Hanafi performing Witr Salaah behind a Shaafi imaam

Q: If I am a Hanafi and I move to an area that is mainly Shaafi's, do I follow the Shaafi mazhab or stick to Hanafi mazhab. For example, in instances like Ramadhaan where there is a difference in the way witr is performed, etc.

A: According to the Hanafi mazhab, witr should be performed with one salaam at the end of the three rakaats. One should not perform two rakaats and make salaam and thereafter perform one separate rakaat with salaam as is done in the Shaafi mazhab. Hence, you should perform your witr salaah alone. If you can find another Hanafi to make jamaat with you when performing witr, it will be better.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)