The prayers (salah) we offer are made up of various verses of Allah’s praise and supplications to Allah. That’s what makes offering prayers such a meaningful aspect of a Muslim’s life—as it is not an obligation Allah has set for us for His benefit, but for ours.
One such part of salah that includes innumerable benefits and virtues for the believers is Dua e Qunoot. The word “Qunoot” is derived from the Arabic word “Qanata” the translation being “to stand” (a nod to the fact that this dua is recited during the part of prayer where worshippers are in a standing position).
In this context, the meaning of Qunoot can also be taken as “being obedient”, and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) has taught us to express our devotion to Allah through Dua e Qunoot.
Recitation Of The Dua
While this dua can be recited at any time when someone wants to improve their connection to Allah by showing obedience and humility, the dua is also a part of a significant prayer—the Isha Prayer. This dua is traditionally recited during the Witr rakahs during Isha prayers.
The translation of Dua e Qunoot is as follows:
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 and we alienate and forsake those who disobey You. O, Allah! You alone do we worship and for You do we pray and prostrate and we betake to please You and present ourselves for the service in Your cause and we hope for Your mercy and fear Your chastisement. Undoubtedly, Your torment is going to overtake infidels O Allah!
Forgiveness for sins, expressing thankfulness, affirming oneness and sincerity, asking for strength, and various other significant aspects make up this dua.
This dua is an amalgamation of all basic mercies and blessings we hope and pray for from Allah. Hence the reason the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) used to recite Dua e Qunoot whenever Muslims were facing extreme troubles or disasters. After all, the ultimate control of everything is with Allah, and He alone can perform the miracle of removing seemingly impossible problems from our paths.
In addition to Isha Witr prayers, the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) also recited Dua e Qunoot during Fajr prayers, and occasionally during other prayers in the year. Dua e Qunoot for Fajr prayers differs from the original dua the majority of the Muslim population is aware of. This Dua e Qunoot, also called Qunoot of Fajr, was taught to Hazrat Hussain (RA) by the last messenger of Allah.
Dua e Qunoot’s Place In Prayers
When it comes to Dua e Qunoot, the foremost topic of debate amongst scholars is that of recitation of the dua—whether it comes before or after ruku (i.e. after bowing and reciting sami allahu liman hamidah rabbana lakal hamd).
Many scholars say that the dua should come after the ruku, then standing and raising hands once again for Dua e Qunoot, and finally going into sujood after takbeer (Allahu Akbar). However, many scholars also agree that it is permissible that Dua e Qunoot be recited before going into the ruku.
As narrated by Ubayy ibn Ka’b (RA), Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) used to pray Witr with three rakahs. In the first, he would recite, “Glorify the Name of Your Lord, the Most High”. In the second, “Say: O you disbelievers!” In the third: “Say: He is Allah, (the) One”. And he would recite the Qunoot Dua 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. (Sunan an-Nasa’i 1699)
Dua e Qunoot in Ramadan
In the blessed month of Ramadan, the recitation of Dua e Qunoot may be longer with the addition of more requests (by the Imam leading the prayer) relevant to the congregation. For example, the imam may ask for Allah’s mercy in matters of poor economic conditions, natural calamities, illness, and other things.
Benefits Of Dua e Qunoot
The dua comprises a plethora of benefits for the believers, as it is a special dua for tough times. It is a means of expressing submission to Allah, thus it imparts various spiritual benefits when you recite it regularly.
- It is believed that regular recitation of Dua e Qunoot can help to purify one’s heart and cleanse the soul. Since the dua is an expression of obedience, it improves closeness to Allah.
- The verses of the dua also exude a sense of hopefulness. Through the worst of times, the One deity we turn to is Allah, who is the ultimate power in this world and the one after. This knowledge alone can instill optimism, which further pleases Allah and brings forth his blessings.
- Many people also believe in Dua e Qunoot’s power of providing spiritual protection. Regular recitation of Qunoot can help keep one safe from the evils of the world and negative influences.
- In many parts of the Quran, Allah promises believers that their hope and trust will always have rewards. No matter how tough times get, we can count on the dedication to the recitation of Dua e Qunoot bearing immense blessings.
Learning Dua e Qunoot With Experienced Scholars
A significant part of the Islamic tradition, Dua e Qunoot is a powerful supplication and an impactful way of expressing devotion to Allah Almighty. As humans, we have little authority over our own fates, as the ultimate decision for everything lies with Allah. For those who seek to connect with the Creator, regular recitation of this Dua is a remarkable commitment.
Like any Quranic and non-Quranic (authenticated by Hadith) duas in Islam, proper recitation of Dua e Qunoot is necessary. At Tajweed Classes, we offer courses and lessons on recitations of Surahs and Duas. Reach out to us today to sign up for guided lessons by certified scholars.
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