The Complete Guide to Qunut Supplication: Meaning, Method, and Benefits
In the life of a Muslim, prayer (Salah) is the pillar that holds up their spiritual structure. Within the prayer, there are moments of profound connection where the servant speaks directly to their Lord. One of the most powerful of these moments is the Qunut Supplication (Dua Al-Qunut).
For students at Al Wafaa Institute, learning the Qunut is often a major milestone. Whether you are praying the Witr prayer at night or seeking Allah’s help during times of calamity, understanding the rules, pronunciation, and deep meaning of this supplication is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the Qunut Supplication, from its linguistic roots to its practical application in your daily prayers.
What is Qunut Supplication ? Understanding the Meaning
Before memorizing the words, it is vital to understand what “Qunut” actually means. The word Qunut (Arabic: القنوت) has several linguistic meanings in Classical Arabic, including:
Obedience: Being submissive to Allah’s will.
Standing: Prolonged standing during prayer.
Silence: Refraining from worldly talk during prayer.
Supplication: Asking Allah for needs (Dua).
In the context of Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh), Qunut Supplication refers specifically to the special Dua recited while standing upright in certain prayers, most notably the Witr prayer and the Fajr prayer (according to some schools of thought).
Types of Qunut Supplication
There are generally two main contexts in which the Qunut is recited. Understanding the difference ensures you are applying the Sunnah correctly.
1. Qunut in Witr Prayer (Qunut al-Witr)
This is the most common form practiced by Muslims daily. It is recited in the last Rak’ah of the Witr prayer, which is the final prayer performed at night. It is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (confirmed Sunnah) taught by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to his grandson, Al-Hasan ibn Ali.
2. Qunut Nazilah (Qunut for Calamities)
This type of Qunut is temporary and specific. It is recited when a major calamity or disaster befalls the Muslim community (Ummah), such as war, famine, or a pandemic. Unlike the Witr Qunut, Qunut Nazilah is recited in the five daily obligatory prayers (usually after bowing in the last Rak’ah) and is performed only until the calamity passes.
When and How to Perform Qunut in Witr
One of the most frequently asked questions by new students at Al Wafaa Institute is: “When exactly do I raise my hands?”
There are differing valid opinions among the Madhhabs (Schools of Thought), but here is the most common method taught for ease and general practice:
The Timing
The Qunut is recited in the last Rak’ah of the Witr prayer.
The Position (Before or After Ruku?)
There are two valid ways to perform it:
Before Ruku (Bowing): After finishing the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha and a short Surah, you raise your hands directly and recite the Dua, then go into Ruku. (Common in the Hanafi Madhhab).
After Ruku (Bowing): After rising from the bowing position and saying “Sami’ Allaho Liman Hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd”, you remain standing, raise your hands, and recite the Dua before going down to Sujood. (Common in the Shafi’i and Hanbali Madhhabs).
Both methods are correct and accepted.
The Text of Qunut Supplication (Transliteration & Translation)
Here is the famous version of the Qunut Supplication narrated by Al-Hasan ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). We have broken it down line by line to help you memorize and reflect on the meaning.
Part 1: Guidance and Wellness
Arabic:
$\text{\textarabic{اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ}}$
Transliteration:
Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayt
Translation:
“O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided.”
Arabic:
$\text{\textarabic{وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ}}$
Transliteration:
Wa ‘aafini feeman ‘aafayt
Translation:
“And grant me wellness among those whom You have granted wellness.”
Part 2: Protection and Blessing
Arabic:
$\text{\textarabic{وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ}}$
Transliteration:
Wa tawallani feeman tawallayt
Translation:
“And turn to me in friendship among those on whom You have turned.”
Arabic:
$\text{\textarabic{وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ}}$
Transliteration:
Wa barik lee feema a’tayt
Translation:
“And bless me in what You have bestowed.”
Part 3: Seeking Refuge from Decree
Arabic:
$\text{\textarabic{وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ}}$
Transliteration:
Wa qini sharra ma qadayt
Translation:
“And save me from the evil of what You have decreed.”
Arabic:
$\text{\textarabic{فَإِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلَا يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ}}$
Transliteration:
Fa-innaka taqdee wa la yuqda ‘alayk
Translation:
“For verily You decree and none can decree over You.”
Part 4: The Conclusion
Arabic:
$\text{\textarabic{إِنَّهُ لَا يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ}}$
Transliteration:
Innahu la yadhillu man walayt
Translation:
“For verily he whom You show allegiance to is never abased.”
Arabic:
$\text{\textarabic{تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ}}$
Transliteration:
Tabarakta Rabbana wa ta’alayt
Translation:
“O our Lord, You are Blessed and You are Exalted.”
Etiquette (Adab) of Reciting Dua Qunut
To maximize the spiritual benefit of this supplication, one should observe the proper etiquettes:
Raising the Hands: It is Sunnah to raise the hands to chest level, with palms facing the sky, as if begging a generous King.
Humility (Khushu): Do not rush. Feel every word. When you ask for guidance, genuinely desire it in your heart.
Saying “Ameen”: If you are praying behind an Imam (in Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan, for example), you should say “Ameen” aloud (or quietly depending on the setting) after the Imam completes each request.
Wiping the Face: Some scholars say it is permissible to wipe the face with the hands after finishing the Dua, while others suggest dropping the hands directly. Both are widely practiced.
4 Spiritual Benefits of Qunut Supplication
Why do we recite this specific Dua every night? The benefits are immense:
Comprehensive Guidance: It asks for Hidayah (Guidance) in all matters—religious and worldly.
Protection from Calamity: By saying “Save me from the evil of what You have decreed,” you are actively seeking Allah’s shield against destined hardships.
Affirmation of Tawheed: The Dua reinforces that Allah is the ultimate decision-maker (“You decree and none can decree over You”), which strengthens the believer’s faith.
Stress Relief: Ending your day with Qunut in Witr provides a psychological release, handing over all your worries to Allah before sleep.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As teachers at Al Wafaa Institute, we often notice these common errors among beginners:
Reciting too fast: The Qunut is a conversation with Allah, not a race. Take your time.
Mispronunciation: Words like ‘Aafini (Grant me wellness) can change meaning if the letter ‘Ain ($\text{\textarabic{ع}}$) is pronounced as a Hamza ($\text{\textarabic{أ}}$). Correct Tajweed is crucial.
Shouting: Dua should be recited with a tone of humility and plea, not aggression or excessive loudness.
Conclusion
The Qunut Supplication is a beautiful gift from the Prophetic tradition. It is a fortress for the believer, a nightly reset button that aligns your heart with the Creator.
Mastering the Qunut is not just about memorizing Arabic words; it is about understanding that you are under Allah’s protection.
If you struggle with the pronunciation or want to learn the deeper meanings of Salah and Tajweed, our teachers are here to help.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Qunut mandatory (Wajib) in Witr prayer?
A: According to the Hanafi school, it is Wajib (necessary). According to the Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools, it is a recommended Sunnah. Leaving it does not invalidate the prayer, but it is highly encouraged to perform it.
Q: Can I read Qunut in English if I don’t know Arabic?
A: If you are a new Muslim or cannot speak Arabic yet, you may make Dua in your heart or in English during Sujood (prostration). However, for the Qunut specifically, it is best to learn the Arabic text. Until you memorize it, you can recite “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah…” or simply repeat “Allahummaighfir lee” (O Allah forgive me).
Q: Do I recite Qunut aloud or silently?
A: If you are praying alone, you can recite it silently or in a low audible voice. If you are leading others (Imam), you should recite it aloud so they can say “Ameen.”
Q: What if I forget the Qunut in Witr?
A: If you forget to recite Qunut and remember after you have gone down for Sujood, do not stand back up. Continue your prayer and perform the Sujood as-Sahw (Prostration of Forgetfulness) at the end of the prayer.