Question: “I find it hard to remember Dua e Qunoot for Witr Salaah. Is there an alternate Dua that can be read? And is it Makrooh to read a Dua other than Qunoot?”
Answer: No, it is not Makrooh. Scholars have permitted reciting other duas if you haven’t memorized Dua e Qunoot. This guide provides 3 easy alternatives, the complete Witr method, and what to do if you forget during prayer.
3 Substitutes for Dua e Qunoot
If you haven’t memorized Dua e Qunoot, you can recite any of these alternatives. All are authentic and accepted by scholars.
1. Rabbana Atina – Best Alternative
This is a Quranic dua (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201) and is the most comprehensive substitute.
Arabic:
Roman English Transliteration:
Urdu Translation:
English Translation:
2. Allahummaghfirli – Short Alternative
If you find the above dua difficult, you can recite this short dua 3 times.
Arabic:
Roman English Transliteration:
Urdu Translation:
English Translation:
3. Allahummahdini – Guidance Dua
You can also recite this dua, which was taught by the Prophet ﷺ for Witr.
Arabic:
Roman English Transliteration:
Urdu Translation:
English Translation:
Complete Witr Prayer Method (Step-by-Step)
Here is the complete Witr method according to the Hanafi and Shafi’i schools.
Hanafi Method (Before Ruku)
- Make intention for 3 rak’ahs of Witr.
- Recite Surah Fatiha and an additional surah in all 3 rak’ahs.
- After completing Qur’an recitation in the 3rd rak’ah, say Allahu Akbar.
- Raise your hands to the ears (like the opening takbir).
- Fold your hands below the navel and recite Dua e Qunoot (or an alternative).
- Say Allahu Akbar and go into Ruku.
- Complete the prayer as normal.
Shafi’i Method (After Ruku)
- Recite Surah Fatiha and an additional surah in all 3 rak’ahs.
- After Ruku in the 3rd rak’ah, stand straight and say Sami’Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd.
- Raise your hands to chest level and recite Dua e Qunoot (or an alternative).
- Go into Sajdah and complete the prayer as normal.
Shafi’i method details | Complete Dua e Qunoot guide
What to Do If You Forget in Prayer
| Scenario | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Remember before Ruku | Stand back up and recite Dua e Qunoot or an alternative. |
| Remember after Ruku | Perform Sajdah Sahw (two extra prostrations) at the end of the prayer. |
| Don’t know Dua e Qunoot | Recite any alternative (Rabbana Atina, Allahummaghfirli, etc.) — your prayer is valid. |
| Remember after completing prayer | Perform Sajdah Sahw (if Hanafi) or the prayer is still valid (if Shafi’i). |
Scholarly Ruling: Is It Allowed to Read Another Dua?
Fatwa from Jamiat.org.za:
“One should make an effort to learn the Du’a-e-Qunoot to the best of one’s ability. If however, a person does not know the Du’a-e-Qunoot, he/she may recite any other Du’a from the Quran or Hadith. In such a case, one may recite: ‘Allahummaghfirli’ [O Allah, forgive me] or ‘Allahummahdini’ [O Allah, guide me] thrice (or any such Du’a from Quran or Hadith).”
Source: Shaami 1/447. Confirmed by Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
How to Memorize Dua e Qunoot (5 Easy Steps)
- Break it into chunks. Divide the dua into 5-6 short phrases.
- Understand the meaning. Knowing what each phrase means makes memorization easier.
- Listen and repeat. Use audio recitation and repeat each phrase aloud.
- Practice in prayer. Once you know a chunk, recite it in your Witr prayer.
- Be consistent. Practice daily — most people memorize it within 3-4 days.
Word-by-word breakdown of Dua e Qunoot | Complete guide with Arabic text
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