Q 4: Is it permissible to offer Witr (Prayer with an odd number of units) after combining the Maghrib (Sunset) and `Isha' (Night) Prayers at the time of the former? Or should a person wait until the time of `Isha' is due? Kindly, be informed that we often combine the Maghrib and `Isha' prayers in the winter due to the cold weather.

A: It is permissible to offer Witr after combining the Maghrib and `Isha' prayers at the time of the former when there is an excuse for combining. It is noteworthy that illness, travel, and rain are the legal excuses for combining and that cold weather alone can not be regarded a legal excuse. As to the time of Witr Prayer, it begins after `Isha' has been performed until the true dawn. This is based on the Hadith narrated by `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said, Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) used to offer eleven Rak`ahs between the `Isha' and the Fajr Prayers, concluding each two Rak`ahs with Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer) and observing the Witr at the end. Moreover, Imam Ahmad narrated on the authority of Kharijah ibn Hudhafah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, (Part No. 7; Page No. 180)  Allah has given you an extra prayer which is better for you than red camels (i.e. high breed camels). We said: What is it, Messenger of Allah? He said: It is the Witr (which Allah has appointed for you) between the `Isha' prayer and the daybreak. Narrated by the Five Compilers of Hadith (Imams Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhy, Al-Nasa'y and Ibn Majah) except Al-Nasa'y and graded as authentic by Al-Hakim. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.