Question: I am a new convert to islam, and am having trouble memorizing so many surahs and duas at the same time. With regards to Isha prayer, is it possible to recite Surah Ikhlas instead of Dua-e-Qunoot? Atleast until I have memorized Dua-e-Qunoot. I have heard that Surah Ikhlas is an alternative for Dua-e-Qunoot.
Answer:
As you know, Witr is an obligatory part of our prayer consisting of three rakats prayed right after Isha. In the third rakat, after reciting Surah-e-Fatiha, the Dua-e-Qunoot (Qunut) is performed before going down into Ruku.
So is it possible to recite Surah Ikhlas instead of Dua-e-Qunoot?
Before answering this, we should clear up a common misconception regarding the “Qunut”. First of all, the Dua-e-Qunoot is not an obligatory act of prayer. The majority of scholars agree upon its status as a “sunnah” act. So there is no sin upon you if you choose not to recite the Dua-e-Qunoot until you have memorized it.
Secondly, the Dua-e-Qunoot is not restricted to only the witr prayer. It is an act (or dua) which can be carried out in any prayer, for which the reward of the prayer will be amplified.
About the reward of Qunut:
Jabir narrated:
“It was said to the Prophet (S): ‘Which Salat is most virtuous?’ He said: ‘That with the longest Qunut.'”
~ Jami` at-Tirmidhi 387
About the performance of Qunut:
Narrated Abu Salama:
Abu Hurairah said, “No doubt, my Salat is similar to that of the Prophet (ﷺ).” Abu Hurairah used to recite Qunut after saying Sami’ Allahu liman hamida in the last Rak’a of the Zuhr, Isha and Fajr Prayers. He would ask Allah’s Forgiveness for the true believers and curse the disbelievers.
~ Sahih al-
Regarding the performance of Surah Ikhlas instead of Dua-e-Qunoot, this is indeed possible.
Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (3/497): “The correct view which was stated definitively by the majority of scholars is that there are no specific words, rather any du’aa’ may be said.”
There are many other scholars who will also say the same. Any dua can be made that involves glorifying Allah and sending blessings upon the Holy Prophet (pbuh).
It would likely be preferable to recite the actual dua, so do try your best to memorise it.
