"Whoever wants to pray witr with seven (rak'ahs) let him do so, and whoever wants to pray witr with five (rak'ahs) let him do so, and whoever wants to pray witr with three rak'ahs, let him do so; and whoever wants to pray witr with one rak'ah, let him do so, and wants to do so gesturing, let him do so.'"
Narrated by Sufyan narrated from Az-Zuhri, from 'Ata bin Yazid, from Abu Ayyub, who said:
Context
In this hadith, it is mentioned that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) allowed flexibility in the number of rak'ahs for the witr prayer, suggesting that one could pray one, three, five, or even seven rak'ahs. This illustrates the adaptability of Islamic practices to individual circumstances and preferences.
Modern Application
This hadith highlights the flexibility in performing voluntary prayers today. Muslims can choose the number of rak'ahs for witr based on their personal circumstances, making it easier to incorporate prayer into their daily routine.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Night Prayer (Tahajjud) because it discusses the various options available for the witr prayer, emphasizing its voluntary nature.
Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
And when you have completed the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, or [lying] on your sides. But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.
And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days. Then whoever hastens [his departure] in two days - there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays [until the third] - there is no sin upon him - for him who fears Allah. And fear Allah and know that unto Him you will be gathered.
This hadith is #1718 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Qiyam Al-Lail (The Night Prayer) and Voluntary Prayers During the Day. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Sufyan narrated from Az-Zuhri, from 'Ata bin Yazid, from Abu Ayyub, who said:.
