Quora Answer: Can Swalah al-Witr be Performed without Du’a Qunut?

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Can swalah al-witr be performed without du’a qunut?” 

Yes.  Swalah al-witr is a sunnah al-mu’akkadah, an emphasised obligatory practice.  It is considered better to recite the du’a qunut, if you are able, but the du’a is not a condition of the swalah being complete.  If you are unable to recite du’a qunut, you may substitute it with any du’a of your preference, or even say any dzikr, such as “Ya Rabbi”. 

The religion is meant to be easy.  We fulfill it according to our capacity.  Those who have the ability, can try to do it as the Prophet (s.a.w.) was known to have done it.  Those who are unable, or are still learning, may avail themselves to something simpler.  Ultimately, what matters most is the sincere intent to please Allah (s.w.t.).