Duas for Witr, is special, as it is highly recommend among the voluntary prayers and offered at night. In this way, it distinguishes itself because it is done odd numbers as “witr” means odd number, completes all the prayers of the day. It is offer between the time when Isha prayer is finished and Fajr has yet to be perform. What sets the definition for Witr is the dua being said at its last rak’ah Dua-e-Qunoot.
This article describes the significance of Witr, its supplications, and how to perform this vital prayer.
Importance of Witr Prayer
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared, “Witr is a duty for every Muslim.” Sunan Abu Dawood. It is not mandatory as the five daily prayers are but still a Sunnah Mu’akkadah which should not be omitted constantly.
Witr Prayer Format
The Witr prayer can be pray in:
One rak’ah: A single unit of prayer.
Three rak’ahs: The most common method, prayed like Maghrib with a special dua.
Five, Seven, or Nine rak’ahs: For those seeking more devotion.
In the final rak’ah of Witr, a special supplication, Dua-e-Qunoot, is recite after the ruku (bowing) or before it, depending on your chosen method.
Dua-e-Qunoot for Witr
Dua-e-Qunoot is one of the known supplications which can be use during the Witr prayer. It manifests absolute reliance on Allah, asking Him for mercy, guidance, and forgiveness.
The most commonly recited Dua-e-Qunoot is:
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.
(Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayta, wa ‘afini feeman ‘afayta, wa tawallani feeman tawallayta, wa barik li fima a’tayta, wa qini sharra ma qadayta, fa innaka taqdi wa la yuqda ‘alayk, wa innahu la yadhillu man walayt, tabarakta Rabbana wa ta’alayt.)
“O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided, pardon me among those whom You have pardoned, and turn to me in friendship among those on whom You have turned in friendship. Bless me in what You have bestowed, and save me from the evil of what You have decreed. For indeed, You decree, and none can influence You. And he is not humiliated whom You have befriended. Blessed are You, O Lord, and Exalted.”
Other Witr Dua
If you do not know Dua-e-Qunoot, you can say the following:
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban naar.
(Our Lord, give us in this world good and in the Hereafter good, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.) Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201
Any dua in your language with a heart, asking for mercy, forgiveness, and guidance from Allah.
Time for Reciting the Dua
Dua-e-Qunoot can be read either one of the two ways according to the school of thought.
Just before ruku: After having recited Surah Al-Fatihah and any other Surah, lift both your hands and then say Dua-e-Qunoot.
After ruku: After saying Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem in ruku and standing up (Sam’i Allahu liman hamidah), raise your hands and say Dua-e-Qunoot.
How to Implement Witr Prayer
Consistency: Inculcate Witr as an integral part of your nightly prayer cycle.
Learning: If you do not know the Dua-e-Qunoot, learn it gradually.
Sincerity: While reciting the dua, do it with concentration and sincerity, as Witr is an intimate relationship with Allah.
Conclusion
The Witr is a beautiful way to conclude the day with a heartfelt supplication to Allah. Through including Dua-e-Qunoot as well as other supplications, you are drawing nearer to Allah and seeking his grace, mercy, and protection. Whether you pray one rakah or three, it is the sincerity and the consistency that matters the most.
For more about Islamic prayers and supplications, visit SurahNas.com. And may Allah accept all our prayers and guide us to His mercy. Ameen.
