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.
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.