Subject : Shafa' isn't a Name of a Certain Prayer

Fatwa Number : 2704

Date : 07-10-2012

Classified : Voluntary Prayer

Fatwa Type : Search Fatawaa

Question :

Are the Two Raka's performed after Ishaa' prayer called Shafa' ;whereas, one Raka' is called Witer? Or all of these Raka`s are called Witer prayer?

The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds, and may His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all of his family and companions.
The word Shafa' (Even number of supererogatory prayers) is not a name given for a certain prayer, and it is called as such because it is performed in twos. Moreover, every supererogatory prayer offered in this form is called Shafa'. Nevertheless, offering an uneven number of Rakas is called Witer, and so Shafa' has the opposite meaning of Witer.
In addition, Shafa' describes only the prayer performed in twos. Therefore, there is no harm in calling the two Raka's after Ishaa' prayer as Shafa'. Yet, there is no harm in calling the latter Witer if it was added to Shafa'. And Allah knows best.

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