What it is and when you say it
This is the qunut the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught his grandson al-Hasan ibn Ali to say in witr. In the Shafi'i school it is also said in the second rakat of Fajr, after rising from ruku. In the Hanbali school it is said in witr.
The Hanafi school says a different qunut in witr, "Allahumma inna nasta'inuka", which has its own page. Both are authentic. Follow the practice of your school or your local mosque.
When the imam says it aloud for the congregation, he says "ihdina" (guide us) in the plural, and those behind him say "Ameen".
Read the full guide: What are sunnah prayers, and do I have to pray them?
How to learn it by heart
- Read the whole text once with its meaning, so you know what you are saying.
- Learn one line at a time. Say it out loud until it flows, then add the next line.
- Hide the words little by little: first letters, then nothing. Tap a line when you need a look.
- Use it in your prayers right away. Repeating it five times a day is what makes it stay.
Common questions
Is the qunut in Fajr obligatory?
No. In the Shafi'i school it is a confirmed sunnah in Fajr. The Maliki school says a quiet qunut in Fajr with other words. The Hanafi and Hanbali schools do not say it in Fajr except in times of hardship. If you pray behind an imam who does, follow him.
Can I add to it?
Many add "falakal-hamdu 'ala ma qadayt" and a salawat on the Prophet at the end. The core taught in the hadith is the text on this page.
Hear every word
Revertly teaches new Muslims to pray from zero, with a recitation for every line, so you learn how it sounds, not only how it looks. Cannot afford it? Ask for a free code.