Q. What do the different madhabs say regarding Witr prayer?

Answer: general response as to the legitimate differences:

• Some madhabs are of the opinion that it is three rakats with one salam, others separate the three rakats, and do not read it with one tasleem (salam). Those that separate the rakats, do so by performing two raktas in one go, and a third rakat separately.

• Some view it as sunnah muaakadah, while others view it as wajib.

• Some say it must be made up if missed. While others state that it must be performed on its time, and done before the time for it expires, which remains anytime after Isha, until its expiry time. (It is thus best to always do a make up for it, since this best.)

• Some allow for a loud dua in the final rakat in ramadaan, others call for a soft dua within the third rakat.

These are some of the basic differences which are established from ahadeeth and sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) One should be consistent in their choice. For many, this would be an easy choice, based on them following a given mazhab.

We hold the opinion that it is wajib, it is done three rakats with one tasleem, and a soft dua in the final rakat. It can be performed in the form of jamat only in ramadaan. It should (and it is best that Witr) be performed behind an imaam that also holds the view that it is wajib over sunnah muakadah. Other views are just as valid, so long as they arel inked to Ahle-sunnah wal jamat.

Allah certainly knows best.