How To Perform Shafa and Witr Prayers

Prayers are the cornerstone of a Muslim’s faith, offering a connection with Allah and spiritual tranquility. Among the voluntary (Nafl) prayers, the Shafa and Witr prayer hold a special place. These night prayers are not only spiritually uplifting but are also emphasized in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Let’s explore their significance and how to perform them.

What is Shafa and Witr?

The Shafa and Witr prayers are part of the night prayers offered after the obligatory Isha prayer. While Shafa refers to an even number of rakats, Witr is an odd-numbered prayer, symbolizing completeness and uniqueness in worship. Together, they culminate the day’s prayers beautifully.

Salat al Shafa: Understanding Its Role

The Salat al Shafa is often prayed as two rakats before Witr. It signifies balance and completion in worship. Common surahs for recitation include Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas, focusing on seeking Allah’s protection.

Salat al Witr: The Unique Night Prayer

The Witr prayer stands out as the concluding prayer of the day. It is often referred to as the “night’s wit,” representing Allah’s oneness. While the minimum is one rakat, three rakats are preferred.

How to Pray Shafa and Witr

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.

How to Pray Witr in Isha?

Combining Witr with the Isha prayer simplifies the process. After completing the obligatory Isha rakats:

Offer the Shafa prayer (two rakats).
Conclude with Witr (one or three rakats).
This sequence ensures a seamless flow of prayers.

How to Pray Tahajjud and Witr?

If you wish to pray Tahajjud, it’s ideal to delay Witr until after Tahajjud prayeyr. Perform the desired number of Tahajjud rakats, followed by Witr as the final prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended making Witr the last prayer of the night.

Is Shafa and Witr Compulsory?

While Shafa and Witr are not obligatory like the five daily prayers, they are highly recommended Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah). Scholars agree that regularly performing these prayers brings immense rewards.

Virtues of Shafa Prayer

Shafa prayer has many benefits and rewards that can benefit us in this life and the hereafter.

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)
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)
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)
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.
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.

Benefits of Witr Prayer

The Witr prayer holds numerous benefits:

Strengthens the bond with Allah.
Offers spiritual contentment and peace.
Grants forgiveness and blessings in the Hereafter.
Acts as a shield against trials.

What to Recite in Shafi and Witr

In Shafa, recite any surahs after Surah Al-Fatihah. In Witr, common recitations include Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas. The Dua Qunoot is also recited in the last rakat of Witr.

Dua for Witr

The Dua Qunoot is a powerful invocation recited during Witr. It seeks Allah’s guidance, mercy, and protection. Here is a commonly recited version:

“Allahumma ihdini fiman hadayt, wa ‘afini fiman ‘afayt…”

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.

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FAQs

How to pray 3 rakat Witr?

You can perform two rakats followed by Tashahhud and a third rakat with Dua Qunoot.

Can you pray Shafi and Witr together?

Yes, you can pray Shafa and Witr consecutively, starting with Shafa and then Witr.

Which Surah to recite in Isha Witr?

Commonly recited surahs include Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas.

Which Surah to recite in Witr prayer?

Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas are recommended, but others can be recited as well.

How to pray Tahajjud and Witr together?

Pray Tahajjud first, followed by Witr as the final prayer.

Conclusion

The Shafa and Witr prayer are a testament to a Muslim’s devotion and love for Allah. They provide spiritual depth, help end the day on a pious note, and bring countless rewards. Incorporating these prayers into your nightly routine ensures a fulfilling connection with your Creator.

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