Comparative Fiqh

Dua of Kunut for Fajr Prayer

The issue of whether Kunut is recited in the Fajr prayer is one of the most profound academic discussions in the history of Islamic jurisprudence. It is authentically reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recited Kunut for a month in the Fajr prayers to invoke curses upon the oppressors after the martyrdom of 70 memorizing companions in the incident of Bi'r-i Maune. However, whether the Prophet completely abandoned this practice after a month (Hanafi/Hanbali) or continued it throughout his life until his death (Shafi'i/Maliki) has led to differences in ijtihad among the schools of thought.

اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْتَعِينُكَ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُكَ... (Kunut-u Nevâzil Metni)

Pronunciation

Allâhümme innâ neste'înüke... [Sadece olağanüstü durumlarda Vitir Kunut'u veya özel beddua metinleri okunur]

Translation

O Allah! We seek Your help... [It is not recited in Fajr prayer on normal days.]

Jurisprudential Basis

According to the Hanafi school, Kunut is not recited in the Fajr prayer on normal days. However, in cases of war, epidemic disease, or a major calamity (Kunut of Novelties), it may be recited aloud by the imam only in the Fajr prayers performed in congregation after the bowing. In this case, the text usually recited is from the Witr prayer.