The best time to offer the Witr

Q 2: Is it permissible to delay offering Witr (Prayer with an odd number of units) until after `Isha' (Night) to midnight or until the first Adhan (call to Prayer) of Fajr (Dawn) prayer? I used to do this and sometimes I was able to wake up, but at other times I was not. If I remember some minutes before or after the Adhan of Fajr, should I offer it or not? I should mention that I used not to offer it under such circumstances. Am I sinful for this? Should I make up for the missed Rak`ahs of Witr? Please advise, may Allah bless you in your knowledge! A: The last part of the night is the best time to offer Witr prayer for those who are sure they can wake up at that time; however, for those who cannot, it should be performed during the first part of the night. The time of Witr prayer ends at the break of dawn so, it should be made up after sunrise offering it as Shaf` (two units of Prayer, particularly before the final unit of the odd-number prayer) i.e. Offering three Rak`ahs as four, and five Rak`ahs as six and so on. Also, one should offer Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer) after each pair of Rak`ahs. (Part No. 6; Page No. 64

A: The last part of the night is the best time to offer Witr prayer for those who are sure they can wake up at that time; however, for those who cannot, it should be performed during the first part of the night. The time of Witr prayer ends at the break of dawn so, it should be made up after sunrise offering it as Shaf` (two units of Prayer, particularly before the final unit of the odd-number prayer) i.e. Offering three Rak`ahs as four, and five Rak`ahs as six and so on. Also, one should offer Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer) after each pair of Rak`ahs. (Part No. 6; Page No. 64) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.