, then he settled on praying Witr at this time. He said: That was when dawn was breaking.
Conclusion
Performing the Shafa and Witr prayers are important aspects of Muslim worship. These two voluntary prayers can bring healing to the body and soul, and they are a way to seek forgiveness from Allah and to ask for His blessings and mercy. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this comprehensive guide, you can perform the Shafa and Witr prayers with ease and confidence.
FAQs
can Witr be prayed in the congregation?
It is permissible for a Muslim to pray to them in the congregation.
Can Witr be one Rakaah?
Of course yes, because of the hadeeth of the Messenger, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him: Witr is a right for every Muslim. Whoever likes to observe it with five, let him do it, and whoever likes to observe it with three, let him do it, and whoever likes to observe it with one, let him do so.
Can Witr be prayed before Fajr?
The scholars unanimously agreed that the time for Witr does not begin until after Isha and that it extends until Fajr. On the authority of Abu Basra, may Allah be pleased with him: The Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, said: “Allah has provided you with a prayer, so pray it between dinner and dawn.” Narrated by Ahmad.