The Witr prayer, an integral part of the nightly worship for Muslims, holds profound significance. While many of us are familiar with it, the deep benefits and wisdom surrounding this prayer are often overlooked. In this article, I aim to explore and share five key benefits of the Witr prayer, supported by relevant hadiths, all of which underscore the immense value of this practice.
As someone who has personally found peace and closeness to Allah through the Witr prayer, I want to share its profound benefits, as revealed through authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). So, if you’re wondering about its importance, the following benefits, each backed by a hadith, will help you understand why Witr prayer is so cherished.
Witr Prayer Is More Valuable Than the Most Precious Treasure
Witr holds a unique place in Islam. It is not merely a prayer; it is a highly prized act of worship. In fact, it is said to be more valuable than the most precious treasures we could imagine.
A hadith from Kharijah bin Hudzafah highlights the importance of this prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
Verily, Allah has advised you to pray that is better for you than the most valuable treasure. What is that, O Messenger of Allah? He replied, "The Witr performed between the Isha prayer and dawn."[1]
This hadith shows how valuable the Witr prayer is. Imagine, it’s being compared to something we often consider extremely precious – treasures. So, performing this prayer is an act that Allah has honored beyond what we might even think of as valuable.
Witr Prayer Is Among the Most Important Sunnah Prayers
The Witr prayer is not just a random act but a part of the Sunnah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) highly emphasized. It’s so important that he specifically instructed his companions, including Abu Huraira, to perform it regularly, especially before sleep.
The hadith goes as follows:
My beloved (Prophet Muhammad) sallallahu alayhi wa sallam has instructed me in three matters: fasting three days every month, praying two rakats of Duha, and performing Witr before I go to sleep.[2]
This narration is a reminder to us that Witr is not an optional prayer; it is a significant Sunnah practice that we are encouraged to perform daily. This is why it holds such a central place in the lives of Muslims who strive to emulate the actions of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Allah Loves Those Who Perform Witr Prayer
If you’re looking for a way to earn Allah's love, performing the Witr prayer is one of the ways to do so. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that Allah loves those who make this prayer a regular part of their nightly worship.
In a hadith narrated by Ali (may Allah be pleased with him):
Pray Witr, O People of the Qur’an! Indeed, Allah is One and loves the Witr prayer.[3]
This hadith reinforces the idea that the Witr prayer is not just a recommended practice but something that brings us closer to Allah’s love. As Muslims, we should take pride in this practice, knowing that it’s one way to seek Allah’s favor.
Witr Prayer Completes the Night Prayers
The Witr prayer is considered the final prayer to close the night. When you offer the Tahajjud prayer, a voluntary prayer performed in the last third of the night, the Witr prayer serves as the conclusion, bringing a sense of completeness to your night of worship.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised us:
Make the end of your prayers at night with the Witr prayer.[4]
In this hadith, we see that the Witr prayer is not just a prayer; it is a perfect ending to the day’s acts of worship. It ensures that our night prayers are completed, providing a sense of spiritual fulfillment and balance.
Witr Prayer Is Witnessed by the Angels
A unique aspect of the Witr prayer is that it is witnessed by the angels. This signifies its high status and the honor bestowed upon those who perform it. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained:
Whoever is afraid of not being able to wake up at the end of the night should pray the Witr prayer at the beginning of the night. And whoever hopes to wake up at the end of the night should perform the Witr prayer then, because the prayer at the end of the night is witnessed (by the angels), and that is better.[5]
Related: How to Perform Witr Prayer Without Reciting Dua Qunoot?
The fact that the angels witness this prayer elevates its status. When you perform the Witr prayer, not only are you engaging in a direct act of worship to Allah, but the angels are also bearing witness to it. This should make us all feel even more encouraged to keep this practice alive in our lives.
Wrapping It Up: The Witr Prayer in Our Lives
The Witr prayer, though often seen as a simple act, holds far-reaching benefits in Islam. Through the five hadiths discussed above, we see its immense value, not just as a prayer, but as a key part of a Muslim’s relationship with Allah.
Performing Witr connects us to Allah in a profound way. It is more valuable than anything money can buy, a practice emphasized by the Prophet (peace be upon him), an act that brings us closer to Allah’s love, and an essential conclusion to our night prayers. Most notably, it is an act witnessed by angels, further confirming its significance.
For anyone looking to enhance their connection with Allah and live a life full of barakah (blessings), I encourage you to incorporate Witr prayer into your nightly routine. Whether you offer it right after Isha or before going to bed, make it a habit. You’ll find that it not only completes your worship but also leaves you feeling closer to Allah, with the added benefit of Allah’s love and the angels’ witness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the benefits of the Witr prayer along with precise and concise answers:
What is the Witr prayer?
The Witr prayer is an odd-numbered prayer performed after the Isha prayer. It is a Sunnah prayer and considered very significant in Islam. Typically, it consists of one, three, five, seven, or more rakats, with the final rak'ah concluded with a specific supplication.
What are the benefits of the Witr prayer?
The Witr prayer is highly valued for its spiritual rewards. It brings one closer to Allah, completes the night prayer, is loved by Allah, is witnessed by angels, and is considered a treasure more valuable than wealth.
Is Witr prayer obligatory?
The Witr prayer is not obligatory but highly recommended (Sunnah Mu'akkadah). While it is not mandatory, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized its importance and urged Muslims to perform it regularly.
What does the Witr prayer signify in Islam?
The Witr prayer signifies completion and perfection in one's night worship. It is a prayer that completes the Tahajjud prayer and is considered a way to seek closeness to Allah through devotion and supplication.
Why is Witr prayer so special?
Witr prayer is special because it is highly esteemed by Allah. It is a prayer that is witnessed by angels, loved by Allah, and carries immense spiritual benefits, including being better than the most precious treasures (as per the hadith).
When should the Witr prayer be performed?
The Witr prayer can be performed after the Isha prayer and before dawn (Fajr). While it is recommended to perform it at the end of the night, it can also be prayed earlier if needed.
What happens if I miss the Witr prayer?
If you miss the Witr prayer, you can make it up by praying it as soon as possible before Fajr. It is encouraged to never leave it intentionally.
Can I pray Witr alone or in congregation?
You can pray the Witr prayer alone or in congregation. The Witr prayer can be performed individually or as part of the nightly Taraweeh prayer during Ramadan.
How many rakats should I pray for Witr?
The Witr prayer is usually prayed in one, three, five, seven, or more rakats. The most common practice is to pray three rakats, but you can adjust the number based on your preference.
Why is Witr considered the "completion" of the night prayer?
Witr is considered the completion of the night prayer because it concludes all voluntary prayers performed after Isha, such as the Tahajjud. It is the last prayer of the night, ensuring the night’s worship is complete.
References
[1] The Arabic text of the hadith above is as follows:
إِنَّ الله أمَدَّكُمْ بِصَلاَةٍ هِيَ خَيرٌ لَكُمْ مِنْ حُمْرِ النَّعَمِ، قُلْنَا : وَمَا هِيَ يَا رَسُولَ الله؟ قالَ : الوِتْرُ مَا بَيْنَ صَلاَةِ العِشَاءِ إِلى طُلُوعِ الفَجْرِ
Reference: Muhammad bin Isa at-Tirmidhi, Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Number 452.
[2] The Arabic text of the hadith above is as follows:
أَوْصَانِيْ خَلِيْلِيْ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِثَلَاثٍ : صِيَامُ ثَلَاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ ، وَرَكْعَتَيْ الضُّحىَ ، وَأَنْ أُوْتِرَ قَبْلَ أَنْ أَنَامَ
Reference: Muhammad bin Ismail al-Bukhari (Imam al-Bukhari), Shahih al-Bukhariy, Number 1981.
[3] The Arabic text of the hadith above is as follows:
أَوْتِرُوْا يَا أَهْلَ الْقُرْآنِ فَإِنَّ اللهَ وِتْرٌ يُحِبُّ الْوِتْرَ
Reference: Muhammad bin Isa at-Tirmidhi, Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Number 453.
[4] The Arabic text of the hadith above is as follows:
اِجْعَلُوْا آخِرَ صَلاَتِكُم ْباِللّيْلِ وِتْرًا
References: Muhammad bin Ismail al-Bukhari (Imam al-Bukhari), Shahih al-Bukhariy, Number 953, and Muslim bin Hajjaj, Shahih Muslim, Number 751.
[5] The Arabic text of the hadith above is as follows:
مَنْ خَافَ أَنْ لَا يَقُومَ مِنْ آخِرِ اللَّيْلِ فَلْيُوتِرْ أَوَّلَهُ وَمَنْ طَمِعَ أَنْ يَقُومَ آخِرَهُ فَلْيُوتِرْ آخِرَ اللَّيْلِ فَإِنَّ صَلَاةَ آخِرِ اللَّيْلِ مَشْهُودَةٌ وَذَلِكَ أَفْضَلُ
Reference: Muslim bin Hajjaj, Shahih Muslim, Number 755.
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