Dua Qunoot: A Profound Act of Worship
Dua qunoot is a significant act of worship prescribed by Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, and practiced by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Supplication holds a central place in Islamic teachings, encompassing various forms and contexts – whether private or public, during prayer or beyond it, individually or collectively.
This article explores the essence of dua qunoot, its relevance in the Fajr prayer, and its spiritual significance.
Dua Qunoot in Fajr Prayer
“Qunoot,” derived from the Arabic root “qunut,” signifies supplication, submission, and even silence. It encompasses the extended standing posture during prayers. The term also denotes invoking supplications against adversaries, highlighting the solemnity of the act. Moreover, “qunut” emphasizes the elongated standing position within prayers.
The wording of dua qunoot is sought by many. The most recommended supplication is the one narrated by Al-Hasan ibn Ali, may Allah be pleased with them both, from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. This dua is recited during the Witr prayer:
“اللهم اهدني فيمن هديت وعافني فيمن عافيت وتولني فيمن توليت وبارك لي فيما أعطيت وقني شر ما قضيت إنك تقضي ولا يقضى عليك وإنه لا يذل من واليت ولا يعز من عاديت تباركت ربنا وتعاليت”. رواه أبو داود والترمذي وحسنه.
“O Allah! Guide me among those You have guided, pardon me among those You have pardoned, befriend me among those You have befriended, bless me in what You have granted, and save me from the evil that You have decreed. Verily, You decree and none can influence You; and he is not humiliated whom You have befriended, nor is he honored who is Your enemy. Blessed are You, O Lord, and Exalted.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood and At-Tirmidhi, graded as sound).
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. O Allah! We seek Your assistance, seek Your guidance, seek Your forgiveness, believe in You, trust in You, and praise You for all goodness. We do not disbelieve in You, nor do we forsake and leave those who reject You. O Allah! We worship You alone, pray and prostrate to You, and hasten towards You. We hope for Your mercy and fear Your punishment. Your punishment certainly overtakes the disbelievers.” (Narrated by Abd al-Razzaq in his Musannaf and Al-Bayhaqi in Shu’ab al-Iman)
The Significance of Dua Qunoot
Dua qunoot holds a cherished place among the supplications that Allah desires from His devotees. This supplication is rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, the possessor of the Exalted Station.
He frequently engaged in dua qunoot, particularly during the Witr prayer in the blessed month of Ramadan. Its significance extends to the Taraweeh prayer and beyond, as a comprehensive and accepted invocation embraced by Muslims.
Recited before the final unit of the Witr prayer and during Taraweeh, dua qunoot fosters goodness and strengthens the connection with Allah, the Almighty.
Ruling on Dua Qunoot
Scholars have debated the appropriateness of dua qunoot in the Fajr prayer. Ahmed and Abu Hanifa hold that it is not recommended in Fajr or other prayers except Witr. They base this on a narration from Sahih Muslim where the Prophet, peace be upon him, invoked Allah’s curse upon certain tribes for a month before discontinuing the practice.
In contrast, Malik and Ash-Shafi’i affirm the confirmed Sunnah status of dua qunoot in Fajr prayer at all times. Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, affirmed that the Prophet, peace be upon him, continued reciting dua qunoot in Fajr until his passing. Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, and a group of Companions upheld this practice.
Dua qunoot is confirmed in Witr prayer and, similarly, in Fajr prayer, though not obligatory. It is recited before bowing (Ruku) in the final unit of the prayer. While specific to Witr, this supplication can be invoked during adversities in the five obligatory prayers.
When to Recite Dua Qunoot?
Scholars vary on the placement of dua qunoot in the prayer. The Shafi’i and Hanbali schools position it after the standing position (Qiyam) of the final Rak’ah, following “Rabbana wa lakal-hamd” (Our Lord, to You is all praise). Hanafi and Maliki schools permit dua qunoot before or after the bowing (Ruku) of the final Rak’ah, preferably before bowing, following Quran recitation, without uttering “Allahu Akbar.”
In conclusion, this article delves into the concept of dua qunoot, its juristic rulings, and recommended timings. Seek further insights into supplications for the Fajr prayer and optimal supplications before Fajr.
Dua qunoot epitomizes the lengthy invocations recited during Taraweeh prayers, particularly in Ramadan. Respected scholars authenticate its recitation before concluding Taraweeh and preceding Witr. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, invoked Allah’s safeguard for vulnerable Muslims, beseeching protection against adversaries.
Best Dua Qunoots
The Dua in Arabic is Bold:
- O Allah, forgive all sins – major and minor, first and last, apparent and concealed.
- اللهـم اغـفـر لنا ذنوبنا كـلها دِقـّها وجـلّـها وأولها وآخرها علانيتها وسرها.
- O Allah, Lord of all, filling heavens, earth, and beyond. We are Your servants; none can withhold or grant against Your will.
- اللهم ربنا لك الحمد ملء السماوات وملء الأرض وملء ما بينهما، وملء ما شئت من شيء بعـده أهل الثناء والمجد أحق ما قال العـبد.
- O Allah, shield us from grave torment, false messiah’s trials, and afflictions of life and death. Protect us from sins and debts.
- اللهم إني أعـوذ بك من عـذاب القبر، ونعوذ بك من فتنة المسيح الدجال ونعوذ بك من فتنة المحيا والممات.
- O Allah, enrich us with faith and guidance.
- اللهم زينا بزينة الإيمان واجعلنا هداة مهتدين.
Dua Qunoot in Taraweeh Prayer
- O Allah, purify our souls and protect them. You are the Best in purifying and safeguarding.
- اللهم آتِ نفوسنا تقواها وزكّـها أنت خيرُ من زكّاها أنت ولـيّها ومولاها.
- O Allah, shield us from unproductive knowledge, prideful hearts, insatiable souls, and unanswered prayers.
- اللهم إنا نعوذ بك من عـلمٍ لا ينفع، ومن قلبٍ لا يخشع ومن نفس لا تشبع ومن دعـوة لا يستجاب لهـا
- O Allah, shower us with mercy, grant rain without despondency. O Allah, bestow rain – a mercy, not destruction.
- اللهم يا حي يا قيوم برحمتك نستغيث أنزل عـلينا الغـيث، ولا تجعلنا من الآيسين اللهم أغِـثنا اللهم أغِــثنا اللهم أغِــثنـا.
- O Allah, guide us, instill piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency.
- اللهم سـقـيا رحمة لا سـقـيا بلاءٍ ولا هـدمٍ ولا غـرق.
- O Allah, grant forgiveness, and well-being in this life and the Hereafter. Have mercy on male and female Muslims.
- وأيضاً اللهم اغـفـر للمسلمين والمسلمات والمؤمنين والمؤمنات الأحيـاء منهم، والأموات برحمتك يا أرحم الراحمين.
Verses and Supplications for Dua Qunoot
Numerous verses and supplications can be recited in Dua Qunoot, including:
“Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Quran, 2:127)
- {رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ}.[١٣]
“Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.” (Quran, 59:10)
- {رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ}.[١٤]
“Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.” (Quran, 3:8)
- {رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ}.[١٥]
“Our Lord, give us the best in this world and the best in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Quran, 2:201)
- رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
