Dua e Qunoot
Arabic text, transliteration, English and Urdu translation — with authentic hadith references and a step-by-step guide for Witr prayer
Table of Contents
- What is Dua e Qunoot?
- Arabic Text (Both Versions)
- Transliteration
- English Translation
- Urdu Translation
- Meaning and Significance
- Benefits of Dua e Qunoot
- When to Read It
- Dua e Qunoot in Witr Prayer
- Step-by-Step Method
- Common Mistakes
- Hadith References
- Everything About Dua e Qunoot
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
Every Muslim who prays Witr has heard the words Dua e Qunoot — but not everyone understands its full depth, its correct method, or why it holds such an important place in Islamic worship.
This guide covers everything in one place. Whether you are a new Muslim trying to memorise your first Witr prayer, or a practising Muslim who wants to understand the meaning behind the words, you will find exactly what you need here.
Dua e Qunoot is a special supplication recited in the Witr prayer after Isha salah. It is a deeply personal conversation with Allah — asking for guidance, pardon, protection, and blessings. It is narrated in authentic hadith and has been practiced by Muslims since the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
We have included both the Hanafi and Shafi versions, fully referenced from authentic hadith sources, along with detailed explanations of when to read, how to read, and what each word means.
What is Dua e Qunoot?
Dua e Qunoot is a special Islamic supplication recited during the Witr prayer, which is performed after the obligatory Isha prayer each night. The word Qunoot comes from Arabic, meaning devout obedience, humility, and complete submission to Allah. It is a dua in which a Muslim asks Allah for guidance, forgiveness, protection from evil, and divine blessings.
The word Qunoot appears in the Quran in several places, always carrying the meaning of complete devotion and standing humbly before Allah. When a Muslim stands in the Witr prayer and raises their hands to recite this dua, they are entering into a direct conversation with their Creator.
There are two main narrated versions of Dua e Qunoot:
Shafi Version
Narrated by Al-Hasan ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). This is the shorter, widely memorised version beginning with Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayt. Referenced in At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud.
Hanafi Version
A longer version beginning with Allahumma inna nasta-eenoka. This is the version typically recited in the Hanafi madhab and is referenced in As-Sunan al-Kubra of Imam al-Bayhaqi.
Both versions are authentic and both are practiced by Muslim scholars and communities around the world. The difference is one of jurisprudential (fiqh) school, not of validity.
Dua e Qunoot Arabic Text
Below is the complete Arabic text of both the Shafi and Hanafi versions of Dua e Qunoot. These have been carefully verified against authentic hadith sources.
Dua e Qunoot Transliteration
If you are still memorising the Arabic text, use this accurate transliteration to practice your recitation correctly.
Tip: When learning the transliteration, read it slowly alongside the Arabic. Focus on the meaning of each phrase — this helps the words settle into your memory far more effectively than rote repetition alone.
Dua e Qunoot English Translation
Understanding the meaning of Dua e Qunoot transforms it from a memorised phrase into a heartfelt conversation with Allah. Read the English translation carefully.
"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 decreed. Indeed, You decree and none can pass decree upon You. Indeed, he is not humiliated whom You have befriended. And he is not honoured whom You have taken as Your enemy. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted."
"O Allah, we implore You for help and beg Your forgiveness, and we believe in You and rely on You, and we praise You in the best way, and we are thankful to You and are not ungrateful to You, and we forsake and turn away from those who disobey You. O Allah, You alone we worship and for You we pray and prostrate, and we hasten toward You and serve You, and we hope for Your mercy and fear Your punishment. Indeed, Your punishment will surely befall the disbelievers."
Dua e Qunoot with Urdu Translation
For Urdu-speaking Muslims, here is the meaning of both versions in clear Urdu.
Note for Urdu-speaking readers: The Urdu translation above is a faithful rendering of the meaning. When reciting in Witr, always recite the original Arabic text — reciting a translation does not replace the Arabic.
Dua e Qunoot Meaning — Word by Word
Each phrase in the Shafi version of Dua e Qunoot carries a profound meaning. Here is a breakdown of what you are saying when you recite it.
Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayt
O Allah, guide me along with those whom You have guided. A request to be counted among the rightly guided — the prophets, the truthful, and the righteous.
Wa a'fini fiman afait
Grant me health and wellbeing among those You have given wellness to. This covers physical health, spiritual soundness, and protection from afflictions.
Wa barik li fima atait
Bless me in what You have given me. A request for barakah — divine blessing — in wealth, time, family, and every gift from Allah.
Wa qini sharra ma qadait
Protect me from the evil of what You have decreed. Seeking refuge in Allah from any hardship that is decreed — the ultimate trust in divine wisdom.
Innaka taqdi wa la yuqda alaik
You alone decree and no one decrees over You. A declaration of Allah's absolute sovereignty and authority over all creation.
Tabarakta Rabbana wa ta'alait
Blessed are You, our Lord, and Most High. A closing glorification of Allah — acknowledging His perfection and exaltation above all things.
Benefits of Dua e Qunoot
Reciting Dua e Qunoot regularly carries both spiritual and practical benefits for the believer. Here are the most significant ones.
Spiritual Connection with Allah
Standing in the quiet of the night after Isha and raising your hands to recite Dua e Qunoot is one of the most intimate moments of worship in Islamic practice. The Prophet ﷺ taught this dua as a gift to his grandson, and it has been passed down through generations as a means of drawing close to Allah.
Seeks Guidance on the Right Path
The dua specifically asks Allah to include us among the guided. This is a powerful acknowledgment that true guidance only comes from Allah — not from personal judgment, social pressure, or worldly reasoning.
Asks for Protection from Evil Decree
One of the most remarkable aspects of this dua is the request to be protected from the evil in what Allah has decreed. This teaches the believer to trust Allah's plan while also actively seeking His protection — a beautiful balance of tawakkul and du'a.
Builds Gratitude
The phrase asking for blessings in what Allah has given trains the heart to focus on gratitude. Rather than asking for more, it asks for barakah in what is already there — a mindset that Islam teaches as the foundation of contentment.
Imam an-Nawawi stated that the Witr prayer with Dua e Qunoot is among the most beloved night prayers in the Shafi school, and that its recitation with full presence of heart yields immense spiritual benefit.
Acknowledges Allah's Absolute Authority
The declaration that Allah decrees and none decrees over Him is a creedal statement embedded within a dua. Reciting it nightly strengthens aqeedah — the Muslim's theological foundation — without even realising it.
When to Read Dua e Qunoot
Dua e Qunoot is recited in the final rakah of the Witr prayer, which is performed after the obligatory Isha prayer each night. In the Hanafi school, it is recited before going into ruku (bowing). In the Shafi and other schools, it is recited after rising from ruku in the third rakah.
The Witr prayer itself can be prayed at any time between Isha and Fajr. Many Muslims pray it immediately after Isha, while others prefer to pray it in the last third of the night before Fajr — following the practice of the Prophet ﷺ who praised those who delay Witr.
Is There a Qunoot in Other Prayers?
Yes — there is a concept called Qunoot an-Nazilah, which is a special supplication made during times of calamity or hardship. It can be recited in the Fajr prayer or any of the five daily prayers. This is separate from the regular Dua e Qunoot of Witr.
Hanafi position: Dua e Qunoot in Witr is wajib (obligatory). Forgetting it requires a sajdah al-sahw at the end of the prayer.
Shafi/Maliki/Hanbali position: Dua e Qunoot in Witr is sunnah. Leaving it does not invalidate the prayer.
Dua e Qunoot in Witr Prayer
The Witr prayer is a highly recommended sunnah prayer and one of the most beloved forms of night worship in Islam. It is prayed in odd numbers — 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 rakahs — and always ends with a single final rakah.
Dua e Qunoot is recited in that final rakah. Here is how it fits within the structure of the Witr prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "The Witr prayer is a right upon every Muslim. Whoever wishes may pray five rakahs, or three, or one." (Abu Dawud)
Position in the Hanafi Madhab
In the Hanafi school, the three-rakah Witr is prayed like Maghrib with a sitting after the second rakah. In the third rakah, after reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and another surah, the worshipper says the takbeer, raises their hands, and recites Dua e Qunoot before going into ruku.
Position in the Shafi Madhab
In the Shafi school, the Witr is typically prayed as separate rakahs with a salam after every two. The final single rakah includes Dua e Qunoot, which is recited after rising from ruku — in the standing position — before going into sajdah.
Step-by-Step Method of Reading Dua e Qunoot
Follow these steps carefully to perform your Witr prayer with Dua e Qunoot correctly according to the Hanafi method.
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Make the Intention (Niyyah)
Intend in your heart to pray Witr prayer of three rakahs for the sake of Allah. Intention does not need to be spoken aloud.
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Pray the First Two Rakahs
Pray two rakahs as normal, reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and any other surah in each. Perform ruku, sujood, and sit in tashahhud after the second rakah.
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Stand for the Third Rakah
Rise for the third rakah. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another surah as normal.
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Say the Takbeer for Qunoot (Hanafi)
After completing your recitation, say "Allahu Akbar" and raise your hands to your earlobes as you would at the start of prayer. Then fold your hands and begin reciting Dua e Qunoot.
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Recite Dua e Qunoot
Recite the full Dua e Qunoot quietly (in an audible whisper to yourself). Focus on the meaning of each phrase as you recite it.
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Proceed to Ruku
After completing the dua, say "Allahu Akbar" and bow into ruku. Continue the rakah as normal — completing ruku, sujood, and the final tashahhud.
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Complete the Salah
Recite the full tashahhud, durood ibrahim, and the closing dua. Then complete the prayer with the salam on both sides.
Common Mistakes While Reading Dua e Qunoot
These are the most frequently made mistakes, along with the correct approach for each.
| Mistake | Correct Practice |
|---|---|
| Reciting too quickly without understanding the meaning | Recite at a measured pace, focusing on the meaning of each phrase |
| Raising hands like a dua (palms up) in Hanafi madhab | In Hanafi, fold hands as normal — raising palms is for Shafi practice |
| Skipping Dua e Qunoot entirely and not performing sajdah al-sahw (Hanafi) | Perform two sajdahs of forgetfulness if you accidentally omit the dua |
| Reciting the wrong version for your madhab | Follow the version appropriate to your school of thought |
| Saying "Ameen" loudly at the end if praying behind an imam | Follow the imam quietly; response etiquette depends on the madhab |
| Mixing Hanafi and Shafi positions (e.g., reciting after ruku in Hanafi) | Be consistent with your madhab — recite before ruku in Hanafi, after in Shafi |
Authentic References from Hadith and Scholars
Al-Hasan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught me some words to say in the Witr prayer." And he mentioned these words — the text of the Shafi Dua e Qunoot. Imam at-Tirmidhi graded this hadith as hasan (good).
The same narration is found in the Sunan of Abu Dawud with a similarly reliable chain. Scholars of hadith have considered this chain sound and acceptable for practice.
Imam al-Bayhaqi narrated the Hanafi version of Dua e Qunoot through Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). This is the basis for the Hanafi practice of reciting the longer version in Witr.
All four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence — Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi, and Hanbali — recognise the legitimacy of Dua e Qunoot in Witr. The differences between them are matters of detail, not fundamental disagreement.
Everything You Need to Know About Dua e Qunoot
History
The Dua e Qunoot was taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his grandson Al-Hasan ibn Ali when the boy was young. This narration, found in At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud, shows the Prophet's care in passing down personal acts of worship to the next generation. The Hanafi version traces back to the Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, who led the community in prayer with these words.
Purpose
The Witr prayer, in which Dua e Qunoot is recited, serves as a seal on the night's worship. It is the last prayer before sleep and its dua is a final conversation with Allah — a moment of complete vulnerability and trust. The purpose of the qunoot is not ritual but relational: a human soul asking its Creator for what it cannot secure on its own.
Spiritual Significance
In Islamic spirituality, the night prayer holds a special station. Allah says in the Quran: "Indeed, the hours of the night are more impactful and more conducive to alignment of hearts" (Al-Muzzammil 73:6). Standing in Witr and reciting this dua places the believer in that sacred night-time space of closeness to Allah.
Practical Application
For everyday Muslims, the most practical benefit of Dua e Qunoot is that it gives a structure to end the day with. Whatever has happened — good or difficult — this dua puts it all in perspective. You are reminding yourself that Allah guides, Allah protects, Allah blesses, and Allah decrees. This is the foundation of a Muslim's peace of mind.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dua e Qunoot
Expert Summary
Editorial Review
Dua e Qunoot is one of the most beautiful expressions of a Muslim's reliance on Allah. It is not merely a ritual recitation — it is a nightly covenant. Every phrase asks Allah for something that only Allah can give: true guidance, real wellness, genuine barakah, and protection from hidden harm. The hadith evidence for it is solid, it is practiced by Muslims across all four major schools of jurisprudence, and its meaning is deep enough to reflect on for a lifetime. Whether you are learning it for the first time or have been reciting it for years, take a moment tonight in your Witr to actually listen to what you are saying.
Key Takeaways
- Dua e Qunoot is a special supplication recited in the Witr prayer, performed after Isha each night.
- There are two main authentic versions — the shorter Shafi version and the longer Hanafi version — both narrated in reliable hadith.
- The word Qunoot means devout obedience, humility, and complete submission to Allah.
- In the Hanafi school, reciting it is wajib (obligatory); in most other schools it is a strong sunnah.
- In the Hanafi madhab it is recited before ruku; in the Shafi madhab after rising from ruku.
- Its meaning includes asking for guidance, health, blessings, and protection from evil decree.
- Forgetting it in the Hanafi school requires a sajdah al-sahw at the end of the prayer.
- All four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence recognise its validity and its importance.
- The Prophet ﷺ taught this dua personally to his grandson Al-Hasan ibn Ali — a sign of its special status.
- It should be memorised in Arabic and recited with awareness of its meaning for maximum spiritual benefit.
