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Dua e Qunoot Shia | Full Guide: Method, Duas & Rulings (Jafari Fiqh)

Dua e Qunoot Shia – Full Guide | Method, Duas & Rulings

In the Shia (Jafari) school of thought, Qunoot is a highly recommended (Mustahab) act performed in almost all daily prayers. Unlike Sunni traditions where Qunoot is primarily for Witr or Fajr, Shia Muslims recite it in the second rak’ah of every obligatory prayer, seeking intimate connection with Allah through supplication.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what Qunoot means in Shia fiqh, the most common duas, the complete method, rulings, Namaz-e-Shab (Tahajjud) Qunoot, and key differences from Sunni traditions.

Source: The practice of Qunoot in Shia tradition is based on the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (AS). It is mentioned in Wasa’il al-Shia and other major Shia hadith collections.
Scholarly Reference: According to Shia scholars, Qunoot is Mustahab (recommended) in all daily prayers, not obligatory. The prayer remains valid even if Qunoot is omitted intentionally or by mistake.
Table of Contents

What Is Dua e Qunoot in Shia Fiqh?

In Shia (Jafari) Fiqh, Qunoot is a recommended act of raising the hands in supplication before Allah during the prayer. It is performed in the second rak’ah of every obligatory and recommended prayer, right after reciting the second Surah, and immediately before going into Ruku (bowing).

Unlike the Sunni tradition where Qunoot is primarily reserved for Witr or Fajr, the Shia approach makes Qunoot a regular part of daily worship, allowing believers to pause and communicate with Allah in every prayer.

Key Point: In Shia fiqh, you can recite any Quranic verse, dhikr, or supplication during Qunoot. The most common verses are the “Rabbana” duas from the Quran.

Significance of Qunoot in Daily Salah

Performing Qunoot is seen as a moment of intimate conversation (Munajat) with the Creator. Key spiritual benefits include:

  • Seeking Needs: A dedicated time within Salah to ask for personal and communal needs
  • Humility: The physical act of raising palms symbolizes a beggar asking from the King of Kings
  • Following the Ahlul Bayt: Practicing the method taught by the Prophet ﷺ and his purified progeny
  • Spiritual Connection: Strengthening the bond between the worshipper and Allah

Popular Duas for Qunoot (Arabic, Transliteration, English)

Here are the most common supplications recited in Shia Qunoot, along with their transliterations and translations.

1. Rabbana Atina (Most Common)

This is the most commonly recited verse in Shia Qunoot — a Quranic dua from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201).

Arabic:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Roman English Transliteration:

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar

English Translation:

“Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.”

Urdu Translation:

“اے ہمارے رب! ہمیں دنیا میں بھی بھلائی عطا فرما اور آخرت میں بھی بھلائی عطا فرما اور ہمیں جہنم کے عذاب سے بچا لے۔”

2. Detailed Shia Qunoot (Recommended)

This longer supplication is recommended by Shia scholars for Qunoot.

Arabic:

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ الْحَلِيمُ الْكَرِيمُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ، سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ رَبِّ السَّمَاوَاتِ السَّبْعِ وَرَبِّ الْأَرَضِينَ السَّبْعِ، وَمَا فِيهِنَّ وَمَا بَيْنَهُنَّ، وَرَبِّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ

Roman English Transliteration:

La ilaha illallah al-Halim al-Karim, la ilaha illallah al-Ali al-Azim, Subhanallahi Rabbil samawatis sab’i wa Rabbil ardina sab’i wa ma fihinna wa ma bayna hunna wa Rabbil ‘arshil ‘azim

English Translation:

“There is no god but Allah, the Forbearing, the Generous. There is no god but Allah, the High, the Great. Glory be to Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the seven earths, and whatever is in them and between them, and Lord of the Great Throne.”

Urdu Translation:

“اللہ کے سوا کوئی معبود نہیں جو بردبار اور کریم ہے۔ اللہ کے سوا کوئی معبود نہیں جو بلند و برتر اور عظیم ہے۔ پاک ہے وہ اللہ جو ساتوں آسمانوں اور ساتوں زمینوں کا رب ہے، اور ان سب چیزوں کا جو ان میں اور ان کے درمیان ہیں، اور وہ عرشِ عظیم کا رب ہے۔”

3. Salawat (Shortest Option)

If you are in a hurry, even reciting Salawat fulfills the recommendation of Qunoot.

Arabic:

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ

Transliteration:

Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ali Muhammad

English Translation:

“O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.”

How to Perform Shia Qunoot (Step by Step)

Follow these steps to perform Qunoot correctly in the Shia (Jafari) school:

  1. Timing: In the second rak’ah, after finishing the recitation of Surah Al-Hamd and the second Surah (usually Surah Ikhlas).
  2. The Posture: Raise your hands to the level of your face, with palms facing the sky.
  3. Finger Position: It is recommended to keep the fingers joined, except for the thumbs.
  4. Recitation: Recite your chosen dua — any of the options above.
  5. Moving Forward: After completing the dua, drop your hands and proceed directly into Ruku.
Important: Unlike some Sunni traditions, in Shia fiqh, it is not common to wipe the hands over the face after finishing Qunoot during Salah.

Qunoot in Namaz-e-Shab (Tahajjud / Witr)

Namaz-e-Shab (the night prayer) is a highly recommended prayer in Shia tradition. Its final rak’ah is the Witr prayer, and its Qunoot is longer and more detailed.

In the one-rak’ah Witr of Namaz-e-Shab, the Qunoot involves:

  • Seeking forgiveness for 40 believers (living or deceased) by name
  • Reciting “Astaghfirullah” (أستغفر الله) — “I seek forgiveness from Allah” — 70 times
  • Reciting the “Rabbana” dua or other recommended supplications
Tip: This extended Qunoot is a unique feature of Shia practice, emphasizing repentance and intercession for others.

What If You Forget Qunoot?

According to Shia fiqh:

  • If you forget Qunoot and remember in Ruku or while standing after Ruku, you can perform it as Qada (make-up) after Ruku or even before Sajdah.
  • If you remember after completing the prayer, the prayer is still valid — Qunoot is not obligatory.
  • If you are in congregation, you should perform it along with the Imam. Followers recite their own Qunoot silently or at a low volume.

Sunni vs Shia Qunoot – Key Differences

FeatureShia (Jafari) QunootSunni Qunoot (Hanafi/Shafi’i)
When RecitedSecond rak’ah of every daily prayerWitr (Hanafi) or Fajr (Shafi’i)
PositionBefore RukuBefore Ruku (Hanafi) or After Ruku (Shafi’i)
RulingMustahab (recommended) — not obligatoryWajib (Hanafi) or Sunnah (Shafi’i)
HandsRaised to face level, palms facing skyRaised or folded depending on school
Dua TextRabbana Atina, Salawat, or any supplicationAllahumma-hdini or Allahumma inna nasta’inuka
ForgetfulnessCan be made up (Qada) if rememberedSajdah Sahw required in some schools
Wiping FaceNot performed after QunootSometimes performed (varies by school)

Explore the Sunni Qunoot traditions | Shafi’i Qunoot method

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Qunoot recited in Shia prayers? In the second rak’ah of almost all prayers — Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha — before going into Ruku.
Is Qunoot obligatory in Shia fiqh? No, it is Mustahab (highly recommended). The prayer is valid even if you forget or omit it.
Can I recite my own personal duas in Qunoot? Yes, you can ask for your needs in any language. However, reciting Quranic verses or Arabic supplications is preferred and carries more reward.
What is the Qunoot in Namaz-e-Shab (Witr)? It involves seeking forgiveness for 40 believers and reciting “Astaghfirullah” 70 times, along with other recommended supplications.
What if I forget Qunoot and remember after Ruku? You can perform it as Qada (make-up) after Ruku or even before Sajdah.
Should I look at my palms during Qunoot? Yes, it is recommended to look at the palms of your hands while reciting to maintain focus and humility.
Can I recite Qunoot while sitting? Yes, if you are praying in a sitting position due to illness or inability to stand, you raise your hands while seated.
Is it okay to recite just Salawat in Qunoot? Yes, even reciting Salawat (Allahumma Salli Ala Muhammadin wa Aali Muhammad) fulfills the recommendation.
Should I wipe my face after Qunoot? No, in Shia fiqh, it is not common to wipe the hands over the face after finishing Qunoot during Salah.
Can I recite Qunoot in congregational prayer? Yes, you should perform it along with the Imam. In Shia Jama’at, the Imam recites it, and followers recite their own Qunoot silently or at a low volume.

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This guide is part of duaequnoot.com – your complete resource for Dua e Qunoot.