Dua e Qunoot

Dua e Qunoot is a special dua recited while standing during Witr prayer. It is a recommended prayer from the Sunnah and signifies deep humility, obedience, and devotion to Allah.   

In this blog, you will learn the meaning of Dua Qanoot, its version, when to recite it, and how to memorize it. 

Dua e Qunoot Meaning 

Dua e Qunoot is the combination of two words, Dua and Qunoot. The word dua means ‘supplication,’ and Qunoot means 'to stand, ‘devotion,’ ‘humbleness,’ or ‘obedience.’ So, Dua Qanoot is the humble supplication of devotion read while standing. 

It is a recommended prayer from the Sunnah and signifies deep humility, obedience, and devotion to Allah.   

Versions of Dua Qanoot

Scholars recognize two authentic versions of Dua Qunoot. Different Islamic schools of thought (madhabs) follow distinct versions of this blessed dua, each based on authentic narrations from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

The Hanafi version emphasizes seeking Allah's help, forgiveness, and protection, whereas the Shafi, Maliki, and Hanbali madhabs recite a version that focuses on guidance, pardon, and blessings. 

Additionally, Qunoot e Nazla is a special form recited during times of calamity or hardship.

Dua Qunoot in Arabic (Hanfi)

In the Hanafi school of thought, reciting Dua Qunoot during the third rakah of the Witr prayer is considered Wajib (compulsory). Dua Qanoot should be recited in Arabic. It is written as;

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ اِنَّا نَسۡتَعِيۡنُكَ وَنَسۡتَغْفِرُكَ وَنُؤۡمِنُ بِكَ وَنَتَوَكَّلُ عَلَيۡكَ وَنُثۡنِىۡ عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡخَيۡرَ وَنَشۡكُرُكَ وَلَا نَكۡفُرُكَ وَنَخۡلَعُ وَنَتۡرُكُ مَنۡ يَّفۡجُرُكَ. ٱللَّٰهُمَّ اِيَّاكَ نَعۡبُدُ وَلَكَ نُصَلِّئ وَنَسۡجُدُ وَاِلَيۡكَ نَسۡعٰى ونَحۡفِدُ ونَرۡجُوۡا رَحۡمَتَكَ وَنَخۡشٰى عَذَابَكَ اِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالۡكُفَّارِ مُلۡحِقٌٌ

Dua Qunoot Transliteration

Transliteration of Dua Qanoot helps you read the Arabic script in your own language. Here we provide Dua e Qunoot in English transliteration.

Allahumma inna nasta’inuka wa nastaghfiruka wa nu’minu bika wa natawakkalu ‘alaika wa nuthni ‘alaikal khair, wa nashkuruka wala nakfuruka wa nakhla’u wa natruku mai yafjuruk. Allahumma iyyaka na’budu wa laka nusalli wa nasjud wa ilaika nas’a wa nahfidu wa narju rahmata-ka wa nakhsha ‘adhaba-ka inna ‘adhaba-ka bil kuffari mulhik.   

Dua Qunoot in English Translation

The translation of the dua qunoot dua helps understand the meaning of this comprehensive prayer. Here is the translation of kunuth dua in English. 

"O Allah, we seek Your help and ask for Your forgiveness, and we believe in You and trust in You, and we praise You in the best way, and we thank You, and we are not ungrateful to You, and we forsake and leave those who disobey You.

O Allah, You alone do we worship and to You we pray and prostrate, and towards You we hasten, and to You we turn for refuge, and we hope for Your mercy and fear Your punishment. Verily, Your severe punishment will overtake the disbelievers."

Dua al Qunoot (Shafi Version)

The Shafi'i version of Qanoot dua is based on an authentic hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad and is recited after rising from ruku' in the final rak'ah of Witr prayer.

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ، وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ، وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ، وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ، وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْضي وَلَا يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ، وَإِنَّهُ لَا يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ، وَلَا يَعِزُّ مَنْ عَادَيْتَ، تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ

Transliteration 

Allahumma Ihdini Feeman Hadayt, Wa Aafini Fiman Afait, wa Tawallani Fiman Tawallait, wa Barik Li Fima Atait, wa Qini Sharra ma Qadait, fa Innaka Taqdi wa la Yuqda Alaik, wa Innahu la Yadhillu man Walait, Wa la Ya’izzu man Adait, Tabarakta Rabbana wa Ta’alait.

English Translation of Dua Qunut

O Allah Almighty, 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 decreed. Indeed, You decree, and none can pass decree, and none can pass decree upon You. He is not humiliated whom You have befriended, and he is not honored, whom You have taken as your enemy. Blessed are You, our Lord and Exalted.

When is Dua Qunoot recited?

Dua Qunoot is a supplication recited during witr prayer. However, the timing and frequency differ significantly between the different schools of thought. 

Hanafi School of Thought 

In the Hanafi madhab, Dua Qunoot is recited only during Witr prayer, which is performed after the Isha prayer. 

• Recited in the final rak'ah of Witr before going into ruku (bowing)
• After Fathah and Surah, the worshippers say Allahu Akbar, raise their hands, keep their hands on their chest, recite the qunoot supplication, then proceed to ruku
• It is not recited in Fajr prayer or other obligatory prayers 

Shafi School of Thought 

In the Shafi madhab, Dua Qunoot is recited regularly in the Fajr (dawn) prayer. 

• Recited in the second rakah of Fajr prayer, after rising from ruku (bowing), not before
• The worshipper says ‘Sami Allahu liman hamidah’ (Allah hears those who praise Him), stands upright, then recites the qunoot
• It is considered sunnah muakkadah (emphasized sunnah) in Fajr
• Also recited in the second half of Ramadan during Witr prayer
• May also be recited during calamities in other prayers

How to Memorize Dua Qunoot?

It is important for every muslim to memorize the full Dua Qunoot Dua to recite in with prayer. Here are some proven tips to memorize it quickly. You can also memorize Dua Qanoot and other duas online. 

Break it Down

Divide the Dua Qunoot into smaller sections. Focus on memorizing one portion thoroughly before moving to the next. Once you memorized individual sections, practice linking them together smoothly. This step-by-step approach makes even longer supplications easy to memorize.

Listen and Repeat

Listen to the recording of Dua Qanoot, especially those with slow, clear recitations by skilled reciters. Listen to each phrase multiple times, then pause and repeat it aloud. Mimick the pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. Try listening during daily activities like commuting or before sleep.

Use Visuals or Apps

You can use Islamic apps that highlight Arabic text word-by-word as the audio plays. Create physical or digital flashcards with the Arabic text on one side and English transliteration and translation on the other. 

Color-code different sections or use visual markers to distinguish parts of the Qunoot dua. These visual cues create mental associations that strengthen memory retention and make review sessions more engaging and effective.

Read Dua Kunut While Praying

Reading the Qunoot dua in witr is the best way to memorize it. You can read Dua Witr from a paper, phone, or printed card during your Witr prayer while you are in the learning process. 

Keep the text at eye level to maintain proper prayer posture. As you become more familiar with portions of the dua, try reciting those parts from memory.  

Repetition

Repetition is important to memorize Dua e Qunooth for the long term. Recite the complete Dua at least 10 times daily, or more if possible. Incorporate it into your routine after Fajr prayer, before sleeping, or during designated study time. Over time, recitation becomes more natural and automatic, requiring less conscious effort to recall each phrase.

Understand the Meaning

To memorize effectively, understand the Dua Qunoot in English or your own language. Learning the English translation transforms memorization from rote learning into meaningful worship. 

When you understand the meaning, the words carry emotional weight and personal relevance. This deeper connection makes the Arabic text easier to remember because each phrase has a purpose and context.

Read Dua e Qunoot Transliteration

The transliteration of Dua e Qunoot can help you memorize if you struggle with reading Arabic. Write it in your own script and practice memorizing. 

What are the benefits of reciting Dua e Qanoot?

Reciting Dua al Qunoot is highly recommended in Islam, primarily performed during the Witr prayer. It serves as a powerful means of communicating directly with Allah, offering both spiritual and psychological benefits.

Divine Guidance (Hidayah)

The dua Kunut begins by asking Allah for guidance. It acknowledges that true clarity and wisdom in life’s complexities come only from Him. While reading this dua, muslim seek Allah’s guidance in every aspect of life. 

Protection and Well-being (Afiyah)

The witr dua is a plea for safety from spiritual and physical harm, including diseases, misfortunes, and the evil consequences of one's destiny. Reading it can protect from calamities. 

Emotional Healing and Peace

Dua Qunoot Dua has healing properties. Reciting this supplication can calm anxiety and reduce stress. It provides inner tranquility by unburdening the soul before the Creator.

Seeking Forgiveness and Mercy

The dua includes a humble request for the pardon of sins, fostering spiritual growth, and a soft heart.

Cultivating Gratitude (Shukr)

It encourages the believer to reflect on and appreciate the blessings they have already received, such as health, family, and faith.

Conclusion 

Dua e Qunoot is a comprehensive supplication in Islam, recited during the Witr prayer (the final prayer of the night). The word Qunoot translates to ‘obedience,' ‘humility,’ or ‘standing,’ reflecting a believer's total submission to Allah. There are two different authentic versions of Dua Qunut.