Title: Reciting Du`a e Qunoot Question: What is meant by Do'a Qanoot? Is Vitar Prayer of Isha is incomplete without reciting of this Do'a? Is Do'a Qanoot is an obligation for Vitar Prayer? Can we recite any other Do'a instead of Do'a Qanoot? Please tell me in the light of Quran & Sunnah? Thanks M.ASLAM SAQI Answer: "Qunoot" means 'obedience'. Thus, from a literal perspective, Du`a-e-Qunoot would mean the supplication expressing obedience to God. As a term, "Du`a e Qunoot" refers to supplications reported as having been recited by the Prophet (pbuh) during his prayers. Du`a e Qunoot is an extremely beautiful and concise supplication expressing our love, respect, reverence, reliance and hope in God. It is reported that the Prophet (pbuh) used to recite this supplication during his prayers. Thus, even though this supplication is not an essential part of the Sala'h , yet one may recite it any of his prayers. It is reported that the Prophet (pbuh) would generally recite it during his Fajr and/or Maghrib prayers. It is also reported that when a calamity befalls a people, then they may even recite it more frequently (even if it is in all of their prayers), indicating their collective repentance and the rejuvenation of their collective relationship with their Creator. As in other prayers, one may also recite this supplication in the Witr prayers. However, reciting it during the Witr prayers is not obligatory. Finally, at the time of offering our supplications, we may recite any supplications we like (during our prayers in seclusion). I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad January 18, 2002