Qunūtu ʾl-Witr (قنوت الوتر)
Definition and Significance
Qunūtu ʾl-Witr (قنوت الوتر) refers to the special supplication recited during the Witr prayer, which is an important component of the Muslim’s nightly prayers (Salat al-Lail). The supplication, according to some traditions, can also be recited during the Fajr (morning) prayer. It carries significant weight as it was practiced by the Prophet Muhammad, especially to seek Divine assistance for his companions and to ask for deliverance from adversities.
Arabic Translation and Etymology
- Arabic: قنوت الوتر (Qunūtu ʾl-Witr)
- Etymology:
- Qunūt (قنوت) derives from the root word قَـنَـتَ (qanata), which means to stand in devotion.
- Witr (وتر) means “odd” or “unique,” referring to the odd-numbered prayer performed after ‘Isha (night prayer).
Historical and Theological Context
Qunūtu ʾl-Witr is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, who used this supplication to call upon Allah for guidance, protection, and blessings. Within Islamic theology, supplication (dua) is a vital expression of a Muslim’s faith and dependence on the Divine.
Commonly Recited Supplication
Here is an example of the supplication recited during Qunūtu ʾl-Witr:
“O Allah! Guide me among those whom You have guided, Heal me among those whom You have healed, take me to your charge among those whom You have taken to Your charge, Bless me in what You have given, and protect me from the evil of what You have decreed. For indeed it is You who decrees, and none can decree over You. Indeed, he is not humiliated whom You have befriended. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted.”
Different Forms of Qunūtu ʾl-Witr
There are various forms of Qunūt as reflected in different Islamic traditions and scholarly interpretations. For detailed variations, refer to:
- Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ: Book iv, chapters xxxvi and xxxvii
- Study materials on the different schools of Islamic jurisprudence (Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali).
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Fiqh al-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sabiq - This book covers the practical aspects of Islamic rituals, including prayers and their variations.
- “Supplications and their Merits” by Sa’id ibn Ali ibn Wahf al-Qahtani - This provides an in-depth look at the significance of supplications in Islam.
- “The Book of Prayers and Supplications” by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya - An authoritative text on the forms of dua and their contexts from an Islamic perspective.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Qunūtu ʾl-Witr is a significant supplication in Islam, reflecting a deep spiritual connection and seeking Divine support.
- It is traditionally recited during Witr prayers but can also, in some traditions, be recited during Fajr prayers.
- The practice underscores the importance of constant spiritual engagement for a Muslim, calling for guidance, protection, and blessings.
Understanding and practicing Qunūtu ʾl-Witr enriches one’s spiritual life and aligns with the prophetic traditions, fostering a stronger bond with the Divine.
By delving into the Qunūtu ʾl-Witr, one gains a deeper appreciation of the rich tapestry of Islamic prayer rituals, highlighted through this special supplication’s invocation and its timeless relevance.
