Understanding Dua Qunoot
Dua Qunoot (دعاء القنوت) is one of the most important supplications in Islam, recited during the Witr prayer in the night. It is a comprehensive dua that combines praise of Allah, seeking His help, and expressing hope in His mercy. This ancient dua, rooted in the Quranic tradition, has been part of Muslim practice for centuries.
The Dua Qunoot
Here is the authentic Dua Qunoot in its traditional form. Read it in the language that resonates most with your heart.
Arabic
اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّا نَسۡتَعِيۡنُكَ وَنَسۡتَغْفِرُكَ وَنُؤۡمِنُ بِكَ وَنَتَوَكَّلُ عَلَيۡكَ وَنُثۡنِىۡ عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡخَيۡرَ وَنَشۡكُرُكَ وَلَا نَكۡفُرُكَ وَنَخۡلَعُ وَنَتۡرُكُ مَنۡ يَّفۡجُرُكَ. اَللَّهُمَّ اِيَّاكَ نَعۡبُدُ وَلَكَ نُصَلِّئ وَنَسۡجُدُ وَاِلَيۡكَ نَسۡعٰى ونَحۡفِدُ ونَرۡجُوۡا رَحۡمَتَكَ وَنَخۡشٰى عَذَابَكَ اِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالۡكُفَّارِ مُلۡحِقٌٌ
Romanized Arabic
Allahumma inna nasta'inuka wa nastaghfiruka wa nu'minu bika wa natawakkalu 'alayka wa nuthni 'alayka al-khayra wa nashkuruka wa la nakfuruka wa nakhla'u wa natruku man yaf juruka. Allahumma iyyaka na'budu wa laka nusalli wa nasjud wa ilayka nas'a wa nahfid wa narju rahmataka wa nakhsha 'adhabhaka, inna 'adhabhaka bil-kuffar mulhiq.
English
O Allah, we seek Your aid and ask for Your forgiveness, and we believe in You and put our trust in You, and we praise You for all good, and we thank You, and we do not deny Your favors. We separate ourselves from and abandon those who disobey You. O Allah, You alone do we worship, and to You alone do we pray and prostrate, and towards You we turn and strive, and we hope for Your mercy and we fear Your punishment. Indeed, Your punishment for the disbelievers is inevitable.
Urdu
اے اللہ، ہم تمہاری مدد چاہتے ہیں اور تمہاری معافی مانگتے ہیں، اور ہم تمہارے اوپر ایمان رکھتے ہیں اور تمہارے اوپر توکل کرتے ہیں، اور ہم تمہاری خیری کی تعریف کرتے ہیں اور تمہارا شکریہ کرتے ہیں، اور ہم تمہاری نعمتوں کا انکار نہیں کرتے۔ ہم ان سے منہ موڑتے ہیں اور الگ ہو جاتے ہیں جو تمہاری نافرمانی کرتے ہیں۔ اے اللہ، ہم صرف تمہاری عبادت کرتے ہیں، اور تمہارے لیے نماز پڑھتے اور سجدہ کرتے ہیں، اور تمہاری طرف رجوع کرتے ہیں اور تمہاری رحمت کی امید رکھتے ہیں اور تمہارے عذاب سے ڈرتے ہیں۔ بلاشبہ تمہارا عذاب کافروں کو لازماً پہنچے گا۔
Hindi
ए अल्लाह, हम तुमसे मदद मांगते हैं और तुमसे क्षमा चाहते हैं, और हम तुम पर ईमान रखते हैं और तुम पर भरोसा करते हैं, और हम तुम्हारी भलाई की तारीफ करते हैं और तुम्हारी कृतज्ञता करते हैं, और हम तुम्हारे अनुग्रह का इनकार नहीं करते। हम उनसे अलग हो जाते हैं जो तुम्हारी अवज्ञा करते हैं। ए अल्लाह, हम सिर्फ तुम्हारी पूजा करते हैं, और तुम्हारे लिए प्रार्थना करते और सजदा करते हैं, और तुम्हारी ओर लौटते हैं और तुम्हारी दया की आशा रखते हैं और तुम्हारे दंड से भयभीत रहते हैं। निश्चित रूप से तुम्हारा दंड काफिरों को अवश्य पकड़ेगा।
PDF with Arabic text and transliteration coming soon
History and Origins
Prophetic Practice
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to recite Dua Qunoot during the Witr prayer, especially during times of difficulty. The companions and subsequent generations of Muslims have maintained this practice continuously, making it a cherished part of Islamic worship for over 1,400 years.
Scholarly Consensus
All four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali) recognize and encourage the recitation of Dua Qunoot. While there are slight variations in how it is performed, the essence and importance of this dua is universally acknowledged by Muslim scholars.
When to Recite Dua Qunoot
During Witr Prayer
The primary time to recite Dua Qunoot is during the Witr prayer, which is offered after the Isha (night) prayer. Witr means "odd," and it is a prayer consisting of one, three, five, seven, nine, or eleven units (raka'at). Dua Qunoot is recited in the last raka'ah before the final tasleem (salutation).
Specific Timing in Witr
In the final raka'ah of Witr, after standing from the ruku' (bowing), raise your hands and recite Dua Qunoot. This is done in a standing position, with hands raised, before performing the final sujud (prostration) of the prayer.
Variation Among Schools of Thought
In some schools of thought (maslak), Dua Qunoot is recited before going into ruku' (bowing) while still standing in the qiyaam position. In this practice, after completing the recitation of the Quran, the worshipper keeps their hands in position — either below the navel or over the chest, depending on the maslak — and recites Dua Qunoot before bowing. Both practices are considered valid by their respective scholars.
Times of Calamity
Some schools of thought recommend reciting Dua Qunoot during regular obligatory prayers in the last raka'ah when the Muslim community is facing calamity or hardship. This was practiced by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions during difficult times.
Benefits of Dua Qunoot
Seeking Allah's Help
The dua begins by seeking Allah's assistance, reminding us that all help comes from the Almighty. This strengthens our reliance on Allah and weakens our dependence on created beings.
Seeking Forgiveness
It includes seeking Allah's forgiveness, which purifies the soul and removes the barriers between us and our Creator. Regular recitation helps us develop a habit of seeking forgiveness.
Expressing Gratitude
By praising Allah and acknowledging His blessings, we develop gratitude and appreciation for what He has given us. This positive mindset brings peace and contentment.
Strengthening Worship
The dua emphasizes our commitment to worship Allah alone, which purifies our intentions and focuses our hearts on the purpose of creation.
Spiritual Peace
Reciting Dua Qunoot brings spiritual tranquility as we express our hopes, fears, and reliance on Allah. It connects us to centuries of believers who have recited these same words.
Answered Supplications
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged making dua, and Dua Qunoot is a comprehensive supplication that covers various aspects of a believer's needs and concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dua Qunoot mandatory in Witr prayer?
According to most schools of Islamic jurisprudence, Dua Qunoot is recommended (sunnah) but not obligatory. However, it is highly encouraged and considered an important part of the Witr prayer. The Hanafi school considers it recommended, while other schools emphasize its importance.
Q: Can women recite Dua Qunoot?
Absolutely. Dua Qunoot is not exclusive to men. Women are encouraged to recite it during their Witr prayer, which is equally important for both genders. The benefits and spiritual significance apply to all believers.
Q: What if I forget the exact words of Dua Qunoot?
If you cannot remember the exact wording, you can recite it in your own words, seeking Allah's help, forgiveness, and mercy. The essence of dua is sincere communication with Allah, and He understands all languages and intentions.
Q: Can Dua Qunoot be recited in languages other than Arabic?
Yes, you can recite Dua Qunoot in any language you understand. While Arabic is the language of the Quran and preferred, Allah accepts duas in all languages. Understanding what you are saying increases sincerity and focus.
Q: When should Dua Qunoot be recited in Witr?
Dua Qunoot is recited in the final raka'ah of Witr, after standing from the ruku', with hands raised, before performing the sujud (prostration). This is the position called Qunoot.
Q: Are there variations in Dua Qunoot?
Yes, there are several authentic variations of Dua Qunoot recorded from the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions. The main one presented here is the most widely recognized and recited version. Different Islamic schools and cultures may have slight variations, but they all convey the same essential message.
Q: Can I recite Dua Qunoot at any time of the day?
While Dua Qunoot is specifically associated with the Witr prayer, you can make similar supplications seeking Allah's help and forgiveness at any time. However, the formal recitation with specific wording is done during Witr.
Q: What does "Qunoot" mean?
"Qunoot" comes from the Arabic word meaning "obedience" or "standing in worship." It refers to the act of standing with hands raised while making dua to Allah. The position itself is an act of humility and submission before the Almighty.