Dua Qunoot: Complete Guide for Kids & Parents (Witr Prayer)

Many Muslim parents want to teach their children Duas (supplications) that they will use throughout life. One of the most important Duas that every praying person needs to know is Dua Qunoot (also referred to as ‘Dua Qunut’ or ‘Dua-e-Qunoot’). This is a special Dua recited in Witr prayer, which is the prayer offered in 3 units. This Dua asks Allah Almighty for guidance, protection, forgiveness, and blessings.

Because different mosques and Islamic schools of thought may use different Qunoot Duas, children may hear more than one version. This Wise Compass guide includes the two most common versions, so kids can learn with confidence, and parents can teach what matches their local practice.

What Is Dua Qunoot?

Dua Qunoot is a supplication that is recited while standing in Salah (prescribed daily prayer). The word ‘Qunoot’ itself refers to a special supplication made during prayer, asking Allah Almighty for help and protection.

There are a few times Dua-e-Qunoot is recited depending on local practice:

• Witr prayer (common in prescribed daily prayer of Isha, as well as in Ramadan and throughout the year in some Schools of Thought)
• Times of hardship (a special Qunoot known as ‘Qunoot Nazilah’ in some communities)

Most parents who teach kids usually refer to the well-known Dua Qunoot in Witr.

When Do We Read Dua-e-Qunoot?

This depends on how your family or religious community prays, but here are the most common situations:

1) In Witr Prayer (Very Common)

• Many Muslims recite Dua Qunoot in Witr, especially during Ramadan.
• Often, it is recited in the last Rakat (Units) of Witr prayer while standing.

2) During Ramadan (Extra Common for Kids)

• Kids often hear it in Ramadan during night prayers, which is why many learn it then.

3) Qunoot Nazilah (When the Ummah Is Facing Hardship)

• Some communities recite a different Qunoot (with different words) when praying for people in difficulties.

Wise Compass Parental Note:

Because practices can differ between different schools of thought, it is best to follow your local mosque’s method if you are learning it for Salah.

Which Dua Qunoot Should My Child Learn?

This is the simplest way to decide:

If your local Mosque recites a Qunoot that begins with ‘Allahumma inna…’

Your child is likely hearing the Dua-e-Qunoot commonly taught for daily Witr (often after Isha):

Arabic:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْتَعِينُكَ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُكَ

Transliteration:

Allahumma inna nastaeenuka wa nastaghfiruk

Meaning (Simple English)

O Allah Almighty, we seek Your help and we ask Your forgiveness.

If your local Mosque recites a Qunoot that begins with ‘Allahumma ihdinee…’

Your child is likely hearing this well-known Qunoot:

Arabic:

اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ

Transliteration:

Allahumma ihdinee feeman hadayt

Meaning (Simple English)

O Allah Almighty, guide me among those whom You have guided.

Wise Compass Best Recommended Approach:

Teach the version your child hears at your mosque first. Later, introduce the second version, so they will recognise it too.

Dua Qunoot Version 1 (‘Allahumma Inna nastaeenauka…’ Dua-e-Qunoot for Witr, Often Recited After Isha)

This version is commonly memorised by children because it is frequently taught for praying the daily Witr Rakats in Salah in many communities.

Arabic:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْتَعِينُكَ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُكَ

وَنُؤْمِنُ بِكَ وَنَتَوَكَّلُ عَلَيْكَ

وَنُثْنِي عَلَيْكَ الْخَيْرَ وَنَشْكُرُكَ وَلَا نَكْفُرُك

وَنَخْلَعُ وَنَتْرُكُ مَنْ يَفْجُرُكَ

اللَّهُمَّ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ

وَلَكَ نُصَلِّي وَنَسْجُدُ

وَإِلَيْكَ نَسْعَى وَنَحْفِدُ

وَنَرْجُو رَحْمَتَكَ وَنَخْشَى عَذَابَكَ

إِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالْكُفَّارِ مُلْحِقٌ

Transliteration:

Allahumma inna nastaeenuka wa nastaghfiruka

Wa nu’minu bika wa natawakkalu ‘alayka 

Wa nuthnee ‘alaykal-khayr, wa nashkuruka wa la nakfuruk

Wa nakhla‘u wa natruku man yafjuruka

Allahumma iyyaka na‘budu

Wa laka nusallee wa nasjudu

Wa ilayka nas‘a wa nahfid

Wa narju rahmataka wa nakhsha ‘adhabak

Inna ‘adhabaka bil-kuffari mulhiq

Meaning (Simple English):

O Allah Almighty, we ask You for help and forgiveness

And we believe in You and rely on You

We praise You with goodness and thank You; and we do not deny You

We forsake and abandon whoever disobeys You.

O Allah Almighty, You alone we worship

And to You we pray and prostrate ourselves

And to You we hasten and strive

And we hope for Your mercy and fear Your punishment. Indeed

Your punishment will surely befall the disbelievers.

Dua Qunoot Version 2 (‘Allahumma ihdinee…’ Often Recited during Ramadan)

This version is widely recited in many communities and is loved for its simple yet powerful meaning: guidance, wellbeing, and protection.

Arabic:

اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ

وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ

وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ

وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ

وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ

فَإِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلَا يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ

وَإِنَّهُ لَا يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ

وَلَا يَعِزُّ مَنْ عَادَيْتَ

تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ

Transliteration:

Allahumma ihdinee feeman hadayt

Wa ‘afinee feeman ‘afayt

Wa tawallanee feeman tawallayt

Wa barik lee feema a‘ṭayt

Wa qinee sharra ma qaḍayt 

Fa’innaka taqdee wa la yuqda ‘alayk 

Wa innahu la yadhillu man walayt

Wa la ya‘izzu man ‘adayt

Tabarakta rabbana wa ta‘alayt

Meaning (Simple English):

O Allah Almighty, guide me among those You have guided

And grant me wellbeing among those You have granted wellbeing

And befriend me among those You have befriended

And bless me in what You have given me

And protect me from harm (resulting from anything that You have decreed)

You decide, and no one can decide against You

And indeed, none is humiliated whom You befriend

And none are honoured whom You oppose

Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted are You

Where does Dua Qunoot fit in the Witr prayer? (Simple Explanation for Beginners)

For kids and beginners, keep it simple:

• Dua Qunoot is recited in the last Rakat of Witr while standing
• Your mosque may recite it before Ruku (Bowing) or after Ruku
• The easiest rule: Follow the Imam (Congregational prayer leader)

Kid-friendly Reminder:

Even adults forget sometimes. Allah Almighty rewards your effort.

Dua Qunoot for Kids (Easy Meaning)

Here’s how to explain it to children:

Dua Qunoot is a special Dua where we ask Allah Almighty to:

• Guide us to the right choices
• Keep us safe and healthy
• Bless what we have
• Forgive us when we make mistakes

Wise Compass Parental Tip:

You can tell kids:

It’s like saying: ‘Ya Allah Almighty, please look after me in every way.’

How to Teach Dua Qunoot to Children

1) Start with a ‘Starter line’

Pick the version your child hears most often:

Starter line (Version 1):
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْتَعِينُكَ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُكَ
Allahumma inna nasta’eenuka wa nastaghfiruk
O Allah Almighty, we ask You for help and forgiveness…

Starter line (Version 2):
اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ
Allahumma ihdinee feeman hadayt

O Allah Almighty, guide me…

2) Teach meaning before memorising

Kids memorise faster when they understand what they’re saying.

3) Keep it steady and small

Two lines per week is better than rushing.

4) Make it a calm routine

Practice after Isha or before bedtime, short and consistent.

Final Thoughts

Both of these popular versions of Dua Qunoot are well-known and widely recited. The best plan for Muslim families is simple:

• First, teach the version your child hears at your local Mosque or at home
• Then introduce the second version later, so they can recognise them both anywhere.