Discussion of the issue of performing Witr with three rak'ahs.

The Shaykh : Likewise, some imams, and even non-imams, assume that al-Shaf'—which is the first two rak'ahs of Witr—is not part of Witr. This is not the case. If a person performs Witr with three rak'ahs, there are two ways to do it: The first way is to perform all three rak'ahs consecutively with one tashahhud and one taslim. The second way is to pray two rak'ahs, perform taslim, and then pray the third rak'ah. All of them are Witr; it is not just the first two rak'ahs called al-Shaf', nor just the third rak'ah called Witr; all of them are Witr.
Therefore, I say that when the imam finishes Tarawih and says takbir, you should intend Witr. Do not intend al-Shaf' and Witr; there is no such thing as al-Shaf' and Witr. However, when scholars or some people divide the three rak'ahs into two rak'ahs and then one rak'ah, they call the two rak'ahs al-Shaf'. In reality, it is al-Shaf' and Witr, so you should intend Witr with them so that your intention does not become confused.
We ask Allah the Exalted to accept from us and from you the fasting, the standing in night prayer, and the rest of our acts of worship. Now, let us proceed to the questions so that we do not prolong this for you, as time is limited...
The student: ...

The Shaykh : Very well.