What is the ruling on the Witr prayer that was prayed as three rak'ahs with the Imam, who saluted after the second rak'ah, then completed with one rak'ah? And is it accepted despite the hesitation in the intention? And what is the reason for the different ways of performing the Witr prayer among the madhhabs? And is it valid to intend to pray two rak'ahs as a supererogatory prayer behind an Imam who is praying the Witr prayer as three rak'ahs?
The Witr prayer is a specific prayer that requires a distinct intention, according to the Hadith: "Deeds are only by intentions." What you did, which was contrary to your intention, is incorrect. The symbolic Witr prayer with the Imam is invalid due to the absence of intention. It is legislated to make up the Witr prayer without a specific time limit beyond which its make-up becomes void.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/157340