Shaikh al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) said in his book “Qiyam Ramadan”: ‘One may offer two Rak’ah voluntary prayer after Witr prayer, because they are affirmed by the action of the Prophet (Salla Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Rather, he (Salla Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) commanded his Ummah (followers) with it, saying: “This journey is strenuous and exhausting. If you pray Witr, offer two Rak’ah afterwards if you wake up, otherwise they will be written for you.” [Reported by Ibn Khuzaimah in his Saheeh, ad-Daarimi and others, it is verified in as-Saheeha]
Regarding the Hadeeth in which he (Salla Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Make your last prayer of the night Witr.” [Reported by Muslim], the command in this Hadeeth serves as an option and not an obligation.
What is to be recited in them?
It is Sunnah to recite in them:
إذا زلزلت الأرض زلزالها
“When the earth is shaken with its (final) earthquake.” [Surat az-Zalzalah (chapter 99)]
And
قل يا أيها الكافرون
Say: “O al-Kafiroon (disbelievers in Allaah, in His Oneness, in His angels, etc.)” [Surat al-Kafiroon (chapter 109)]
This is reported by Ibn Khuzaimah from the Hadeeth of ‘Aisha (Radia Allaahu ‘anha) and Anas (Radia Allaahu ‘anhu) with chains which strengthen each other. (Refer to the book “Sifat as-Salaat” for more details)
Always feel free to share the khair!
