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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Salat al-Layl Qunut of Salat al-Witr The Salat al-Witr is one Rak`at and is the Salat and whispered supplication that completes the Salat al-Layl. As it has been mentioned in the ahadith, the Salat is the Me`raj of the believer, and the Salat al-Witr is the wave that carries the believer to the higher realms.

It has been specifically mentioned in the ahadith that, “The more a person stands while in the Salat al-Witr will have to stand less on the Day of Judgement.” [^1] The main item that carries one during this spiritual journey is the Qunut of the Salat al-Witr in which those who are the true servants of Allah, spend countless hours, engrossed in supplication and tears and asking forgiveness for their sins.

The Prophet of Islam Muhammad ibn `Abdullah (blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) has said: “Whichever of you prolongs the Qunut in his Salat al-Witr will have more ease on the Day of Judgement.”[^2] In the Wajib Salat, the Qunut is in place for the servant to supplicate to his Lord however in the Salat al-Witr, it is for asking forgiveness to Allah.[^3] The following verse of the Qur`an has been constantly mentioned in the ahadith in reference to asking forgiveness during the Salat and especially during the Salat al-Witr: بِالأسْحاَرِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ “…and in the morning time, they used to ask for forgiveness” [^4] During the Qunut of the Salat al-Witr, there are many supplications, which can be recited, and although it is not possible to list all of them here, we will mention the most important forms of seeking forgiveness.

At the time of asking forgiveness, one should lift his left hand for asking forgiveness and use the right hand to count the number of times[^5] and if one uses a tasbih made from the dirt of Kerbala, then the reward of the forgiveness is increased.

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