An appeal or invocation; usually refers to supplicatory prayers in Islam. These are often performed kneeling at the end of the formal ritual prayers (salat) and are accompanied by a gesture of outraised hands with the palms facing up. Special duas follow formulas established by the Prophet Muhammed and other significant religious leaders. Examples of these special supplications are dua al-qunut, a supplication requesting guidance and protection, which is often recited during the dawn or single evening (witr) prayer and dua al-komayl, which Shiis recommend reciting every Thursday night.