Recited in the last rakah of the Witr prayer, the recitation of dua-e-Qunoot in the Witr prayer is an essential component of the Witr prayer. Witr prayer is a wajib, 3 rakah prayer offered with the Isha prayer. Reciting dua-e-Qunoot in the Witr prayer is a sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and reported in Sunan Ibn Majah,1179, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to say this prayer at the end of the Witr Prayer. The word Qunoot in Arabic means standing or obedient. The purpose of reciting this dua is to submit one's self to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and seek forgiveness and seek refuge in Him from the evil of the world. In essence, this dua is recited for protection from the wrath of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) in this world and hereafter.
Prayer Duas
Allaahum-mahdinee feeman hadayta, wa 'aafinee feeman 'aafayta, wa tawallanee feeman tawallayta, wa baarik lee feemaa 'a'atayta, wa qinee sharra maa qadhayta, fa'innaka taqdhee wa laa yuqdhaa 'alayka, 'innahu laa yathillu man waalayta, wa laa ya 'izzu man 'aadayta, tabaarakta Rabbanaa wa ta'aalayta.
O Allah, guide me with those whom You have guided, and strengthen me with those whom You have given strength. Take me to Your care with those whom You have taken to Your care. Bless me in what You have given me. Protect me from the evil You have ordained. Surely, You command and are not commanded, and none whom You have committed to Your care shall be humiliated (and none whom You have taken as an enemy shall taste glory). You are Blessed, Our Lord, and Exalted.
Allaahumma 'innee 'a'oothu biridhaaka rain sakhatika, wa bimu'aafaatika min 'uqoobatika, wa 'a'oothu bika minka, laa 'uhsee thanaa'an 'alayka, 'Anta kamaa 'athnayta 'alaa nafsika.
O Allah, I seek refuge with Your Pleasure from Your anger. I seek refuge in Your forgiveness from Your punishment. I seek refuge in You from You. I cannot count Your praises, You are as You have praised Yourself.
Allaahumma 'iyyaaka na'budu, wa laka nusallee wa nasjudu, wa 'ilayka nas'aa wa nahfidu, narjoo rahmataka, wa nakhshaa 'athaabaka, 'inna 'athaabaka bilkaafireena mulhaq. Allaahumma 'innaa nasta'eenuka, wa nastaghfiruka, wa nuthnee 'alaykal-khayr, wa laa nakfuruka, wa nu'minu bika, wa nakhdha'u laka, wa nakhla'u man yakfuruka.
O Allah, You alone do we worship and to You we pray and bow down prostrate. To You we hasten to worship and to serve. Our hope is for Your mercy and we fear Your punishment. Surely, Your punishment of the disbelievers is at hand. O Allah, we seek Your help and Your forgiveness, and we praise You beneficently. We do not deny You and we believe in You. We surrender to You and renounce whoever disbelieves in You.
Dua Qunoot in the witr prayer is recited in the last rakah of the witr prayer after reciting surah Fatiha in Qayyam (the standing position). The order of reciting this dua varies according to different schools of thought. Some scholars suggest that it is to be recited before the ruku, and some suggest that it is to be recited after the ruku and before the prostration.
Dua e Qunoot in the witr prayer is recited by Muslims to seek forgiveness and guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for life in this world and hereafter. Reciting this dua can help one acknowledge their shortcomings and submit themselves to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) as the disposer of one's affair and the most forgiving one. It helps one to strengthen their connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and makes them mindful of their actions in their world. This dua offers Muslims the opportunity to reflect and work on bettering themselves and staying away from sin.