Among the acts that make the Witr prayer special is the recitation of dua al-Qunoot, a heartfelt supplication in which the servant asks Allah for guidance, well-being, care, and protection from evil. The Prophet ﷺ taught this dua to his grandson al-Hasan ibn 'Ali (RA) and instructed him to recite it in the Witr prayer. It is narrated in Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, An-Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah.

What Does Qunoot Mean?

The Arabic word qunoot (قنوت) carries the meaning of sustained devotion, humility before Allah, and quiet attentiveness in worship. In Islamic jurisprudence it refers specifically to a supplication made while standing in prayer. Scholars mention that qunoot is among the highest forms of proximity to Allah because it combines standing in prayer with heartfelt supplication.

When is Qunoot Recited in Witr?

Scholars have discussed the precise timing and manner of Qunoot in Witr. The majority position is that it is recited in the last rak'ah of Witr. As for whether it is recited before or after ruku, there is a difference of opinion among the schools of fiqh: some scholars recite it before going to ruku, while others raise from ruku first and then recite Qunoot. Both positions have sound evidence from the Sunnah, and you are encouraged to follow your school of fiqh or your local imam. The Witr itself remains valid either way. To learn more about the full Witr prayer, see our complete Witr guide.

How to Perform Qunoot in Witr

  1. Pray your Witr (one, three, or more rak'ahs) in the normal way.
  2. In the last rak'ah, after reciting Al-Fatiha and a surah, either remain standing (before ruku) or rise from ruku — according to your school of fiqh.
  3. Raise your hands to shoulder level with palms facing upward, as in ordinary supplication.
  4. Recite dua al-Qunoot with presence of heart.
  5. You may add personal supplications in your own language after the Qunoot dua.
  6. Lower your hands and continue with ruku (if you have not yet bowed), then complete the prayer normally.

The Dua al-Qunoot: Full Arabic Text, Transliteration and Meaning

اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ، وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ، وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ، وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ، وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلَا يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ، وَإِنَّهُ لَا يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ، وَلَا يَعِزُّ مَنْ عَادَيْتَ، تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ
Allahumma-hdini fiman hadayt, wa 'afini fiman 'afayt, wa tawallani fiman tawallayt, wa barik li fima a'tayt, wa qini sharra ma qadayt, fa-innaka taqdi wa la yuqda 'alayk, wa innahu la yadhillu man walayt, wa la ya'izzu man 'adayt, tabarakta rabbana wa ta'alayt.

Taught by the Prophet ﷺ to al-Hasan ibn 'Ali (RA) for the Witr prayer. (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, An-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah)

Meaning: "O Allah, guide me among those You have guided; grant me well-being among those You have granted well-being; take me into Your care among those You have taken into Your care; bless me in what You have given me; protect me from the evil of what You have decreed — for You decree and none can decree over You. Verily he is not humiliated whom You befriend, and he is not honoured who is Your enemy. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted."

Notice how the dua weaves together six beautiful requests: guidance, well-being, care, blessing, protection, and awareness of Allah's absolute authority. Each phrase is a reminder that every good thing comes from Him and that the believer's dignity rests entirely in closeness to Allah.

Can You Add Personal Duas in Qunoot?

Yes. Scholars agree that after the known Qunoot text, you may add your own supplications — in Arabic or your own language — asking for anything from your Lord. The night prayer is an especially powerful time for personal dua. The Prophet ﷺ said that the closest a servant is to his Lord is in the last third of the night. After completing Qunoot, keep your hands raised and speak to Allah directly. For more powerful night supplications, see our adhkar guide.

Common Questions About Dua al-Qunoot

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Is Qunoot obligatory in Witr?
Scholars differ. In the Hanafi school it is considered wajib (obligatory at a secondary level) in Witr; in other schools it is a recommended sunnah. Missing it does not invalidate the prayer.
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What if I forget Qunoot?
If you forget Qunoot and proceed to ruku, you do not return to standing. In the Hanafi view a prostration of forgetfulness (sujud as-sahw) is performed at the end; in other schools the prayer is valid without it.
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Can I recite it in Fajr too?
The Shafi'i school holds that Qunoot is established in the Fajr prayer as well, recited after rising from the last ruku. Other schools restrict it to Witr. Follow the practice of your school or local imam.
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Should I say it aloud or silently?
When praying alone, either is acceptable. In congregational Witr, the imam may recite Qunoot aloud and the congregation responds with 'Ameen' after each line or at the end.

Making Witr the last prayer of the night is a strong prophetic sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Make Witr the last of your night prayers." (Bukhari, Muslim) The Qunoot dua, recited in stillness and sincerity, is one of the most complete acts of reliance on Allah available to us every single night.

Pray Qunoot with Confidence using DeenPal

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