Salāt al-Witr is an emphasized act of worship in all four madhāhib, though they differ regarding its precise ruling and method. The Hanafi school holds that Witr is wājib and consists of three rakʿahs prayed together with one salām at the end, with qunūt in the third rakʿah before rukūʿ. The majority of scholars (Maliki, Shāfiʿi, and Hanbali) consider Witr to be a confirmed Sunnah and commonly pray it as one rakʿah after two separate rakʿahs, or in other permissible forms reported in the Sunnah.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The night prayer is two by two, and if one of you fears the coming of dawn, let him pray one rakʿah to make what he has prayed odd.” (Bukhari and Muslim). This hadith is one of the primary evidences relied upon by the majority for praying Witr as a single rakʿah after pairs of two.

When a Hanafi prays behind an imam who performs Witr according to the majority method, the basic principle is the importance of unity and following the imam. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The imam is appointed to be followed.” (Bukhari and Muslim). Preserving congregational harmony carries great weight in the Shariah.

According to Hanafi jurists, if one prays behind an imam who performs Witr differently, it is permissible to follow the imam in his manner, and the prayer is valid. The differences in form are based on legitimate scholarly interpretation. Therefore, a Hanafi may pray behind such an imam and complete the prayer with him.

As for making the intention of nafl and later praying one’s own Witr separately, this is a method mentioned by some scholars in order to reconcile between receiving the reward of congregation and fulfilling Witr according to one’s madhhab. It is permissible, especially if one is concerned about fulfilling the Hanafi requirement of three connected rakʿahs.

Regarding the practice of standing after the imam’s salām (when he prays one rakʿah of Witr) and adding another rakʿah to make it two, then later praying one’s own Witr, this method has been practiced by some scholars to avoid praying a single rakʿah alone and to ensure that their final Witr is performed independently. While it is not required, it is considered a permissible solution according to many jurists when praying behind an imam who prays a single rakʿah Witr.

However, what is most balanced and conducive to unity is either to follow the imam completely and consider the Witr valid, or to intend nafl behind him and then pray one’s own Witr afterward without causing confusion or drawing attention. The matter is one of valid scholarly difference and does not invalidate the prayer.

In summary, a Hanafi praying in a non-Hanafi congregation has more than one valid option: to follow the imam and suffice with that Witr, or to intend nafl and pray his own Witr afterward. Both approaches have precedent and are acceptable. The key is to avoid division and maintain respect for legitimate differences within Ahl al-Sunnah.