When a person recites Shahada, they enter the circle of Islam. However, in order to become a devout Muslim, it is crucial to follow all the commandments of Allah. There are different acts of worship that are obligatory for every Muslim, and one of them is Namaz. The five daily prayers not only have different names but also different numbers of rakahs. Witr namaz and Dua Qunoot are unique to the Isha prayer.
Dua Qunoot is, as the name suggests, a special supplication that is recited in the last rakah of the witr prayer. As the prayer was recited by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) quite regularly, it is very important in Islam. While there may be differences among scholars as to when a person should recite Dua Qunoot, almost all of them agree on its importance.
In this blog, we will learn about the meaning of Dua Qunoot and when you should recite it!
What is Dua Qunoot?
If you want to find out what is Dua Qunoot in the US, you can learn about its meaning to understand its significance. Qunoot is an Arabic word that translates to “standing humble (in front of Allah)” and is highly important in Islam because it was recited by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) on multiple occasions.
There are two different versions of Dua Qunoot, one of which was narrated by Al-Hasan ibn Ali based on what was taught to him by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Meanwhile, the second version was recited by Imam Abu Hanifah. Scholars differ on which version should be recited during Witr prayers. However, most of them emphasize on following the version that was taught by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) to his grandson, Al-Hasan ibn Ali.
When to Recite Dua Qunoot?
When it comes to reciting Dua Qunoot, there are two popular opinions surrounding it:
- Reciting Dua Qunoot during Witr prayer
- Reciting Dua Qunoot in Fajr prayer
Reciting Dua Qunoot in Witr – Before or After Ruku?
According to the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought, Dua Qunoot should be recited in the Witr prayer. Opinions vary about whether to recite it before or after the ruku.
- The majority of scholars, including Imam Abu Hanifah and Malik ibn Anas, favor reciting Dua Qunoot after ruku.
- On the other hand, certain scholars, including Ibn Taymiyah, state that reciting Dua Qunoot before ruku is also permissible, as is seen from the Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Almost all scholars agree that there’s nothing wrong in reciting Dua Qunoot before or after ruku, as the Prophet practiced both methods. There are also Hadiths that show that the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) raised his hands while reciting Dua Qunoot. The hands must be raised as if in prayer but must not rise above the chest of the person offering Salah.
Reciting Dua Qunoot in Fajr – Dua Qunoot Nazila
The Shafi’i school of thought suggests reciting Dua Qunoot regularly in Fajr prayer. When Muslims face hardships, they can recite Qunoot-e-Nazil in the Fajr prayers to ask for Allah’s help.
- During the second rakah of the Fardh Fajar prayer, Dua Qunoot is recited.
- The Dua must be recited by the Imam during congregational prayer.
According to different Hadiths, Dua Qunoot was recited by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) during Fajr, Maghreb, and Isha prayers. As a result, there’s no restriction on reciting the supplication during the three prayers mentioned above.
Dua Qunoot, Transliteration & Translation
The transliteration of Dua Qunoot as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) is as follows:
“Allahumma ihdini fiman hadayta wa ‘afini fiman ‘afayta wa tawallani fiman tawallayta wa barik li fima a’tayta, wa qini sharra ma qadayta , fa innaka taqdi wa la yuqda ‘alayk, wa innahu la yadhillu man walayta wa la ya’izzu man ‘adayta, tabarakta Rabbana wa ta’alayta la manja minka illa ilayk”
The supplication can be translated as,
“O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided, pardon me among those whom You have pardoned, turn to me in friendship among those on whom You have turned in friendship, and bless me in what You have bestowed, and save me from the evil of what You have decreed. For verily You decree and none can influence You; and he is not humiliated whom You have befriended, nor is he honoured who is Your enemy. Blessed are You, O Lord, and Exalted. There is no place of safety from You except with You”
Benefits of Reciting Dua Qunoot
Dua Qunoot was recited by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and therefore holds great significance in Islam. The benefits of reciting the supplication are:
Getting Closer to Allah
To become a Muslim worthy of a place in Jannah, it is important to accept Allah as the All-Powerful God and submit to His will. It is also crucial to believe that Allah holds absolute power over everything and everyone. By reciting Dua Qunoot, Muslims reaffirm their belief that Allah can fix everything for them as He has control over everything in this world and beyond.
Following the Sunnah
After Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) is the most dear to every Muslim. Following the Sunnah of the prophet can be a spiritual experience. It is also a way to respect and honor the prophet. Those who follow the Sunnah of the prophet will also be rewarded highly in the afterlife.
Protecting from Evil
Reciting Dua Qunoot puts people under the protection of Allah from all evil things of the world. People can also keep themselves protected from the whispers of the devil by reciting Dua Qunoot from their heart.
Fighting Hardships
When a calamity befalls a Muslim community, reciting Qunoot-e-Nazila can help them fight it. The supplication also helps Muslims get through hard times with Allah’s blessings.
Bottom Line
Dua Qunoot is a powerful supplication that was recited by the Prophet regularly during Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers. It is usually recited during Witr prayers and helps protect people from evil and hardships. You can also recite Dua Qunoot in your Isha prayer to enjoy its many benefits!
FAQs
What is the purpose of Dua Qunoot?
The purpose of reciting Dua Qunoot is to stand humbly in front of Allah and ask for His help and mercy.
When should Qunoot can be done?
You can recite Dua Qunoot both before and after the ruku during Witr prayers. Different Hadiths show the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) reciting Dua Qunoot before and after the ruku, as well as during Fajr and Maghrib prayers.
