What is the dua al qunut? The dua al qunut is a supplication made standing. It is recited during Fajr prayer in the Shafi madhab, and during the witr prayer in the Hanafi method. In addition, it can be prayed if a calamity befalls the Ummah, particularly when atrocities are committed against Muslims or disasters. The Prophet (peace be upon him) made the dua qunut in every salah for one month, as stated by Ibn Abbas, to ask Allah to protect the innocent. Therefore, in the last rakah of every salah (fard and sunnah), when you stand up from ruku, you can recite the dua after saying ‘Sami allahu liman hamidah Rabbana wa lakal hamd’ and going into sujud. Together we can appeal to Allah to protect the ummah from any major calamity. The Hanafi method Praying the qunut is wajib in the Hanafi school. Pray your first two rakahs as normal, then after sitting, stand up for the third rakah, recite Surat al Fatiha, and a short surah (preferably Surat al Ikhlas) and then do not bend down in ruku, instead say Allahu Akbar, and then recite the dua al qunut with your hands folded. Hanafis do not raise their hands in Witr qunut. The Shafi method The Shafi school do not recite dua al qunut in their witr prayer. They pray the qunut in the second rakah of fajr. With the exception of the last 15 days of Ramadan. During these days, the qunut is recited AFTER the ruku. After the ruku, stand up again and say, ‘samiallahu liman hamidah’ and then raise your hands to the level of your shoulders and make the dua al qunut. Which dua can be recited as the dua al qunut? There are different dua al qunut. For instance: اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ وَعَافِنِي … Continue reading Reciting the Dua al Qunut in times of calamity