Q: Is it permissible to supplicate upon rising from the final Ruku` (bowing) when praying the Fajr (Morning) Prayer? I lead a group of Muslims in prayer and when I did so, I was told that it is not permissible to supplicate in the Fajr Prayer. I am confused and I need an answer to my question.

A: It was not mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said or observed Qunut (supplication recited while standing after bowing in the last unit of Prayer) when praying Fajr Prayer. It was confirmed that he (peace be upon him) said Qunut when the Muslims were stricken with afflictions, each time with a suitable supplication. He said Qunut in the Fajr Prayer as well as in other prayers. He supplicated against the tribes of Ri`l, Dhakwan, and `Usayyah for killing the reciters of the Qur'an whom he sent to teach them their religion. It was confirmed that he (peace be upon him) said Qunut asking Allah to save the weak believers from their enemy, but he did not do that constantly. After the Prophet's death, the Rightly-Guided Caliphs followed his example. Therefore, it is better for you to say Qunut in trials, imitating the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). It was reported that Abu Malik Al-Ashja`y said, “I asked my father: 'You prayed behind the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), Abu Bakr, `Umar, `Uthman, and `Aly; did they say Qunut in the Fajr Prayer?' He replied, 'Dear son! This is an innovation.'" (Related by the Five Compilers of Hadith: Imams Ahmad, Al-Tirmidhy, Al-Nasa'y and Ibn Majah but not Abu Dawud) The best of guidance is that of Muhammad (peace be upon him).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.