Question:
Asak, What is the permissibility of performing the witr without any shaf ie just one rakah on its own ?
Answer:
All praise are due to Allah.
This is a matter about which the scholars differed, and such differences in Fiqh opinions should not be a reason for divisions amongst Muslims.
The majority of the Ulema, including the Maliki, Shafii’, Hanbali schools, state that the minimum number of rak’ahs for Witr is one rak’ah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Witr is one rak’ah at the end of the night.” Narrated by Muslim, 752. And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The night prayers are two (rak’ahs) by two, but if one of you fears that dawn is about to break, let him pray one rak’ah to make what he has prayed odd-numbered.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 911; Muslim, 749.
According to these ulema, if a person limits himself to praying one rak’ah, then he has performed the Sunnah, although praying 3 is undoubtedly better.
However, according to the Hanafi school, performing Witr with a minimum of 3 Rakats is Wajib, and one raka’ah is not sufficient.
Allah Most High knows best.