The Sunnah Method of Qunoot in Witr and Details of Reciting Before Rukuʿ
Reference: Ahkam wa Masail, Namaz ka Bayan, Vol. 1, p. 223
❖ The Status of Qunoot in Witr
Qunoot in Witr is Sunnah, established from the blessed Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and in practice, it carries virtue.
❖ The Place of Reciting Qunoot
There are two valid positions for reciting Qunoot in Witr:
◈ Before Rukuʿ
◈ After Rukuʿ
Both positions are correct. The best way is to sometimes recite it before Rukuʿ and at other times after Rukuʿ, thereby practicing both Sunnah methods.
❖ Method of Reciting Qunoot Before Rukuʿ
On Raising the Hands:
When Qunoot is recited before Rukuʿ:
◈ It should be recited in the manner of a supplication.
◈ It should be recited without raising the hands.
◈ Saying “Allāhu Akbar” before starting Qunoot is not required.
In other words:
After completing the recitation of a Sūrah or verses, one should begin the supplication of Qunoot directly — without Takbeer and without raising the hands.
❖ Wiping the Hands Over the Face After Qunoot
If someone did raise their hands (in the manner of supplication) during Qunoot, then:
◈ There is no authentic evidence for wiping the hands over the face after Qunoot.
◈ Therefore, the better practice is to leave the hands without wiping them over the face.
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
