Dua Qunoot is a supplication recited during the Witr prayer, which is part of the night prayer (Tahajjud or Isha). Here is the text of Dua Qunoot in Arabic, along with its transliteration and English translation: 

Arabic: 

This supplication is traditionally recited during the final rak’ah of the Witr prayer after bowing, but some also recite it before bowing. 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْتَعِينُكَ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُكَ، وَنُؤْمِنُ بِكَ وَنَتَوَكَّلُ عَلَيْكَ، وَنُثْنِي عَلَيْكَ الْخَيْرَ، وَنَشْكُرُكَ وَلَا نَكْفُرُكَ، وَنَخْلَعُ وَنَتْرُكُ مَنْ يَفْجُرُكَ، اللَّهُمَّ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَلَكَ نُصَلِّي وَنَسْجُدُ، وَإِلَيْكَ نَسْعَى وَنَحْفِدُ، وَنَرْجُو رَحْمَتَكَ وَنَخْشَى عَذَابَكَ، إِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالْكُفَّارِ مُلْحَقٌ. 

Transliteration: 

Allahumma inna nasta’eenu-ka wa nastaghfiru-ka, wa nu’minu bika wa natawakkalu ‘alayk, wa nuthni ‘alayka-l-khayr, wa nashkuruka wa laa nakfuruk, wa nakhla’u wa natruku man yafjuruk, Allahumma iyya-ka na’budu wa laka nusalli wa nasjud, wa ilayka nas’aa wa nahfid, wa narju rahmata-ka wa nakhsha ‘adhaba-ka, inna ‘adhaba-ka bil-kuffari mulhaq. 

English Translation: 

“O Allah, we seek Your help and Your forgiveness, and we believe in You and rely on You. We praise You and we are grateful to You and not ungrateful to You. And we part and break off with anyone who disobeys You. O Allah, You alone we worship, and to You we pray and prostrate, and to You we strive and hasten, and we hope for Your mercy, and we fear Your punishment. Indeed, Your punishment is for the disbelievers.” 

Importance of Dua Qunoot 

Dua Qunoot holds significant importance in Islamic tradition, particularly within the context of the Witr prayer. Below is an explanation of its significance: 

1. Part of Witr Prayer: 

• Dua Qunoot is most commonly recited during the Witr prayer, which is the final prayer of the day and is offered after the Isha prayer. The Witr prayer is highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) and holds special merit, particularly during the month of Ramadan. 

2. Expression of Reliance and Humility: 

• The supplication is a powerful expression of a Muslim’s reliance on Allah for guidance, assistance, and protection. It is a means of showing humility and submission to Allah, acknowledging His ultimate power and seeking His forgiveness. 

3. Seeking Divine Assistance: 

• Through the recitation of Dua Qunoot, believers ask Allah for help in facing life’s challenges, seeking His forgiveness for sins, and expressing hope in His mercy. The supplication also includes a plea for protection against the consequences of disobedience.  

4. Spiritual Reflection and Sincerity: 

• The act of reciting Dua Qunoot is an opportunity for spiritual reflection. It allows the worshiper to connect deeply with Allah, especially during the quiet and peaceful moments of the night prayer. The supplication reflects a sincere commitment to Allah’s worship and a strong desire for His guidance. 

5. Tradition and Practice: 

• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have recited Qunoot during times of difficulty and calamity, as well as in his regular prayers. Following this practice, many Muslims recite Dua Qunoot regularly, particularly in the Witr prayer, as an act of following the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet). 

6. Versatility in Use: 

• While commonly associated with the Witr prayer, Dua Qunoot is also recited during times of calamity and hardship in other prayers. This flexibility underscores its role as a comprehensive supplication for seeking Allah’s aid and mercy in all aspects of life. 

7. Community and Personal Benefits: 

• In congregational prayers, reciting Dua Qunoot collectively can strengthen the sense of unity and shared devotion among Muslims. On a personal level, it serves as a moment of intimate communication with Allah, fostering a deeper spiritual connection. 

In essence, Dua Qunoot is a significant aspect of Islamic worship, encapsulating a believer’s reliance on Allah, their plea for His guidance and mercy, and their commitment to follow His path. Its regular recitation in Witr and other prayers underscores its importance in the spiritual lives of Muslims. 

Hadith and Islamic sources 

Here’s a more detailed explanation of the significance of Dua Qunoot with references to Hadith and Islamic sources: 

1. Prophetic Practice (Sunnah): 

• Dua Qunoot in Witr: It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would often recite Qunoot in the Witr prayer. One of the well-known Hadiths regarding this practice is narrated by Al-Hasan ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him): 

• Hadith Reference: Al-Hasan ibn Ali narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) taught me words to say in the Witr prayer: ‘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 bestowed, and save me from the evil You have decreed. Verily, You decree and none can influence You. And none is humiliated whom You befriend. Blessed are You, O Lord, and Exalted.'” 

• Source: Sunan Abu Dawood, Book 8, Hadith 1425. 

2. Historical Context: 

• Dua Qunoot during Calamities: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would sometimes recite Qunoot during the obligatory prayers, particularly during times of calamity or hardship. This practice is known as “Qunoot an-Nazilah.” 

• Hadith Reference: It was narrated that Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) performed Qunoot for a month after bowing, praying against some Arab tribes who had killed seventy of his companions.” 

• Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 17, Hadith 125. 

• This Hadith reflects the use of Qunoot in difficult situations, making it a powerful supplication in times of need. 

3. Verses of the Qur’an: 

• General Concept of Supplication: While there is no specific verse in the Qur’an that mentions Dua Qunoot, the general concept of turning to Allah for guidance and help is emphasized throughout the Qur’an. For example: 

• Qur’an Reference: “And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’ Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.” 

• Source: Qur’an, Surah Ghafir (40:60). 

• This verse highlights the importance of supplication (du’a) in a believer’s life, of which Dua Qunoot is a part. 

4. Sahabah’s Practice: 

• The companions of the Prophet (Sahabah) also followed the practice of reciting Qunoot, indicating its importance in the early Islamic community. 

• Example: Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) used to recite Qunoot in the Witr prayer, and it was narrated that he would say: “O Allah, we seek Your help and Your forgiveness, and we believe in You and rely on You…” 

• Source: This is mentioned in various narrations collected in the books of Hadith, such as Al-Muwatta by Imam Malik. 

5. Scholarly Opinions: 

• Consensus on Qunoot: Islamic scholars have widely acknowledged the importance and legitimacy of Dua Qunoot in Witr prayer, based on the Hadith and practices of the Prophet and his companions. 

• Ibn Qudamah in Al-Mughni mentions: “It is prescribed to recite Qunoot in the Witr prayer because the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to do so, and he taught it to his grandson Hasan.” 

• Source: Al-Mughni, Ibn Qudamah. 

6. Different Forms of Qunoot: 

• There are different versions of Qunoot, as taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and practiced by the Sahabah. The common factor among them is the supplication for guidance, forgiveness, and protection, which are key elements of a believer’s relationship with Allah. 

These references highlight the significance of Dua Qunoot in Islamic practice, showing its deep roots in the Sunnah and its application during various circumstances, whether in regular prayer or during times of difficulty.