The Dua Qunoot Dua is a well-known supplication associated with the Witr prayer. It asks Allah for guidance, protection, blessings, and care. This guide presents the commonly transmitted wording attributed to al-Hasan ibn Ali, along with a clear English translation and practical explanation. Because details of Qunoot can differ among Islamic schools of thought, readers should follow the practice taught by a trusted local scholar when questions of fiqh arise.

What Is Dua Qunoot?

Dua Qunoot is a supplication recited during Qunoot, particularly in connection with the Witr prayer in many Muslim traditions. The word qunut is associated with devotion, obedience, humility, and standing in prayer.

One of the best-known versions begins:

اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ

This means, in essence, “O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided.”

The wording is reported from al-Hasan ibn Ali, who said that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught him words to say in Witr. Sunan Abi Dawud records this narration as Hadith 1425 and identifies the supplication as being said in Witr.

So, when people search for Dua Qunoot Dua, they’re often looking for this particular supplication.

It’s important to note that there are different transmitted forms of Qunoot, and Islamic legal schools can differ regarding when and how Qunoot is performed. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to explain the widely transmitted wording rather than declare one school-specific practice to be the only valid form.

Dua Qunoot Dua in Arabic

Here is the commonly transmitted version associated with al-Hasan ibn Ali:

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.

There are slight variations in the wording transmitted in different sources. For example, some versions include “وَلَا يَعِزُّ مَنْ عَادَيْتَ”, while another commonly cited version ends after “وَإِنَّهُ لَا يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ” before concluding with praise of Allah. Sunnah.com presents the longer version in its entry for Hisn al-Muslim and cites several hadith collections.

The version recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud also contains this longer wording.

Dua Qunoot Transliteration

For readers who are still learning Arabic, transliteration can make memorization easier.

Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayt,
wa ‘afini feeman ‘afayt,
wa tawallani feeman tawallayt,
wa barik li feema a’tayt,
wa qini sharra ma qadayt,
fa innaka taqdi wa la yuqda ‘alayk,
wa innahu la yadhillu man walayt,
wa la ya’izzu man ‘adayt,
tabarakta Rabbana wa ta’alayt.

Transliteration is useful as a learning aid, but it shouldn’t permanently replace learning the Arabic wording. Arabic pronunciation can contain sounds that aren’t represented perfectly by English letters.

If you’re new to the supplication, take it one line at a time. There’s no need to rush.

English Translation of Dua Qunoot

A clear meaning-based translation is:

“O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided. Grant me well-being among those whom You have granted well-being. Take me into Your care among those whom You have taken into Your care. Bless me in what You have given me. Protect me from the evil of what You have decreed. Indeed, You decree, and none can decree over You. Surely, the one whom You take into Your care is never humiliated. And the one whom You oppose cannot attain honor through opposition to You. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted are You.”

The wording varies slightly among English translations. For example, the reported meaning of wa ‘afini may be translated as asking Allah for security, well-being, or protection. Likewise, tawallani conveys being taken into Allah’s care or guardianship.

Sunan Abi Dawud’s translation describes the supplication as asking Allah for guidance, security, care, blessing, and protection from the evil of what He decrees.

What Does Dua Qunoot Mean?

The deeper meaning of Dua Qunoot Dua can be understood through its major requests.

1. Asking for Guidance

The opening request is:

“O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided.”

This is a powerful beginning because guidance isn’t treated as something a person can simply assume they already possess. The believer asks Allah to guide them and keep them among those who receive guidance.

2. Asking for Well-Being

The next request asks Allah for ‘afiyah or well-being.

This can be understood broadly as asking for safety and protection from harmful conditions. It reminds the believer that well-being is a blessing worthy of gratitude.

3. Asking for Divine Care

The supplication then asks Allah to take the person into His care.

This reflects dependence on Allah rather than complete dependence on one’s own ability, wealth, knowledge, or plans.

4. Asking for Blessing

The believer doesn’t merely ask for possessions.

Instead, the supplication asks Allah to bless what He has given.

That’s an important distinction. Something can be valuable in itself, yet its benefit may be limited. Barakah refers to beneficial blessing and goodness.

5. Asking for Protection

The supplication asks Allah for protection from the evil associated with what He has decreed.

This expresses humility before Allah’s knowledge and authority.

6. Recognizing Allah’s Authority

The words:

“You decree, and none can decree over You”

express a fundamental theological point: Allah is not subject to a higher authority.

7. Recognizing the Honor of Allah’s Protection

The supplication concludes its central requests by emphasizing that the person under Allah’s care is not humiliated.

It then ends with praise:

“Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted are You.”

Why Is Dua Qunoot Recited?

The Dua Qunoot Dua brings several themes together in a short prayer: guidance, well-being, divine care, blessing, protection, submission, and praise.

Its structure is particularly meaningful.

Rather than beginning with a request for money, success, or worldly achievement, it begins with guidance.

That order is spiritually significant because guidance affects how a person uses everything else they receive.

For example:

• Wealth without guidance can be misused.
• Knowledge without humility can become a source of pride.
• Strength without restraint can cause harm.
• Success without gratitude can lead to arrogance.

The supplication therefore places the relationship with Allah at the center.

This is one reason the prayer remains meaningful beyond the immediate act of recitation. It isn’t merely a collection of requests. It presents a worldview based on dependence upon Allah and recognition of His authority.

When Should You Recite Dua Qunoot?

The version discussed in this article is specifically reported in connection with Witr.

Sunan Abi Dawud reports that al-Hasan ibn Ali said the Prophet ﷺ taught him these words to say in Witr.

However, the precise practice of Qunoot varies between Islamic legal traditions.

Some Muslims recite Qunoot during Witr according to their school of jurisprudence. Other traditions have different practices concerning the timing and wording of Qunoot. Qunoot can also refer to supplications used in other prayer contexts, particularly during exceptional circumstances.

Therefore, if you’re learning how to perform Witr, it’s sensible to follow a reliable teacher, imam, or recognized school of fiqh rather than mixing different practices without understanding their context.

For the textual source of the commonly transmitted Witr supplication, see the Sunan Abi Dawud narration of Dua Qunoot.

How to Recite Dua Qunoot Correctly

Learning Dua Qunoot Dua is easier when you break it into small sections.

Step 1: Learn the Arabic

Start with the first phrase:

Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayt.

Repeat it until you can recall it without looking.

Step 2: Add One Phrase at a Time

Next learn:

Wa ‘afini feeman ‘afayt.

Then:

Wa tawallani feeman tawallayt.

Continue in the same manner.

Step 3: Understand the Meaning

Don’t memorize sounds alone.

Knowing the meaning helps you remember the sequence because every sentence has a distinct purpose.

Step 4: Practice Slowly

Pronunciation matters, but speed doesn’t.

Read slowly and listen to a reliable Arabic recitation if possible.

Step 5: Practice Outside Prayer

You can practice memorization outside Salah. This reduces pressure when you eventually recite it during Witr.

Step 6: Confirm Your Local Practice

If your mosque follows a particular school of jurisprudence, learn the Qunoot practice used there from a qualified imam or teacher.

Line-by-Line Meaning of Dua Qunoot

Arabic phrase	Simple English meaning
Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayt	O Allah, guide me among those You have guided
Wa ‘afini feeman ‘afayt	Grant me well-being among those You have granted well-being
Wa tawallani feeman tawallayt	Take me into Your care among those You have taken into Your care
Wa barik li feema a’tayt	Bless what You have given me
Wa qini sharra ma qadayt	Protect me from the evil of what You have decreed
Fa innaka taqdi	You decree
Wa la yuqda ‘alayk	None can decree over You
Wa innahu la yadhillu man walayt	The one You take into Your care is not humiliated
Wa la ya’izzu man ‘adayt	The one opposed by You cannot attain true honor
Tabarakta Rabbana wa ta’alayt	Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted are You

The table is a simplified explanation rather than a word-for-word linguistic analysis. Different translators may choose slightly different English expressions.

The Spiritual Themes in Dua Qunoot

The supplication contains a remarkably balanced set of themes.

Guidance

The first request concerns guidance. This emphasizes that knowing the right path is foundational.

Protection

The prayer asks Allah for protection from harm and difficulty.

Gratitude

By acknowledging what Allah has already given, the supplication encourages awareness of blessings rather than constant focus on what is missing.

Dependence

The prayer repeatedly demonstrates dependence upon Allah.

Humility

The believer does not present themselves as self-sufficient. Instead, they ask for help, care, guidance, and blessing.

Praise

The conclusion praises Allah as blessed and exalted.

This combination gives the supplication a balanced character: it includes both requests and praise.

Benefits and Lessons of Dua Qunoot

It is better to describe the benefits of this supplication in terms of the spiritual lessons it teaches rather than claiming guaranteed worldly outcomes.

It Encourages Dependence on Allah

The repeated requests for guidance, protection, and care remind Muslims that human ability has limits.

It Encourages Gratitude

Asking for blessing in what Allah has already given encourages the believer to value existing blessings.

It Encourages Humility

The prayer doesn’t assume that a person can control every outcome.

It Reinforces Tawhid

The statement that Allah decrees and none can decree over Him reinforces the believer’s recognition of Allah’s ultimate authority.

It Provides a Structured Supplication

For someone who isn’t sure what to ask for, the prayer provides a concise framework:

1. Guidance
2. Well-being
3. Divine care
4. Blessing
5. Protection
6. Recognition of Allah’s authority
7. Praise

These are timeless spiritual themes.

Common Mistakes When Learning Dua Qunoot

New learners often make a few predictable mistakes.

Mistake 1: Depending Completely on Transliteration

Transliteration can help at first, but Arabic should gradually become the goal.

Mistake 2: Memorizing Without Understanding

Understanding the meaning makes the words easier to remember and helps develop concentration during prayer.

Mistake 3: Worrying Excessively About Minor Pronunciation Errors

Learners should strive for correct pronunciation, but beginners shouldn’t become so anxious that they stop learning.

A qualified Arabic teacher can help with difficult sounds.

Mistake 4: Assuming There Is Only One Qunoot Practice

Different schools and scholarly traditions have different approaches. A disagreement over details doesn’t automatically mean that one side has no Islamic basis.

Mistake 5: Treating the Dua Like a Formula for Guaranteed Results

Dua is an act of worship and supplication. Muslims should avoid reducing it to a mechanical formula that supposedly guarantees a particular worldly result.

Dua Qunoot and the Witr Prayer

Witr is an important voluntary prayer traditionally performed at night.

The Qunoot supplication discussed here is especially associated with Witr in the narration of al-Hasan ibn Ali.

Sunan Abi Dawud records that the Prophet ﷺ taught al-Hasan ibn Ali these words for Witr.

There are, however, differences among scholars concerning the details of Witr and Qunoot, including questions about when Qunoot is performed.

For that reason, someone learning Salah should distinguish between:

• The text of the supplication
• The hadith reporting it
• The jurisprudential ruling concerning when it is recited

These aren’t necessarily the same question.

The hadith establishes the reported wording and context. Fiqh then considers that evidence alongside other narrations and principles to determine practical rulings.

A Simple Way to Memorize Dua Qunoot

If you want to memorize Dua Qunoot Dua, don’t try to learn the entire prayer in one sitting.

Use a five-day approach:

Day	Memorization target
Day 1	Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayt
Day 2	Wa ‘afini feeman ‘afayt
Day 3	Wa tawallani feeman tawallayt + Wa barik li feema a’tayt
Day 4	Wa qini sharra ma qadayt + following phrases
Day 5	Full Dua Qunoot with meaning

Read each section several times.

Then close the text and try to recite it from memory.

Afterward, check the original and correct yourself.

A few minutes every day is usually more practical than one long memorization session.

Is Dua Qunoot in the Quran?

The specific Dua Qunoot Dua discussed in this article is not a Quranic verse.

It is reported as a supplication taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to al-Hasan ibn Ali for Witr. Sunan Abi Dawud records the narration, while other hadith collections also transmit the supplication.

This distinction matters.

The Quran and Sunnah are both central sources of Islamic guidance, but they are not the same type of text.

Therefore, the Arabic wording of this Qunoot should not be presented as though it were a passage from the Quran.

Is There More Than One Dua Qunoot?

Yes.

The term Qunoot can refer to different supplications and prayer practices transmitted in Islamic sources.

The version associated with al-Hasan ibn Ali is especially well known for Witr. Other forms of Qunoot are also reported, including supplications associated with circumstances such as communal hardship.

IslamWeb notes that the supplication taught to al-Hasan ibn Ali is transmitted through several hadith collections and distinguishes it from another well-known Qunoot formulation.

So, if you encounter a slightly different Qunoot at another mosque, don’t assume immediately that the difference means the prayer is incorrect.

The source, context, and jurisprudential tradition should all be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dua Qunoot

1. What is Dua Qunoot?

Dua Qunoot is a supplication recited in Qunoot, with one well-known version traditionally associated with the Witr prayer. It asks Allah for guidance, well-being, care, blessings, and protection.

2. What is the first line of Dua Qunoot?

The commonly transmitted version begins:

Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayt

Meaning:

“O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided.”

3. Who taught Dua Qunoot?

According to the narration recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud, al-Hasan ibn Ali said that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught him these words to say in Witr.

4. Is Dua Qunoot in the Quran?

No. The specific Witr Qunoot discussed here is a supplication reported in hadith, not a Quranic verse.

5. When is Dua Qunoot recited?

The particular version discussed here is reported in connection with Witr. However, the exact timing and practice of Qunoot differs among Islamic schools of jurisprudence.

6. Can I read Dua Qunoot from a phone or paper while learning?

If you’re learning, using written text as a memorization aid can be useful. However, the specific rules concerning looking at written material during Salah can differ according to scholarly opinions. For practical fiqh questions, ask a qualified local scholar.

7. What does “Allahumma ihdini feeman hadayt” mean?

It means:

“O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided.”

It is a request for guidance and continued inclusion among those whom Allah guides.

8. What does “wa barik li feema a’tayt” mean?

It means:

“Bless me in what You have given me.”

The request is not merely for receiving something, but for Allah to place blessing and benefit in what has already been given.

9. Why is Dua Qunoot meaningful?

Its meaning brings together several central spiritual requests: guidance, safety, divine care, blessing, protection, humility, and praise of Allah.

10. Is the wording always exactly the same?

Not necessarily. There are transmitted variations in wording and length. For example, some versions include the phrase “wa la ya’izzu man ‘adayt”, while some commonly cited versions omit it.

Conclusion:

The Dua Qunoot Dua is more than a passage to memorize for Witr. Its words present a concise framework for turning to Allah with humility.

It begins with guidance, moves through well-being and divine care, asks for blessing and protection, recognizes Allah’s authority, and ends with praise.

The commonly transmitted wording is reported from al-Hasan ibn Ali, who said that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught it to him for Witr.

For anyone learning it, the best approach is straightforward:

• Learn the Arabic gradually.
• Use transliteration as a temporary aid.
• Understand the English meaning.
• Practice pronunciation.
• Memorize one phrase at a time.
• Learn the Witr practice followed by a trusted scholar or teacher.
• Remember that different Islamic schools may have different details concerning Qunoot.

Ultimately, understanding the meaning can make the recitation more focused and personal. Rather than simply repeating unfamiliar Arabic words, the worshipper can recognize the requests being made: guide me, protect me, care for me, bless what You have given me, and keep me close to You.

That is the heart of this beautiful supplication.