Fatwa ID: 05067

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

In a mosque the trustee (“mutawlli”) had asked the Imaam to recite Duaa-e- Qunut Nazilah in 1992 Bombay was burning of riots, and Muslims were killed and burnt alive. Now it is almost 20 years and the environment is peaceful, but still, Qunut-e-nazilah is continued. Many musalli ask the trustee to stop it now and say that this duaa had been recited by Nabi (SAS) for a limited period and it shouldn’t be continued for such a long time (20 years!)  Kindly tell me whether this is right or wrong. Can this Qunut Nazilah be recited forever?

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer

According to the Hanafi Fiqh, Qunut Nazilah is something that should be recited at times of hardship and difficulties and should not be recited all the time. (Idaah Tahawi p.68 v.2) The Qunut can only be recited in the Fajr Salah after Ruku before going down for Sajdah in the second Rakaat. It cannot be recited in any other Salah besides Fajr Salat. It can be performed in a congregation or individually. Men and women (when praying individually) can also perform the Qunut Nazilah. (Fatawa Rahimiyah p.22 v.6)

There is a difference whether one raises one’s hands or not. According to Imam Abu Yusuf (r.a) one should keep his arms fold whereas Imam Muhammad (r.a) is of the view that one should leave his hands on the side. (Fatawa Rahimiyah p.22 v.6)

Regarding your question, as the particular reason for the praying of the Qunut Nazilah has come to an end, it is best not to continue reciting the Qunut Nazilah in the Fajr Salah.

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham