did not exceed eleven units of prayer in Ramadan or at any other time. He would pray four; do not ask about their beauty and length. Then he would pray four; do not ask about their beauty and length. Then he would pray three.” (1)

These four units which he would pray first, and then the second four, were concluded with salutation after every two units, as is explicitly related from Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, who said: “The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would pray eleven units at night, concluding every two units with salutation.” (2)

Thus, we know that the one who maintains that these eleven units consist of four joined together with one salutation, followed by another four with one salutation, is mistaken. Perhaps he was not aware of the hadith in which she explicitly stated that he concluded every two units with salutation.

Even assuming that Aishah had not provided this detail, the Messenger’s statement, peace and blessings be upon him, “The night prayer is two by two,” (3) establishes that these four units should be concluded with salutation after every two units, because the Prophet’s general action is explained by his detailed statement.

As for Witr, it will come, if Allah wills, that its minimum is one unit and its maximum is eleven units; its manner will also be explained.

Witr is a highly emphasized sunnah. According to those who hold that it is a sunnah, it is among the most emphatically stressed sunnahs. Indeed, Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “Whoever abandons