Dua e Qunoot — Arabic, Transliteration & English Translation

Dua e Qunoot — Arabic text, Transliteration English Translation

Dua e Qunoot is a well-known supplication taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and recited in the Witr prayer during the night. In Islam, the word Qunoot reflects obedience, humility, and standing with devotion before Allah ﷻ. Through this dua, a believer asks for guidance (hidayah), mercy (rahmah), and protection from difficulties and adversaries. The Qur’an and Sunnah highlight its importance in building reliance on Allah and staying firm in faith. Reciting Dua e Qunoot in the final rak’ah of Witr gives the prayer a sense of surrender, trust, and closeness to Allah’s mercy.

In this article, you will find the authentic Dua e Qunoot in Arabic text, along with transliteration and translation, to help you recite and understand it with ease.

Dua e Qunoot in Arabic

Here is the authentic Arabic text of Dua e Qunoot, a supplication taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and preserved in the hadith. It is recited in the Witr prayer, especially in the last rak’ah, as a way of seeking Allah’s help, forgiveness, and mercy while affirming devotion to Him alone.

Arabic (النص العربي):

اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّا نَسۡتَعِيۡنُكَ وَنَسۡتَغْفِرُكَ وَنُؤۡمِنُ بِكَ وَنَتَوَكَّلُ عَلَيۡكَ وَنُثۡنِىۡ عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡخَيۡرَ وَنَشۡكُرُكَ وَلَا نَكۡفُرُكَ وَنَخۡلَعُ وَنَتۡرُكُ مَنۡ يَّفۡجُرُكَ. اَللَّهُمَّ اِيَّاكَ نَعۡبُدُ وَلَكَ نُصَلِّئ وَنَسۡجُدُ وَاِلَيۡكَ نَسۡعٰى وَنَحۡفِدُ وَنَرۡجُوۡا رَحۡمَتَكَ وَنَخۡشٰى عَذَابَكَ اِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالۡكُفَّارِ مُلۡحِقٌٌ

This is the complete Arabic version of Dua e Qunoot, recited in Witr to declare faith, seek forgiveness, and ask for Allah’s mercy while fearing His punishment.

Dua e Qunoot Transliteration

Here is the transliteration of Dua e Qunoot, shared for those who cannot read Arabic but want to recite this prophetic supplication correctly. The transliteration follows the sound and flow of the Arabic, making it easier to recite in the Witr prayer with proper pronunciation as taught in the hadith.

Dua e Qunoot Transliteration:

Allahumma inna nasta‘eenuka wa nastaghfiruka, wa nu’minu bika wa natawakkalu ‘alayka, wa nuthni ‘alaykal-khayra wa nashkuruka wa laa nakfuruka, wa nakhla‘u wa natruku man yafjuruka. Allahumma iyyaka na‘budu wa laka nusalli wa nasjudu, wa ilayka nas‘aa wa nahfidu, wa narjoo rahmataka wa nakhshaa ‘adhaabaka, inna ‘adhaabaka bil-kuffaari mulhiq.

This transliteration helps non-Arabic speakers recite with confidence while staying true to the original Arabic wording.

Dua e Qunoot Translation in English

Here is the English translation of Dua e Qunoot, a prophetic supplication recited in the Witr prayer. It expresses a believer’s submission (ʿubūdiyyah), gratitude (shukr), trust (tawakkul), and complete reliance on Allah ﷻ:

Dua e Qunoot Translation in English:

“O Allah! We seek Your help and ask for Your forgiveness. We believe in You and put our trust in You. We praise You with every good, we thank You, and we never deny You. We turn away from and leave those who disobey You.

O Allah! You alone we worship, to You we pray and prostrate, and toward You we strive and hasten. We hope for Your mercy and we fear Your punishment, for truly, Your punishment catches up with the disbelievers.”

This translation shows the believer’s devotion in worship, affirming Allah’s oneness (tawḥīd), turning to His rahmah (mercy), and seeking protection from His ʿadhāb (punishment), just as taught in the hadith.

When Should Dua e Qunoot Be Recited?

Dua e Qunoot should be recited during the Witr prayer after Isha, especially in the final rak’ah before or after rukuʿ, depending on the school of thought. It is also recited in special situations like calamities or communal distress, known as Qunoot al-Nāzilah.

1. During Witr Prayer (Daily / Ramadan)

The most common time for Dua e Qunoot is in the last rak’ah of the Witr prayer, which is performed after the Isha prayer. The exact placement differs:

Hanafi Madhhab: Recite after rukuʿ (standing again with raised hands)
Shafi’i, Hanbali, Maliki Madhhab: Recite before rukuʿ, while still standing
Ramadan Practice: In Ramadan, imams often elongate Qunoot during Taraweeh, especially in the last ten nights for greater spiritual impact

2. During Times of Calamity (Qunoot al-Nazilah)

In moments of widespread suffering—such as war, injustice, disease outbreaks, or natural disasters—the Prophet ﷺ would recite a special form of Qunoot called Qunoot al-Nazilah. This can be included in:

Fajr prayer (most common for Qunoot al-Nazilah)
Any obligatory prayer, usually in the final rakʿah after rukuʿ
The wording differs from the regular Witr Qunoot and may include specific pleas for protection, victory, or relief.

3. Other Occasions Based on Need

While not routine, scholars agree that Qunoot may be recited:

At times of personal hardship or major loss
When seeking divine intervention for the Ummah
During Qiyam al-Layl (Tahajjud), especially in the last third of the night

Is Dua e Qunoot Obligatory in Witr Prayer?

Dua e Qunoot is considered wājib (necessary) in the Witr prayer according to the Hanafi school, while the Shafi’i, Hanbali, and Maliki schools regard it as Sunnah or recommended. Its obligation level depends on the jurisprudential school (madhhab) one follows.

Let’s break this down by each madhhab:

Hanafi Madhhab: Wājib (Necessary)

In the Hanafi school, reciting Dua e Qunoot in Witr is wājib, meaning it is necessary and omitting it without a valid excuse requires sujood as-sahw (prostration of forgetfulness).
The Qunoot is recited after rukuʿ, while standing again in the third rakʿah of Witr.

Shafi’i Madhhab: Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah)

For Shafi’is, Qunoot is a confirmed Sunnah, especially in the last rakʿah of Witr during the second half of Ramadan.
It is recited before rukuʿ.
If omitted, no sujood or penalty is required, but it’s encouraged for spiritual merit.

Hanbali Madhhab: Sunnah (Recommended in Ramadan)

According to Hanbali fiqh, Qunoot is Sunnah only during Ramadan, particularly in the Witr prayer.
It may be recited before or after rukuʿ, and the wording is not fixed.
Outside Ramadan, it is generally not practiced unless in Qunoot al-Nazilah.

Maliki Madhhab: Rare Practice

In the Maliki school, Qunoot is not part of Witr at all.
Instead, they practice Qunoot in the Fajr prayer, particularly during times of distress (Qunoot al-Nazilah).
Reciting it in Witr is not a tradition followed in Maliki jurisprudence.

Summary Table: Obligation Status by Madhhab

Madhhab	Status in Witr	Timing	Notes
Hanafi	Wājib	After rukuʿ	If missed, sujood as-sahw is required
Shafi’i	Sunnah Mu’akkadah	Before rukuʿ	Highly emphasized during Ramadan
Hanbali	Sunnah (Ramadan only)	Before or after rukuʿ	Not commonly done outside Ramadan
Maliki	Not practiced	—	Qunoot is practiced in Fajr during calamities (naazilah)

How to Learn Dua e Qunoot Easily?

To memorize Dua e Qunoot easily, break the dua into short phrases, repeat each line slowly with meaning, and practice daily in small sessions—especially during Witr prayer. This method works effectively for children, new Muslims, and non-Arabic speakers alike.

Step 1: Listen First – Build Audio Familiarity

Use an authentic Qari recitation (with clear Tajweed) and listen repeatedly
Recommended: Mishary Rashid Alafasy, Yasser Al-Dosari

Step 2: Break It Down – Line-by-Line Segments

Divide the dua into 9 manageable parts (1 phrase per line)
Don’t move to the next line until you’ve mastered the current one

Step 3: Use Transliteration + English Meaning

Recite using transliteration to get pronunciation right
Understand the meaning so your brain forms emotional associations

Step 4: Repeat Daily – After Isha or Before Sleep

Daily 10-minute review sessions build long-term memory
Repeat aloud after prayer for spiritual anchoring

Step 5: Write It Out – Visual Memory Boost

Copy the Arabic + transliteration by hand in a notebook
Use highlighters to group similar words (e.g., verbs, names of Allah)

Step 6: Practice with a Partner or Parent

Let someone test you line by line
Encourage kids to recite it during Witr at home or Taraweeh

Step 7: Use Flashcards or Mobile App

Create flashcards: one side Arabic/transliteration, one side English
Apps like Learn Dua, Qunoot Trainer, or Memorize Quran can help

Why Is Dua e Qunoot So Powerful Spiritually?

Dua e Qunoot is spiritually powerful because it combines the core pillars of divine connection—submission, mercy, guidance, and forgiveness—into one unified supplication recited at the most intimate moment of prayer. It expresses total surrender to Allah in both words and posture.

1. It Begins With Guidance (Hidayah)

اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ — “O Allah, guide me among those You have guided.”

The very first plea is for hidayah, the greatest spiritual gift.

Asking for guidance every night reorients the heart toward obedience and purpose, just like in Surah Al-Fatiha.

2. It Seeks Divine Protection and Health

وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ — “Grant me well-being among those You’ve granted.”

This highlights ʿafiyah—comprehensive protection in body, faith, and family.

Spiritually, it reflects a preventive du’a: seeking safety before calamity strikes.

3. It Acknowledges Divine Will and Decree

فَإِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلَا يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ — “Indeed, You decree, and none can decree over You.”

This line centers on Tawheed (Divine Oneness) and Qadar (Destiny).

Accepting Allah’s decree builds sabr (patience) and breaks ego-driven expectations.

4. It Confesses Helplessness and Calls for Friendship

إِنَّهُ لَا يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ — “He is never humiliated whom You have befriended.”

The believer admits weakness and seeks Wilayah (divine friendship), which is reserved for those closest to Allah.

5. It Ends With Praise and Exaltation

تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ — “Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted.”

Every plea is sealed with humble praise, a sign of gratitude and proper etiquette in du’a.

FAQs about Dua e Qunoot

Below are the most commonly asked questions about reciting Dua e Qunoot—its origins, rulings, and practical guidance during Witr prayer. These answers are based on authentic Hadith and trusted scholarly opinions across Islamic schools of thought.

Is Dua e Qunoot from the Qur’an or Hadith?

Dua e Qunoot is not from the Qur’an but is derived from authentic Hadith, specifically the version taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to Al-Hasan ibn Ali (RA). It is reported in Sunan Abu Dawood and Jami’ al-Tirmidhi and is widely used in Witr prayer based on Prophetic tradition, not Qur’anic verses.

Can Dua e Qunoot be read silently?

Yes, Dua e Qunoot can be read silently, especially when praying Witr individually or in quiet night prayer. In congregational prayer, imams may recite it aloud, particularly in Ramadan or Qunoot al-Nazilah, while followers say “Ameen” softly.

Do you recite Dua e Qunoot before or after ruku?

Dua e Qunoot is recited either before or after ruku depending on your school of thought. Hanafis recite it after ruku, while Shafi’i and Hanbali schools recite it before ruku in the final rak’ah of Witr.

Is it okay to read Dua e Qunoot from a paper during prayer?

Yes, it is okay to read Dua e Qunoot from a paper or phone during prayer if you have not yet memorized it. This allowance is especially helpful for new Muslims or children learning, though long-term memorization is recommended.

Can I recite any du’a instead of the standard Qunoot?

You can recite other supplications in place of the standard Qunoot if you don’t know it, as long as the du’a is respectful and appropriate. The scholars agree that du’a in salah can be flexible, especially for beginners, but it is preferred to learn the authentic wording over time.