Dua Qunoot is a special supplication recited at a specific point during prayer. It also holds deep significance for Muslims, embodying humility, devotion, and a direct appeal to Allah for guidance and support. This guide will explore the different forms of Dua Qunoot, their meanings, the occasions for its recitation, and how to perform it correctly.
What is Dua Qunoot?
The word “Qunoot” (قنوت) in Arabic has several meanings, including ‘being devout’, ‘standing’, ‘humility’, and ‘obedience’. In the context of Islamic prayer (Salah), Dua Qunoot refers to a specific supplication made while standing. It is also a powerful prayer that asks Allah for help, guidance, and forgiveness. It serves as a reminder of our dependence on Allah and His infinite mercy.
The Significance of Dua Qunoot in Islam
The practice of reciting Dua Qunoot is rooted in the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is considered a sunnah (a practice of the Prophet) and holds great spiritual weight. Therefore, the core of this dua is a heartfelt plea to Allah, acknowledging His greatness and seeking His assistance in all matters of life.
Reciting Dua Qunoot strengthens a believer’s connection with their Creator. It is a moment of profound reflection and submission, where one lays bare their needs and hopes before Allah. Therefore, this practice reinforces the concept of Tawakkul (trust in Allah) and brings a sense of peace and reassurance to the heart.
When is Dua Qunoot Recited?
The recitation of Dua Qunoot is primarily associated with two specific occasions:
Witr Prayer:
The most common practice is to recite Dua Qunoot in the final rak’ah (unit) of the Witr prayer, which is performed after the Isha prayer at night.
Qunoot an-Nazilah:
This refers to the Qunoot recited during times of great calamity, crisis, or hardship affecting the Muslim community. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have recited Qunoot an-Nazilah during obligatory daily prayers to pray for help against oppressors or for relief from a disaster.
How to Recite Dua Qunoot
The method of reciting Dua Qunoot can vary slightly among different schools of Islamic thought, but the core practice is largely consistent. In the Witr prayer, it is typically recited in the last rak’ah. After rising from Ruku (bowing), while in the standing position (Qiyam), you raise your hands in supplication and recite the dua. Once you have finished, you proceed to Sujood (prostration) to complete the prayer.
The Words of Dua Qunoot
The most widely known version of Dua Qunoot, taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to his grandson, Hasan ibn Ali, is as follows:
The Variations of Dua Qunoot
Dua Qunoot is a powerful supplication in Islam, a moment of profound connection where a believer stands before Allah in humility and hope. While many are familiar with one version of this prayer, there are actually several forms with rich histories and specific contexts. So, understanding these variations offers deeper insight into the flexibility and breadth of Islamic worship.
The Prophetic Dua: Taught to Hasan ibn Ali
This is arguably the most widely recognized form of Dua Qunoot, directly passed down from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to his grandson, Hasan ibn Ali. Its beauty also lies in its comprehensive request for guidance, well-being, and divine protection. It is commonly recited during the Witr prayer.
Arabic Text:
اَللّهُمَّ اهْدِنِيْ فِيْمَنْ هَدَيْتَ، وَعَافِنِيْ فِيْمَنْ عَافَيْتَ، وَتَوَلَّنِيْ فِيْمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ، وَبَارِكْ لِيْ فِيْمَا أَعْطَيْتَ، وَقِنِيْ شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْضِيْ وَلاَ يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ، وَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ، وَلاَ يَعِزُّ مَنْ عَادَيْتَ، تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ
Transliteration:
Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayt, wa ‘aafini feeman ‘aafayt, wa tawallani feeman tawallayt, wa baarik li feema a’tayt, wa qini sharra ma qadayt, fa innaka taqdi wa la yuqda ‘alayk, wa innahu la yadhillu man walayt, wa la ya’izzu man ‘aadayt, tabaarakta Rabbana wa ta’aalayt.
Translation:
“O Allah, guide me among those You have guided, grant me well-being among those You have granted well-being, take me into Your charge among those You have taken into Your charge, bless me in what You have given me, and protect me from the evil of what You have decreed. For verily, You decree and none can decree over You. Verily, he whom You show allegiance to is never abased, and he whom You take as an enemy is never honored. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted.”
The Dua of Umar ibn al-Khattab and Hanafi Tradition
Another well-known form of Dua Qunoot is one that was frequently recited by the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab. This version is particularly common among followers of the Hanafi school of thought, who recite it in the third rak’ah of Witr prayer before bowing (Ruku). This dua is a powerful plea for help, forgiveness, and dissociation from those who disobey Allah.
Arabic Text:
اَللّهُمَّ إنا نَسْتَعِينُكَ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَنُؤْمِنُ بِكَ وَنَتَوَكَّلُ عَلَيْكَ وَنُثْنِيْ عَلَيْكَ الْخَيْرَ وَنَشْكُرُكَ وَلاَ نَكْفُرُكَ وَنَخْلَعُ وَنَتْرُكُ مَنْ يَفْجُرُكَ. اَللّهُمَّ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَلَكَ نُصَلِّيْ وَنَسْجُدُ وَإِلَيْكَ نَسْعَى وَنَحْفِدُ وَنَرْجُوْ رَحْمَتَكَ وَنَخْشَى عَذَابَكَ إِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالْكُفَّارِ مُلْحِقٌ
Transliteration:
Allahumma inna nasta’eenuka wa nastaghfiruka, wa nu’minu bika wa natawakkalu ‘alayka, wa nuthni ‘alaykal-khayr, wa nashkuruka wa la nakfuruka, wa nakhla’u wa natruku man yafjuruk. Allahumma iyyaka na’budu, wa laka nusalli wa nasjudu, wa ilayka nas’a wa nahfid, wa narju rahmataka wa nakhsha ‘adhabak, inna ‘adhabaka bil-kuffari mulhiq.
Translation:
“O Allah, we seek Your help and ask for Your forgiveness. We believe in You and put our trust in You. We praise You in the best way, and we are grateful to You and not ungrateful. And, We abandon and forsake anyone who disobeys You. O Allah, You alone do we worship, and to You we pray and prostrate. To You we strive and hasten. We hope for Your mercy and fear Your punishment. Indeed, your punishment will surely overtake the disbelievers.”
Qunoot an-Nazilah: Supplication in Times of Calamity
Qunoot an-Nazilah is not a specific text but a type of Qunoot recited during times of great distress, persecution, or disaster affecting the Muslim community. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recited it during the obligatory daily prayers (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha) to pray against oppressors or for relief from a widespread hardship.
The words for Qunoot an-Nazilah are not fixed. One can also recite the Prophetic Dua taught to Hasan ibn Ali. And, make any heartfelt supplication appropriate to the situation. However, the key is to pray for the protection, victory, and relief of the affected Muslims. Therefore, this Qunoot is typically recited after rising from Ruku in the final rak’ah of a prayer.
The Benefits of Reciting Dua Qunoot
Incorporating Dua Qunoot into your worship has numerous spiritual benefits:
- Seeking Divine Guidance: It is a direct also request for Allah’s guidance in all aspects of life.
- Attaining Protection: You ask Allah for protection from harm, evil, and any negative decrees.
- Expressing Gratitude: The dua includes an acknowledgment and appreciation for the blessings Allah has bestowed.
- Building Humility: It fosters a sense of humility and reliance on Allah, also recognizing His ultimate power and authority.
- Strengthening Faith: Regular recitation also deepens one’s faith and trust in Allah’s plan.
Dua Qunoot is more than just words; it is a profound conversation with Allah. Thus, by understanding its meaning, you can enrich your prayers and draw closer to your Creator.
