QUESTION:
If Dua-e-Qunoot was not read in Witr due to not understanding the meaning of Waajib, does the Witr Salaah have to be repeated?
ANSWER:
Recitation of Qunoot in Witr is Waajib according to Imaam Abu Hanifa Rahimahullah, which is the juristic view in the Madhab. However, the view held by his students is that the recitation of Qunoot in Witr is Sunnah and not Waajib. Under normal circumstances, it is necessary to follow the view of Imaam Saheb Rahimahullah, and in the queried scenario (where Qunoot was omitted), the Witr would have to be repeated. However, due to necessity, the Fatwa will be given based on the views of his students, and therefore the Witr will not have to be repeated in the above instance. Now that it is known that recitation of Qunoot in the Witr Salaah is Waajib, one should ensure that the Qunoot is recited in the Witr Salaah; otherwise, the following ruling will be applicable: if one forgetfully omits a Waajib act of Salaah unintentionally, then he must compensate for the error by performing Sajdah-e-Sahw at the end of Salaah. If he did not make Sajdah-e-Sahw, then the Salaah must be repeated. However, if one intentionally omits a Waajib act in Salaah (such as omitting the Qunoot intentionally), then Sajda-e-Sahw will not suffice; rather, the entire Salaah will have to be repeated.
ثم القنوت واجب عنده سنة عندهما كالخلاف في الوتر (شامي ج٢ص٦)
قال اصحابنا القنوت سنة في جميع السنة (تجريد القدوري)
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE MERCY KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Ahmed Saeed
Date: 14 Dhul Qa’dah 1445 / 23 May 2024
CHECKED AND APROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb