Question: I am a new convert and I have been learning all about prayer recently. However, it is hard for to memorize everything so suddenly and I want to know if it’s possible for me to pray witr if I don’t know Du’a Qunoot?
Answer:
Witr prayer is an important part of our daily lives that is typically performed after the obligatory Isha (night) prayer. It is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah, a strongly recommended practice, but not obligatory. The Witr prayer consists of an odd number of units, usually one or three, and it provides an excellent opportunity to seek the forgiveness of Allah, make personal supplications, and strengthen one’s connection with the Creator. The key feature of the Witr prayer is the recitation of Du’a Qunoot, a supplication that is traditionally recited in the final unit (rak’ah).
However, if you don’t know Du’a Qunoot or find it difficult to memorize, there are alternative approaches to perform Witr prayer effectively:
- Reading Du’a Qunoot from a Paper or Booklet: If you can’t memorize the Du’a Qunoot, you can opt to read it from a paper or a booklet during the last ra’kah of the Witr Prayer. There is no harm in doing so, and if you read it daily from the paper, you may even end up memorizing it eventually. The goal is to be consistent in your efforts.
- Use of Qur’anic Supplications: Another approach to complete your Witr prayer is to recite certain verses from the Qur’an that are suppications. While Du’a Qunoot is highly recommended, reciting a different supplication from the Quran is a valid substitute. However do note, that reciting Quranic Verses does not work. You need to recite supplications as an alternative only.
- Pray Witr Without Du’a Qunoot: If you’re not comfortable with any of the alternative supplications or Quranic verses, you can still perform the Witr prayer without the Du’a Qunoot. While Du’a Qunoot is a recommended practice, its omission does not invalidate your prayer. You can pray Witr as three separate units, similar to the Maghrib prayer, without any specific supplication. After completing each rak’ah, make your personal supplications to seek Allah’s blessings, guidance, and forgiveness.
- Learn Du’a Qunoot: While it might take some time and effort, it’s beneficial to gradually learn Du’a Qunoot. You can start by memorizing a few lines or words of the supplication each day or week. This gradual approach will make it more manageable, and over time, you’ll be able to recite the full Du’a Qunoot with confidence.
With all this said, you can definietly choose one of the alternatives given above in the Witr prayer however, it is best to eventually aim to learn and recite the Du’a Qunoot. It is Sunnah to do so and would be greatly rewarded. The alternatives are there until you can learn and memorize Du’a Qunoot and integrate it in your witr prayer.
Narrated Muhammad bin Sirin:
Anas was asked, “Did the Prophet recite Qunut in the Fajr prayer?” Anas replied in the affirmative.
Sahih Bukhari (Volume 2, Book 16, Number 115)
Remember, the key is to maintain the practice of Witr prayer and seek closeness to Allah through your supplications, whether they are from the recommended Du’a Qunoot, shorter supplications, Quranic verses, or even personal heartfelt prayers. The ultimate goal is to strengthen your connection with the Divine and maintain the habit of seeking His guidance and forgiveness through your nightly prayers.