In the Shafi’i school of thought, the Dua e Qunoot is a beautiful and highly encouraged part of daily worship. Unlike some other traditions, Shafi’i followers recite this specific supplication during the Fajr prayer every morning and in the Witr prayer during the second half of Ramadan. To learn more about the various forms of this prayer, you can visit our main page on Dua e Qunoot.
Understanding the Dua e Qunoot Shafi’i in English is vital for those who want to connect with the deep spiritual meanings of guidance, safety, and divine protection while following the authentic Sunnah.
What is the Shafi’i Version of Dua e Qunoot?
The Shafi’i Qunoot is the version taught by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to his grandson, Hasan ibn Ali (R.A). It is a concise yet comprehensive prayer. Shafi’i scholars emphasize its importance during the morning prayer (Subh) as a way to start the day seeking Allah’s “Afiyah” (well-being).
Importance of Reciting Qunoot in the Shafi’i School
Reciting this dua according to the Shafi’i method brings several spiritual rewards:
- Morning Barakah: Seeking guidance right at dawn sets a righteous tone for the entire day.
- Sunnah Adherence: Following the specific practice of Imam Shafi’i and the early generations.
- Divine Protection: Asking Allah to turn away the “evil of what He has decreed.”
- Humility: Standing in the “Qiyam” position with hands raised signifies total reliance on Allah.
Dua e Qunoot Shafi’i in Arabic, English, and Roman English
Here is the authentic text for those who wish to memorize it or improve their pronunciation.
Arabic Text
اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ، وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ، وَتَوَلَّني 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
Roman English Transliteration
“Allahumma-hdini fiman hadayt, wa ‘afini fiman ‘afayt, wa tawallani fiman tawallayt, wa barik li fima a’tayt, wa qini sharra ma qadayt, fa-innaka taqdi wala yuqda ‘alayk, wa innahu la yadhillu man walayt, wala ya’izzu man ‘adayt, tabarakta Rabbana wa ta’alayt.”
English Translation
“O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided, and grant me safety among those whom You have granted safety. Take me into Your charge among those whom You have taken into Your charge, and bless me in what You have given me. Protect me from the evil that You have decreed, for You decree and none decrees over You. Verily, he is not humiliated whom You have befriended, and he is not honored whom You are at enmity with. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted.”
How to Perform Shafi’i Qunoot Step by Step
- The Timing: In Fajr prayer, Qunoot is performed in the second Rakat.
- The Position: After rising from the Ruku (standing straight) and saying “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah,” you remain standing.
- The Hands: Raise your hands to chest level with palms facing upward (as in a regular dua).
- Recitation: Recite the Arabic text clearly.
- Durood: It is a Sunnah in the Shafi’i school to recite Salawat (Durood) upon the Prophet (PBUH) at the end of the Qunoot.
- Sajdah: Without saying “Allahu Akbar” or raising the hands again, go directly into prostration.
Difference Between Shafi’i and Hanafi Qunoot
- The Text: Shafi’is use “Allahumma-hdini,” while Hanafis use “Allahumma Inna Nasta’eenuka.”
- The Prayer: Shafi’is recite it daily in Fajr; Hanafis recite it daily in Witr.
- The Timing: Shafi’is recite it after Ruku; Hanafis recite it before Ruku.
Conclusion
Learning the Dua e Qunoot Shafi’i in English allows you to bring the wisdom of the Prophet (PBUH) into your daily life. By understanding that you are asking for guidance, health, and protection, your Fajr prayer becomes much more than just a routine—it becomes a powerful conversation with Allah. Whether you are a lifelong Shafi’i or someone learning about different schools of thought, this dua is a treasure of the Sunnah that every Muslim should cherish.
The Shafi’i version — “Allahumma Ihdini Fiman Hadayt” — is not exclusive to the Shafi’i school. In fact, for those who want to explore the complete meaning, Arabic text, Roman English transliteration, and word-by-word Urdu breakdown of this dua in isolation, our dedicated page on Allahumma Hdini Fiman Hadayt is the most comprehensive resource available. This same dua is also the preferred supplication of the Ahle Hadees (Salafi) tradition, who prioritize it in Witr prayer based on the direct Hadith narration — explore our full Dua e Qunoot Ahle Hadees guide to understand the Sunnah method followed by Ahle Hadees scholars. For a side-by-side comparison of all major versions and their spiritual significance, visit our main Dua e Qunoot page.
FAQs About Dua e Qunoot Shafi’i
Fajr mein Qunoot parhna kyun zaroori hai? (Why in Fajr?)
In the Shafi’i school, it is considered a “Sunnah Mu’akkadah” (emphasized Sunnah) or “Ab’ad” (a part of prayer that, if missed, requires Sajdah Sahw).
Kya ye dua Witr mein bhi parhi jati hai?
Yes, in the Shafi’i school, it is recited in the Witr prayer during the second half of the month of Ramadan.
Can I recite it in English during Salah?
No, the recitation during the prayer must be in Arabic. The English translation is for your understanding and heart’s connection.
What if I forget Qunoot in Fajr?
If you follow the Shafi’i school and forget Qunoot, you should perform Sajdah Sahw (two extra prostrations) before the final Salaam.
Should I wipe my face after the Shafi’i Qunoot?
Most Shafi’i scholars suggest not wiping the face after finishing the Qunoot while still inside the Salah.
Can I add more duas to the Shafi’i Qunoot?
Yes, after the main Sunnah words, you can add other Quranic or Sunnah supplications before going into Sajdah.
Is it recited aloud or silently?
In the Fajr prayer, the Imam recites it aloud, and the followers say “Ameen.” If praying alone, you can recite it at a moderate volume or silently.
What if I am praying behind a Hanafi Imam?
If you are a Shafi’i behind a Hanafi Imam in Fajr, you can perform a short Qunoot when the Imam stands up after Ruku, or simply follow the Imam.
Does “tabarakta Rabbana wa ta’alayt” have to be at the end?
Yes, these words of praise conclude the supplication beautifully and are part of the authentic narration.
Why do Shafi’is use this specific version?
This version was taught by the Prophet (PBUH) to Hasan (R.A) specifically as a “Qunoot,” making it the most authentic choice for this part of the prayer.