Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I was praying taraweeh salats in the masjid and while they were taking a break between the salaahs, I left for drinking water. When I came back I saw them continuing salaah and therefore joined them, making intention for taraweeh salaat. When I said my tashahud and started the salutation of Allah humma saley ala, the imam said Allahu Akbar, and at that moment I realized that he was leading for the 3 witr’s of Eshaa. I finished the witr with jama’a but then re-did my witr on own due to my niyaah not being for Witr. Should I have done differently? Please advise insha’Allah.
Answer:
Walaikum assalam,
Given that the witr prayer is wajib, it can only be performed with prior intention. In your case, your prayer would not be valid as a witr.
You were correct in praying your witr after this.
Wassalam,
Faraz.