Q 3: I offer Witr (Prayer with an odd number of units) after `Isha' (Night) Prayer for fear that I may sleep without performing it. Is it permissible for me to perform Tahajjud (optional late night Prayer) in the last third of the night? How many Rak`ahs (units of Prayer) does Salat-ul-Duha (supererogatory Prayer after sunrise) consist of? When does the last third of the night start and end? (Part No. 6; Page No. 59

A: The time of Witr Prayer is from `Isha' until the break of dawn. If one is certain of waking up at the end of the night, it is best to offer it at that time. However, if one offers it at the beginning of the night and then wakes up at the end of the night, one can offer prayer as much as one wills, but should not perform Witr again. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "(There are) no two Witrs (to be offered) during one night." As for Salat-ul-Duha, it is permissible. The least to be offered is two Rak`ahs, however, a person will be rewarded if they offer more than this. In addition, it is best to perform the optional night prayer as eleven Rak`ahs. One is to perform Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer) after each two Rak`ahs. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The optional night prayer is performed in pairs, but if one of you fears that morning is near, they should pray one Rak`ah of the Witr Prayer, an odd number for them." (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.