Qunut al-Nawazil: A Jurisprudential Study

Abstract

Abstract:

Allah’s divine law has decreed that His servants will be tested with various kinds of tribulations for profound and great wisdom. Our Prophet ﷺ has informed us of the many afflictions that will occur at the end of times, stating that this Ummah has been granted well-being in its early stages, but "its later generations will face tribulations and matters that they will disapprove of." In our present era, the Ummah has been afflicted with various calamities, hardships, and crises, leading people to frequently ask about the legitimacy of performing Qunūt during obligatory and voluntary prayers. Scholars have presented different jurisprudential opinions regarding many aspects of this noble act of worship.

In this focused research, I have compiled the most significant issues related to Qunūt al-Nawāzil and highlighted its key rulings. I have concluded that Qunūt is legislated for every praying individual, whether an Imam or praying alone, when severe calamities afflict Muslims due to human aggression. However, it is not legislated for the prevention or removal of pandemics, contagious diseases, earthquakes, or volcanoes. Additionally, Qunūt al-Nawāzil is permissible in all five daily prayers and optional in voluntary prayers but is not a confirmed Sunnah.

The ruling on performing Qunūt in obligatory prayers should be based on a legal verdict (fatwa) issued by qualified scholars and jurists, rather than being determined by public opinion, even if they are mosque Imams. Furthermore, Qunūt should not exceed a month for calamities that have occurred and then subsided. As for ongoing tribulations, the ruling on performing Qunūt remains tied to their severity; as long as the hardship persists, its legitimacy remains valid even if it exceeds a month. However, if the severity diminishes or its cause ceases, Qunūt is no longer legislated. Determining these matters should be left to scholars and jurists specialized in issuing fatwas.

I ask Allah to make this research beneficial to both its author and reader and to grant sincerity in its purpose, making it a source of reward and provision for the Hereafter. May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his companions.