How to Pray Witr: Rakats and the Qunut Dua
Quick Answer
Witr is 3 rakats and wajib in the Hanafi school, prayed after Isha. Al-Fatiha + a surah are recited in all three rakats; in the third, after the surah, a takbir is said with hands raised and refolded, then the Qunut duas are recited before bowing. One who forgets qunut performs the forgetfulness prostration at the end.
Step-by-Step Summary
- 1First Two Rakats: Intend the witr prayer. Subhanaka (first rakat) → Al-Fatiha → surah in both rakats; only At-Tahiyyat in the sitting, then rise.
- 2Third Rakat — Recitation: Al-Fatiha + a surah (witr has a surah in the third rakat too).
- 3Qunut Takbir and Duas: Raise the hands with a takbir, refold them, and recite Qunut 1 and 2.
- 4Completion: Bow → prostrations → full final sitting → salam.
The Witr Prayer
Witr is the 3-rakat wajib prayer after Isha, closing the day's prayers with an odd number (witr = odd). Its hallmark is the Qunut duas in the third rakat.
Step by Step
- First two rakats: Subhanaka (first rakat) → Al-Fatiha → surah; only At-Tahiyyat in the sitting.
- Third rakat: Al-Fatiha + surah → qunut takbir (hands raised and refolded) → Qunut 1 and 2 → bow → prostrations.
- Final sitting: full sequence (Salli-Barik + Rabbana) → salam.
Witr in Ramadan
In Ramadan, witr is prayed in congregation after tarawih — the only time of year witr is congregational.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is witr fard or wajib?
Wajib in the Hanafi school — it should not be abandoned and is made up if missed. In the Shafi'i school it is an emphasized sunnah.
Is a surah recited in the third rakat of witr?
Yes. Unlike fard prayers, all three rakats of witr include a surah after Al-Fatiha; the qunut takbir follows the surah in the third.
What if I don't know the qunut duas yet?
Until you learn them, recite 'Rabbana atina' or say 'Allahummaghfir li' three times. One who forgets qunut entirely performs the forgetfulness prostration.