However, there is one salat / prayer which is voluntary and observed late at night just sometime before the pre dawn prayer, the Fajr. This prayer is called Tahajjud or Qiyam al Lail. This is a voluntary prayer, yet it carries immense rewards for those who observe it and Allah promises that He is so near to them when they break their night sleep and get up only for the pleasure of their Lord.
This form of prayer was obligatory for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, but those believers who observe it voluntarily are equally blessed. The last part of the Tahajjud prayer is Salat al Witr. This salat can be performed in odd cycles in one go, may be 5, 3 or even one. The hallmark of Salt al Witr is Qunut (القنوت) which is a special supplication (du‘a) that is recited during the final rak‘ah of Witr.
Let us know what is Qunut with regard to the Salat al Witr and what is to be prayed during the final rak'ah. But first let us refresh ourselves about the Salat al Witr.
The Witr prayer holds a special place in Islam—it is considered one of the most beloved voluntary (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) prayers and was strongly emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It’s not obligatory like the five daily prayers, but it’s so highly recommended for it carries immense rewards. Let us know more about it:
What is Witr Prayer?
"Witr" literally means "odd", referring to the number of rak‘ahs (units)—usually prayed as 1, 3, 5, etc. It is ideally prayed after Tahajjud, if you wake for night prayer. But those who think they cannot get up for the Tahajjud prayer, then it is prayed after the ‘Isha (night) prayer.
Importance of Witr in Islam:
- A Sunnah the Prophet Never Left
- The Prophet ﷺ was consistent in praying Witr—even while traveling, which shows its significance.
- "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to pray Witr with three rak'ahs." (Sahih Muslim, 737)
- A Form of Night Protection
- The Prophet ﷺ described it as a form of spiritual shield: "Make Witr your last prayer at night." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)
- It serves as a spiritual closing to your day, asking for forgiveness, mercy, and protection from Allah.
- Includes Du‘a al-Qunut: As we discussed earlier, Witr is the only prayer that consistently includes Qunut, a powerful supplication that brings a deeply spiritual moment to the night prayer.
- Brings You Closer to Allah
- Witr is part of Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer), which the Qur’an praises: "And during the night, wake up for prayer—an extra offering for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised station." Surah Al-Isra (17:79)
- Night prayers, especially Witr, are a mark of the righteous, as mentioned in: "They used to sleep little by night, and in the hours before dawn they would seek forgiveness." Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:17–18)
- A Reminder of Allah’s Oneness: Even the number—being odd—reminds us of Tawheed (the oneness of Allah). The Prophet ﷺ said: "Allah is One (Witr) and loves Witr, so perform Witr, O people of the Qur’an!" (Tirmidhi, 453 – Hasan Sahih)
Having known what is Tahajjud prayer and Salat al Witr, now let us share a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which educates us as what is Qunut prayer which is prayed in the final rak'ah of the Salat al Witr.
The Qunut is mentioned in a Hadith noted in Sunan Abi Dawud (Book # 8 Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Detailed Injunctions about Witr / كتاب الوتر / Chapter # 491 The Qunut During Witr / باب الْقُنُوتِ فِي الْوِتْرِ as Hadith number # 1425, quoted herein under:
Narrated Al-Hasan ibn Ali:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught me some words that I say during the witr. (The version of Ibn Jawwas has: I say them in the supplication of the witr.) They were: "O Allah, guide me among those Thou hast guided, grant me security among those Thou hast granted security, take me into Thy charge among those Thou hast taken into Thy charge, bless me in what Thou hast given, guard me from the evil of what Thou hast decreed, for Thou dost decree, and nothing is decreed for Thee. He whom Thou befriendest is not humbled. Blessed and Exalted art Thou, our Lord."
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، وَأَحْمَدُ بْنُ جَوَّاسٍ الْحَنَفِيُّ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الأَحْوَصِ، عَنْ أَبِي إِسْحَاقَ، عَنْ بُرَيْدِ بْنِ أَبِي مَرْيَمَ، عَنْ أَبِي الْحَوْرَاءِ، قَالَ قَالَ الْحَسَنُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ رضى الله عنهما عَلَّمَنِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَلِمَاتٍ أَقُولُهُنَّ فِي الْوِتْرِ قَالَ ابْنُ جَوَّاسٍ فِي قُنُوتِ الْوِتْرِ " اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ إِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلاَ يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ وَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ وَلاَ يَعِزُّ مَنْ عَادَيْتَ تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ "
Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)
Qunut (القنوت) in the context of the Witr prayer refers to a special supplication (du‘a) that is recited during the final rak‘ah of Witr.
Meaning of Qunut:
The word "Qunoot" in Arabic linguistically means obedience, humility, or devotion, especially shown during standing in prayer. In Islamic worship, it refers to a specific, formal supplication made during salah, particularly at times of need or regularly in certain prayers like Witr.
Qunut in Witr Prayer:
- When is it recited?
- In the last rak‘ah of Witr prayer—usually after ruku‘ (according to the Hanafi and many other scholars). However, some recite it before ruku‘ (like in the Shafi‘i school). Both are acceptable.
- Dua Qunut is recited on the last unit of prayer (raka’at), after the I’tidal, while still standing, and before proceeding to the Sujud position. It is recommended to raise both hands upon reciting the Dua Qunut.
- "I'tidal" can refer to a few different things, but it most commonly refers to a specific prayer position in Islam. It's also an Arabic name that means "temperance" or "balance". In the context of prayer, "i'tidal" is the act of standing upright after bowing (ruku') and before kneeling (sujud). It's considered a fundamental part of the prayer ritual.
- What is recited? There are a few authentic versions, but a common one is this du‘a narrated from Hasan ibn Ali (RA):
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، تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ
Translation:“O Allah, guide me among those You have guided, grant me security among those You have granted security, take me into Your charge among those You have taken into Your charge, bless me in what You have given, and protect me from the evil You have decreed. For You decree, and none can pass decree upon You. And he whom You protect is never humiliated. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted.”
Purpose of Qunut in Witr:
- To seek guidance, protection, and blessings from Allah.
- To express humility and devotion during a critical moment of prayer.
- To build spiritual focus and a sense of closeness to Allah, especially at night.
Summary: Qunoot is a du‘a said during the Witr prayer, usually in the final rak‘ah.
- It reflects humility, submission, and sincere appeal to Allah.
- It's an established Sunnah—especially in Ramadan and Witr throughout the year.
- There are differences in when and how often it’s practiced, depending on the school of thought.
Note: We have here only shared the basics regarding the Witr prayer and the Qunut. Those wanting to know more may consult the references given below.
| Source of Supplication | Resource References: | 1 | 2 |
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
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Please refer to our exclusive reference page Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat for more Sunnah and Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad exclusive to As Salat.
Please refer to our reference page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
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