In the Shia (Jafari) school of thought, the act of Qunoot holds a special place in daily worship. Unlike some traditions where it is primarily reserved for the Witr prayer, Shia Muslims find it highly recommended (Mustahab) to perform Qunoot in almost all daily prayers. To explore more about the spiritual depths of this practice, you can visit our main guide on Dua e Qunoot.
Understanding the words you recite before Allah in the second Rakat is essential for achieving Khushu (concentration) and spiritual connection.
What is Dua e Qunoot in Shia Fiqh?
In Shia Fiqh, Qunoot is a recommended act where the worshipper raises their hands in front of their face to supplicate to Allah. It is typically performed in the second Rakat of every prayer, right after the recitation of Surah al-Hamd and the second Surah, and immediately before going into Ruku (bowing).
While there are specific long versions of Qunoot, one of the beautiful aspects of the Shia tradition is that a believer can recite any Quranic verse, Dhikr, or supplication during this time.
The 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 to the sky symbolizes a beggar asking from the King of Kings.
- Sunnah of the Ahlul Bayt: Following the precise method practiced and taught by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his purified progeny.
Popular Dua e Qunoot in Arabic, English, and Urdu
The most common verse recited by Shia Muslims in Qunoot is the “Rabbana” dua from the Quran, but here are the variations with translations.
Arabic Text (Common Version)
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Urdu Translation (اردو ترجمہ)
“اے ہمارے رب! ہمیں دنیا میں بھی بھلائی عطا فرما اور آخرت میں بھی بھلائی عطا فرما اور ہمیں آگ (جہنم) کے عذاب سے بچا لے۔”
English Translation
“Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.”
Detailed Shia Qunoot (Recommended)
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
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۔”
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.”
How to Perform Shia Qunoot Step by Step
- Timing: In the second Rakat, after finishing the second Surah (usually Surah Ikhlas).
- The Posture: Raise your hands to the level of your face, with palms facing the sky.
- Finger Position: It is recommended to keep the fingers joined, except for the thumbs.
- Recitation: Recite your chosen dua or the recommended verses mentioned above.
- Moving Forward: After completing the dua, drop your hands and proceed directly into Ruku.
Conclusion
The Dua e Qunoot Shia tradition offers a beautiful opportunity to pause during the prayer and connect deeply with the Divine. Whether you choose the short Quranic verses or the longer eloquent supplications of the Imams, the goal is to humble yourself before Allah. By learning these translations in English and Urdu, you ensure that your heart is as engaged as your tongue during this sacred moment of Salah.
While the Shia tradition offers a rich variety of supplications for Qunoot, it is equally beneficial to explore how other schools of thought approach this spiritual practice for a well-rounded Islamic understanding. The Dua e Qunoot Shafi’i tradition, for example, recites a concise yet deeply meaningful supplication in the Fajr prayer every day — a practice rooted in the authentic Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ teaching his grandson Hasan ibn Ali (R.A).
For those who want to understand the full English meaning and thematic breakdown of the Sunni Qunoot traditions — including what “seeking help,” “tawakkul,” and “fear of punishment” mean spiritually in the context of Salah — our Dua e Qunoot in English guide offers a clear and emotionally engaging explanation. To explore the complete background, history, and all versions of this powerful supplication, visit the main Dua e Qunoot guide.
FAQs About Dua e Qunoot Shia
Shia namaz mein Qunoot kab parha jata hai? (When to recite it?)
It is recited in the second Rakat of almost all prayers (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha) before going into Ruku.
Is it mandatory (Wajib) to perform Qunoot?
In the Shia school, Qunoot is highly recommended (Mustahab), but the prayer is still valid if you forget or omit it.
Can I say my own personal duas in Qunoot?
Yes, you can ask for your needs in any language, although reciting the Quranic verses or Arabic supplications is preferred and carries more reward.
Should I look at my palms during Qunoot?
It is recommended to look at the palms of your hands while reciting the dua to maintain focus and humility.
Is there a Qunoot in Salat al-Witr for Shia?
Yes, in the one-rakat Witr prayer of Namaz-e-Shab, the Qunoot is quite long and involves seeking forgiveness for 40 believers and reciting “Astaghfirullah” 70 times.
Can I recite Qunoot while sitting?
If you are performing the prayer in a sitting position due to illness or inability to stand, you perform Qunoot in the same way by raising your hands while seated.
What if I forget Qunoot and remember after Ruku?
If you forget and remember in Ruku or while standing after Ruku, you can perform it as a Qada (make-up) after the Ruku or even before Sajdah.
Is it okay to recite just one “Salawat” in Qunoot?
Yes, if you are in a hurry or haven’t memorized long duas, even reciting a Salawat (Allahumma Salli Ala Muhammadin wa Aali Muhammad) fulfills the recommendation of Qunoot.
Should I cover my face with my hands after Qunoot?
Unlike some other traditions, in Shia Fiqh, it is not common to wipe the hands over the face after finishing the Qunoot during Salah.
Can I recite Qunoot in congregational (Jama’at) prayer?
Yes, you should perform it along with the Imam. In Shia Jama’at, the Imam recites it, and the followers also recite their own Qunoot silently or at a low volume.