Regarding Qunūt Nāzilah

Question

On Sunday, April 3, 1941, the questioner happened to perform the Fajr congregational prayer at the Grand Mosque of Saharanpur. After the recitation in the second rak‘ah, rukū‘ was performed. Upon rising from rukū‘, the imam lowered his hands and began reciting a supplication aloud. Some followers said “āmīn” aloud, while others said it quietly. This continued for approximately ten minutes. After completing the supplication, the imam performed the two prostrations and completed the prayer with tashahhud and salām.

Answer

If oppression or hardship from disbelievers affects Muslims generally, causing widespread distress, then an imam may occasionally recite Qunūt Nāzilah in the obligatory Fajr prayer after rukū‘. This is permissible, and indications of recommendation are also reported. However, it should be done occasionally, not taken as a regular practice.

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