Dua for Qunoot: 2 Powerful, Authentic Versions Explained Simply
The dua for qunoot is the short supplication Muslims recite in the last rakah of Witr, the odd numbered prayer offered after Isha. Many people can pray Witr but freeze at the Qunoot moment because they never learned the words or the order. This guide fixes that. You will get the Arabic text, easy transliteration, clear meaning, and a simple routine to memorize it.
Quick answer
- Two well known wordings exist: “Allahumma inna nasta’inuka” and “Allahumma ihdini fiman hadayt”.
- In the Hanafi method you recite it standing, before ruku, in the third rakah of Witr.
- If you do not know it yet, scholars give easier alternatives, covered below.
What Is the Dua for Qunoot?
The dua for qunoot is a supplication of humble devotion made during Witr. The Arabic word qunoot carries the sense of obedience, standing in worship, and quiet submission. When you recite it, you admit your need for Allah, ask for guidance and protection, and renew your loyalty to Him.
Witr itself is highly emphasized. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged it, and Abu Dawud records the narration of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah is One and loves the odd number. You can read more about the prayer in our Witr prayer guides.
Meaning of the Word Qunoot
Scholars mention several shades of meaning: standing long in prayer, devotion, silence, and obedience. In the context of Witr, it points to a dua offered in a state of humility while standing.
Qunoot in Witr vs Qunoot al Nazilah
Do not confuse the two. The Witr Qunoot is the regular supplication discussed in this article. Qunoot al Nazilah is a special dua made during calamities, such as war or disaster, and it follows different rulings and different wording. This article covers the Witr version only.
Dua for Qunoot in Arabic, Transliteration and Meaning
Below are the two most commonly taught wordings. Learn the Arabic by ear from a teacher or a trusted recitation, because transliteration only helps you start. You can also compare the text with the Dua e Qunoot page on Alim.org.
Version 1: Allahumma Inna Nasta’inuka
This wording is narrated from Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and is widely recited by Hanafis, and it is also accepted by many others.
اللَّهُمَّ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَلَكَ نُصَلِّي وَنَسْجُدُ وَإِلَيْكَ نَسْعَى وَنَحْفِدُ وَنَرْجُو رَحْمَتَكَ وَنَخْشَى عَذَابَكَ إِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالْكُفَّارِ مُلْحِقٌ
Transliteration
Allahumma inna nasta’inuka wa nastaghfiruka wa nu’minu bika wa natawakkalu ‘alayka wa nuthni ‘alaykal khayr. Wa nashkuruka wa la nakfuruka, wa nakhla’u wa natruku man yafjuruk. Allahumma iyyaka na’budu wa laka nusalli wa nasjud, wa ilayka nas’a wa nahfid, wa narju rahmatak, wa nakhsha ‘adhabak, inna ‘adhabaka bil kuffari mulhiq.
Meaning
O Allah, we seek Your help and Your forgiveness. We believe in You, we rely on You, and we praise You with all good. We thank You and we do not deny You. We leave and abandon anyone who disobeys You. O Allah, You alone we worship, for You we pray and prostrate, and toward You we hasten. We hope for Your mercy and we fear Your punishment. Truly, Your punishment reaches those who reject the truth.
Version 2: Allahumma Ihdini Fiman Hadayt
This wording was taught by the Prophet ﷺ to his grandson Al Hasan ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) for Witr. It is recorded in Jami at Tirmidhi 464 and in Sunan Abu Dawud, and is the version most Shafi’i followers recite.
Transliteration
Allahumma ihdini 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.
Meaning
O Allah, guide me among those You have guided, grant me well being among those You have granted well being, and take me into Your care among those You have cared for. Bless me in what You have given, and protect me from the evil of what You have decreed. You decree, and none decrees over You. He whom You support is never humiliated, and he whom You oppose is never honored. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted.
Which Dua for Qunoot Should You Recite?
Both wordings are valid. A Hanafi answer published on IslamQA states that it is permissible to recite both in the Witr Qunoot. The simplest rule is to follow the school you pray by, then learn the second version later.
| Point | Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Opening words | Allahumma inna nasta’inuka | Allahumma ihdini fiman hadayt |
| Narrated from | Umar ibn al Khattab | Al Hasan ibn Ali |
| Commonly used by | Hanafi followers and many others | Shafi’i followers and many others |
| Style | Longer, worship and hope | Shorter, guidance and protection |
How to Recite the Dua for Qunoot in Witr Step by Step
The method differs slightly between schools. Here is the common Hanafi order, followed by the main differences.
Hanafi Method (Three Rakahs)
- Pray two rakahs and sit for Tashahhud only. Do not give salam.
- Stand for the third rakah. Recite Al Fatiha and another surah.
- Say “Allahu Akbar”, raise your hands to your ears, and fold them again.
- Recite the dua for qunoot quietly, even if you are praying behind an imam.
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and go into ruku. Finish the prayer normally and give salam.
Shafi’i and Hanbali Notes
Shafi’i scholars place the Qunoot after rising from ruku in the last rakah and generally connect it to the second half of Ramadan, while some of them recite it throughout the year. Hanbalis also recite it after ruku. Because rulings vary by school, ask a qualified teacher about the exact practice you follow. For a detailed fatwa on Qunoot in Witr, see this IslamWeb answer.
When Do You Recite the Dua for Qunoot?
You recite it only in the last rakah of Witr. Witr is prayed after Isha and before Fajr, and the last third of the night is excellent for it if you can wake up. If you fear missing it, pray it after Isha. During Ramadan, many people recite it behind the imam in Taraweeh and Witr together.
Practical example: Aisha prays Isha, then three rakahs of Witr at 10 pm. In the third rakah she recites the Qunoot before ruku and finishes. On other nights, she wakes for Tahajjud and prays Witr last, as the Prophet ﷺ advised.
What If You Forget or Do Not Know the Dua for Qunoot?
Hanafi references state that reciting a dua in the third rakah of Witr is wajib. If you forget it and remember only after you are in ruku, do not return. Complete the prayer and perform the two prostrations of forgetfulness (sajdah sahw) at the end. A fatwa on missing the Qunoot in Witr explains this ruling.
If you have not memorized it yet, Hanafi texts allow these alternatives until you learn it:
- Recite “Rabbana atina fid dunya hasanatan wa fil akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban nar” (Quran 2:201).
- Or say “Allahummaghfir li” three times.
This is a bridge, not a replacement for learning. Make a firm plan to memorize the authentic words within a week or two.
7 Day Plan to Memorize the Dua for Qunoot
Short daily sessions work better than one long one. Aim for ten minutes.
- Day 1: Listen to a slow recitation five times and read the meaning.
- Day 2: Learn the first two lines of your chosen version.
- Day 3: Add the next two lines and repeat from the start.
- Day 4: Finish the full text while reading from the page.
- Day 5: Recite without looking, then check mistakes.
- Day 6: Recite it inside your Witr prayer.
- Day 7: Recite to a family member or teacher for correction.
Tip: write the meaning beside each line. Understanding the words makes memorizing much faster, and your heart stays present. Our collection of daily duas can help you build the same habit for other supplications.
Common Mistakes When Reciting the Qunoot
- Reading from a phone or book during prayer. Many scholars say this breaks the prayer, so memorize it first.
- Mixing up the position. Know whether your school recites before or after ruku.
- Rushing the Arabic. Pronounce letters like ع and ح carefully.
- Skipping it for a long time. Missing it by habit is different from missing it by genuine forgetfulness.
- Confusing it with Qunoot al Nazilah. They are separate practices.
Why the Dua for Qunoot Matters Spiritually
Every ritual prayer has a rhythm: praise, humility, request. The Qunoot is where the worshipper moves from recitation to personal need. Version 2 asks for guidance, health, and care. Version 1 declares faith, gratitude, and hope in mercy. Both teach that guidance and protection come from Allah alone.
Many Muslims find that the Qunoot is the part of Witr where they slow down. If your mind wanders, pause on the meaning of one phrase, such as “guide me among those You have guided”, and repeat it internally. This is a simple practice, and it brings real focus.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dua for Qunoot
What is the dua for qunoot?
It is the supplication recited in the final rakah of Witr. Two wordings are commonly taught: “Allahumma inna nasta’inuka” and “Allahumma ihdini fiman hadayt”.
Is the dua for qunoot compulsory?
It depends on your school. In the Hanafi school, reciting a dua in the third rakah of Witr is wajib. Other schools treat the Qunoot as recommended or limit it to certain times. Ask a qualified scholar about your situation.
Can I recite both versions?
Yes. Hanafi scholars permit reciting both, and many people recite one after the other. Start with the version your school prefers.
Do I recite it before or after ruku?
Hanafis recite it before ruku. Shafi’is and Hanbalis recite it after rising from ruku. Follow the practice of your school or your imam.
Can I read the dua for qunoot in English?
You should recite the Arabic in prayer. If you truly cannot memorize it yet, use the short alternatives mentioned above and keep learning the Arabic.
What if I forget it in Witr?
In the Hanafi view, continue the prayer and make sajdah sahw at the end. Do not go back from ruku to the standing position.
Do women recite it differently?
No. The wording is the same for men and women. Women recite it quietly, as all personal duas in prayer are made quietly.
Is Witr only prayed in Ramadan?
No. Witr is a night prayer for the whole year. In Ramadan it is often prayed with the congregation after Taraweeh.
Final Thoughts
Learning the dua for qunoot takes a week of calm practice, and the reward is a Witr prayer that feels complete. Choose one version, learn its meaning, and recite it with presence. Then add the second version when you are ready. For more guides on prayer and supplications, explore the Islamic Info Center, and share this article with someone who is learning Witr.
Educational content only. The rulings above summarize widely taught positions and may differ between schools. For personal rulings, consult a qualified local scholar. Sources: Jami at Tirmidhi 464, Sunan Abu Dawud, Alim.org, IslamQA, and IslamWeb.