Question: If in the Isha prayer, we only perform the Fard (obligatory) prayers, will the prayer be valid and is it necessary to pray Witr?
Answer: The Isha prayer consists of six rakats, of which four are Fard (obligatory) and two are Sunnat Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah). Witr is a separate prayer and is not included in Isha; however, its time starts after Isha prayer, and it can be prayed immediately after Isha, in the middle of the night, or before Fajr.
As for your question, if you only pray the Fard in Isha, then the obligation of the prayer will be fulfilled, but by missing the Sunnah, you will miss out on the additional reward that comes from it. The Witr prayer is not obligatory, so if it is missed, one will not be sinful, but it is highly emphasized, and the Prophet ﷺ never missed it, whether in travel or at home. The Prophet ﷺ also advised Abu Hurairah (RA) never to sleep without performing Witr.
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated: "My friend (the Prophet (ﷺ) ) advised me to observe three things: (1) to fast three days a month; (2) to pray two rak`at of Duha prayer (forenoon prayer); and (3) to pray witr before sleeping." (Sahih Bukhari: 1981)
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
English Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail
Discover how Muslim women’s faith and obedience can transform society. Learn key Islamic teachings from the Quran and Hadith Read More
Explore the authentic Sahih al-Bukhari narration refuting claims that Hind bint Utbah ordered Hamza's death Read More
Explore the profound significance of Fajr prayer in Islam, its immense rewards, and why it's a crucial test of faith Read More
Explore the often-overlooked third group of Companions who chose to abstain from internal fighting during a tumultuous period in Islamic… Read More
Learn about love, hatred, and hypocrisy in Islam through hadiths and Ibn Hajar's insights Read More
A husband called his wife 'sister.' Does this break the marriage? This article explains the Islamic concept of Zihar, its… Read More