Duas for Witr

Witr prayer is an important Sunnah prayer performed during the night, typically after the Isha prayer. It is a highly recommended act of worship, and many scholars consider it an emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah). The Witr prayer is usually performed in odd numbers (one, three, five, etc.), with three being the most common. One of the significant aspects of Witr prayer is the recitation of special duas for witr, particularly .

Dua Qunoot in Witr

Dua Qunoot is a supplication recited in the last rak’ah of Witr prayer before or after the ruku’ (bowing). It is a heartfelt invocation seeking Allah’s guidance, mercy, and forgiveness. The wording of Dua Qunoot is as follows:

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، وَلَا يَعِزُّ مَنْ عَادَيْتَ، تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ

Transliteration: Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayt, wa ‘aafini feeman ‘aafayt, wa tawallani feeman tawallayt, wa baarik li feema a’tayt, wa qini sharra ma qadayt, fa innaka taqdee wa la yuqdaa ‘alayk, wa innahu laa yadhillu man walayt, wa laa ya’izzu man ‘aadayt, tabarakta Rabbana wa ta’alayt.

Translation: “O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided, grant me well-being among those whom You have granted well-being, be my Guardian among those whom You have guarded, bless me in what You have given, and protect me from the evil of what You have decreed. Indeed, You decree, and none can decree over You. Surely, he whom You befriend is never humiliated, and he whom You show enmity to is never honored. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted.”

Additional Duas for Witr Prayer

Apart from Dua Qunoot, worshippers may also recite other supplications, especially before concluding the prayer. Some additional duas include:

1. Seeking Forgiveness: اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَاهْدِنِي وَعَافِنِي وَارْزُقْنِي Allahumma ighfir li, warhamni, wahdini, wa’aafini, warzuqni. “O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, grant me well-being, and provide for me.”

2. Asking for Allah’s Mercy: رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْوَهَّابُ Rabbana la tuzigh quloobana ba‘da idh hadaytana wa hab lana min ladunka rahmah, innaka antal Wahhab. “Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from Yourself. Indeed, You are the Bestower.”

How to Recite Dua Qunoot in Witr Prayer

1. In the third rak’ah of Witr prayer, after reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and another surah, go into ruku’ (bowing).

2. After rising from ruku’, before going into sujood (prostration), raise your hands and recite Dua Qunoot.

3. If you follow the Hanafi school of thought, Dua Qunoot is recited before the ruku’.

4. If you follow the Shafi’i, Maliki, or Hanbali schools, it is recited after the ruku’.

5. Conclude your prayer as usual with the final tashahhud and salam.

Conclusion

Witr prayer is a special and blessed prayer that carries great rewards. The inclusion of Dua Qunoot and other supplications enhances the spiritual experience and strengthens the believer’s connection with Allah. By making these duas sincerely, we seek Allah’s guidance, protection, and mercy in our lives.

May Allah accept our prayers and grant us steadfastness in worship. Ameen!