Dua Qunoot is a special and powerful supplication that Muslims recite during their prayers, especially in the Witr prayer. The word “Qunoot” comes from Arabic and means devotion, humility, and obedience. It is a heartfelt prayer where a Muslim asks Allah for guidance, protection, forgiveness, and mercy.
In daily worship, Dua Qunoot holds a unique place because it is often recited during the Witr prayer — a highly recommended Sunnah prayer that comes after the Isha (night) prayer. Reciting this dua with sincerity strengthens a person’s connection with Allah and brings peace to the heart.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Dua Qunoot. We’ll explain its meaning, provide the Arabic text with an English translation, guide you on when and how to recite it, and offer helpful tips for memorizing it. Whether you are just beginning your journey of learning Islamic prayers or looking to perfect your recitation, this simple guide will help you understand and love the beautiful Dua Qunoot even more.
What is Dua Qunoot?
Qunoot is an Arabic word that signifies devotion, obedience, and humility. It refers to a special form of supplication in Islam where a believer seeks help from Allah, expressing submission and reliance on Him alone. This dua is often recited with a humble heart, asking for guidance, protection, and mercy. The act of Qunoot is an expression of turning to Allah in complete trust and sincerity.
Dua Qunoot holds great significance in Islamic prayers, especially during the Witr prayer. Witr is the last prayer performed after the Isha (night) prayer, and Dua Qunoot is commonly recited in the odd-numbered rak’ahs of Witr. Its recitation is a beautiful and powerful way to seek Allah’s help and mercy, particularly at the end of the day when Muslims reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings.
In addition to the Witr prayer, Dua Qunoot can also be recited during times of calamities or difficulty, such as during natural disasters, personal trials, or when facing overwhelming challenges. It’s a plea to Allah for help, protection, and relief from hardship.
Arabic text of Dua Qunoot:
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 وَنَحۡفِدُ وَنَرۡجُوۡا رَحۡمَتَكَ وَنَخۡشٰى عَذَابَكَ اِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالۡكُفَّارِ مُلۡحِقٌٌ
Transliteration:
Allahumma inna nasta’eenu ka wa nastaghfiru ka wa nu’minu bika wa natawakkalu ‘alayka wa nuthnee ‘alayka al-khayr, wa nashkuru ka wa laa nakfuru ka wa nakhla’u wa natruku man yafjuru ka. Allahumma iyyaka na’budu wa laka nusallee wa nasjudu wa ilayka nas’aa wa nahfizu wa narjoo rahmataka wa nakhshaa ‘adhaabaka inna ‘adhaabaka bil kuffari mulhik.
Dua e Qunoot with Urdu Translation:
The Urdu translation of the Qunoot Dua states that:
اے الله ! ہم تجھ سے مدد مانگتے ہیں اور تجھ سے معافی مانگتے ہیں اور تجھ پر ایمان رکھتے ہیں اور تجھ پر بھروسہ کرتے ہیں اور تیری بہت اچھی تعریف کرتے ہیں اور تیرا شکر کرتے ہیں اور تیری نا شکری نہیں کرتےاور الگ کرتے ہیں اور چھوڑتے ہیں اس سخص کو جو تیری نافرمانی رے۔ اے الله! ہم تیری ہی عبادت کرتے ہیں اور تیرے ہی لئے نماز پڑھتے ہیں اور سجدہ کرتے ہیں اور تیری ہی طرف دوڑتے اور رجوع ہیں اور تیری رحمت کے امید وارہیں اور تیرے عذاب سے ڈرتے ہیں، بیشک تیرا عذاب کافروں کو پہنچنے والا ہے
English Translation:
“O Allah! We implore You for help and beg forgiveness of You and believe in You and rely on You and extol You, and we are thankful to You and are not ungrateful to You. We alienate and forsake those who disobey You. O Allah! You alone do we worship, and for You do we pray and prostrate. We aim to please You and present ourselves for the service in Your cause. We hope for Your mercy and fear Your chastisement. Undoubtedly, Your torment is going to overtake the infidels. O Allah!”
This dua is recited with a deep sense of submission and dependence on Allah, recognizing His sovereignty and mercy. By reciting it, Muslims not only ask for help in times of need but also reaffirm their devotion and commitment to Allah.
When and How to Recite Dua Qunoot
Dua Qunoot is a special supplication that holds a prominent place in Islamic prayer, particularly in the Witr prayer. It is recited with sincerity and devotion, asking Allah for guidance, forgiveness, and protection. Here’s a detailed guide on when and how to properly recite Dua Qunoot:
Witr Prayer: At Which Rak’ah and At What Point
The Witr prayer is an important Sunnah prayer offered after the Isha (night) prayer. It consists of an odd number of rak’ahs, usually 1, 3, 5, or more, with 3 rak’ahs being the most common practice. Dua Qunoot is specifically recited during the last rak’ah of the Witr prayer.
- When to Recite: Dua Qunoot is recited after Ruko’ (bowing) in the last rak’ah of Witr. After standing up from the ruku, you raise your hands and recite the dua.
- How to Recite: You recite the full dua while standing, with your hands raised towards the sky. This is a special moment when you express complete reliance on Allah.
Raising Hands and Other Etiquettes
There are a few etiquettes to keep in mind when reciting Dua Qunoot:
- Raising Hands: When reciting Dua Qunoot, raise both hands and position them at shoulder height or slightly higher, with palms facing upwards. This is a gesture of humility, showing that you are asking for Allah’s mercy and assistance.
- Facing Qibla: It’s ideal to face the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba in Mecca) while reciting the dua, though it’s not a strict requirement.
- Focus and Sincerity: Recite the dua with focus, sincerity, and humility, making sure to reflect on the meaning of the words. This is a moment for personal supplication to Allah, so speak from the heart.
- Optional Pause: Some scholars recommend pausing after every few sentences for reflection and to give time for the supplication to settle in the heart.
Optional Recitation in Other Prayers During Special Situations (e.g., Calamities)
While Dua Qunoot is traditionally recited during Witr prayer, it is also permissible to recite it at other times, especially in situations of hardship or calamity.
- During Calamities: It is common to recite Dua Qunoot in times of disaster, such as natural calamities (earthquakes, floods), political unrest, or personal crises. The dua serves as a plea for Allah’s help and mercy.
- During Other Prayers: Some Islamic traditions allow reciting Dua Qunoot during other prayers, particularly if there is a need for special supplication. For example, it can be recited during Fajr prayer if there is a major issue affecting the community or the individual.
A Special Note: Flexibility and Variations
Different Islamic schools of thought (Hanafi, Shafi’i, etc.) may have slightly different practices for when and how to recite Dua Qunoot. For example, while the Shafi’i school encourages reciting Dua Qunoot regularly in Witr, the Hanafi school typically recites it only during times of calamity.
It’s important to follow the practices of your own school of thought and be consistent in how you approach reciting this beautiful supplication.
Benefits and Virtues of Reciting Dua Qunoot
Dua Qunoot is not just a powerful supplication; it also holds immense spiritual significance and rewards for those who recite it with sincerity. By understanding the benefits and virtues of reciting Dua Qunoot, you can deepen your connection with Allah and gain a greater appreciation for this beautiful dua. Here are some of the key benefits:
Seeking Allah’s Protection and Mercy
One of the most profound benefits of reciting Dua Qunoot is that it serves as a means of seeking Allah’s protection from all forms of harm. The dua includes a heartfelt plea for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and support during times of difficulty. When recited, it becomes an avenue to draw closer to Allah, asking for His compassion in every aspect of life.
- Forgiveness: The dua includes asking for forgiveness for one’s sins, an essential part of spiritual growth.
- Protection from Harm: It is an excellent way to seek Allah’s protection from calamities, both physical and spiritual.
Strengthening Faith and Devotion
By regularly reciting Dua Qunoot, Muslims renew their faith and devotion to Allah. The supplication serves as a reminder of Allah’s greatness and mercy, and it helps to cultivate a spirit of humility and obedience.
- Increased Devotion: The dua encourages a person to reflect on their relationship with Allah, reinforcing their commitment to worship and trust in Allah’s will.
- Faith in Times of Trial: When facing difficulties, Dua Qunoot provides spiritual support, helping the believer remain hopeful and patient.
An Opportunity for Sincere Supplication
Dua Qunoot is a highly personal supplication where the individual directly communicates with Allah. It offers an opportunity to express gratitude, request help, and ask for Allah’s mercy in times of need.
- Personal Connection with Allah: The recitation is a personal moment of seeking Allah’s guidance, which can help foster a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Creator.
- Spiritual Relief: During challenging times, Dua Qunoot provides comfort, helping individuals feel at peace knowing they are seeking refuge in Allah.
A Means to Earn Allah’s Rewards
Reciting Dua Qunoot is a rewarding act of worship, and every time we recite, a person is get reward by Allah. Just like other forms of supplication, the recitation of this dua carries great merit and can lead to forgiveness, blessings, and divine rewards.
- A Source of Barakah (Blessing): Reciting Dua Qunoot brings barakah into the lives of believers, whether in their health, wealth, or daily struggles.
- Reward in the Hereafter: The supplication brings rewards in the hereafter, with Allah promising to answer the sincere supplication of His servants.
A Supplication of Hope in Times of Calamity
As mentioned earlier, Dua Qunoot is often recited in times of difficulty or calamity. It serves as a source of hope, encouraging the believer to turn to Allah during times of distress. Whether facing personal struggles or broader societal issues, reciting Dua Qunoot helps maintain hope and trust in Allah’s plan.
- Hope and Patience: The dua serves as a reminder that Allah is always there to help, even during the most difficult times. It encourages patience and reliance on Allah’s wisdom.
Part of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Reciting Dua Qunoot is part of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who used to recite this dua in times of hardship. Following this practice brings the believer closer to the Sunnah and provides an opportunity to emulate the actions of the beloved Prophet.
- Emulating the Prophet (PBUH): By reciting this dua, Muslims are engaging in a practice that was favourite of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), further enhancing the rewards of the supplication.
Promotes a Spirit of Unity
We recite Dua Qunoot during the times of calamity or disaster, it can bring the Muslim community together in shared supplication and solidarity. Whether in times of local or global crises, reciting Dua Qunoot can unite Muslims in prayer, fostering a sense of brotherhood and mutual support.
- Community Healing: In collective supplication, there is a shared sense of hope and connection to Allah, promoting communal healing and strength.
Dua Qunoot in the light of Hadiths:
It was narrated from Ubayy bin Ka’b that: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to pray Witr with three rak’ahs. In the first, he would recite: “Glorify the Name of Your Lord, the Highest” in the second: “Say: O you disbelievers!”, and in the third: “Say: He is Allah, (the) One”. And he would say the Qunut before bowing, and when he finished he would say: Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus (Glory be to the Sovereign, the Most Holy) three times, elongating the words the last time. Sahih (Darussalam) Sunan an-Nasa’i 1699
Tips for Memorizing Dua Qunoot
Memorizing Dua Qunoot is very rewarding and helps you feel closer to Allah. To make it easy, start by breaking the dua into small parts. Learn one or two lines at a time. Repeat them daily after prayers. Listening to a good recitation can also help you memorize faster. Try to understand what each line means. When you know the meaning, it becomes easier to remember. Writing the dua down in a notebook is also a great idea. You can use flashcards too. Write the Arabic on one side and the English meaning on the other. Practice by testing yourself often.
If you can, learn with a friend, family member, or teacher. They can correct your pronunciation and keep you motivated. Practice reciting Dua Qunoot during your Witr prayer. The more you use it in your prayers, the faster it will stay in your memory. Remember, go slowly, be patient, and keep asking Allah to help you. With regular practice and sincere intention, memorizing Dua Qunoot will become easy and very rewarding.
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