Should one who did not pray the fard of 'isha' in congregation also not pray witr in congregation?

Question

Here, the people of a certain madrasa have written in their public notice the ruling that one who did not catch the congregation of 'isha' should not pray witr in congregation either. Yet all our predecessors (aslaf) have given permission for it; Hazrat Gangohi ﵀ and others have given permission in the clearest words, while the notice cites Shami. This issue in particular is in great need of a reference.

Answer

If the 'isha' prayer has already been performed in congregation in the mosque and someone arrives late, he should pray the fard of 'isha', join the tarawih, and then pray witr in congregation as well. This is what is correct; thus it is in Sharh al-Munya (Kabiri, p. 391).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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