Many Muslims ask about the adhkar before prayer and whether there is a specific supplication that should be recited immediately before saying Takbir al-Ihram.

The established practice is that there is no specific dhikr prescribed to be recited immediately before Takbir al-Ihram. However, there are authentic supplications and acts of remembrance connected with the adhan, going to the mosque, and beginning the prayer.

Once the worshipper says “Allahu Akbar” to begin the prayer, the opening supplication, known as Du'a al-Istiftah, may then be recited before Surat Al-Fatihah.

Adhkar Before Prayer

There is no specific authentic dhikr that must be recited immediately before Takbir al-Ihram.

A Muslim may prepare for prayer by performing ablution, going to the mosque, remembering Allah, responding to the adhan, and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

After standing for prayer and saying “Allahu Akbar,” the worshipper enters the prayer and may recite one of the established opening supplications.

Authentic Opening Supplications

Du'a al-Istiftah is a Sunnah that is recited after Takbir al-Ihram and before reciting Al-Fatihah.

One authentic supplication is:

“Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdik, wa tabarak asmuk, wa ta'ala jadduk, wa la ilaha ghayruk.”

Another authentic supplication is:

“Allahumma ba'id bayni wa bayna khatayaya kama ba'adta bayna al-mashriqi wal-maghrib. Allahumma naqqini min khatayaya kama yunqqa ath-thawb al-abyad min ad-danas. Allahumma aghsilni min khatayaya bil-ma'i wath-thalji wal-barad.”

Another established form is:

“Wajjahtu wajhiya lilladhi fatara as-samawati wal-arda hanifan musliman wa ma ana min al-mushrikin. Inna salati wa nusuki wa mahyaya wa mamati lillahi rabbil-'alamin. La sharika lah, wa bidhalika umirtu wa ana awwalul-muslimin.”

The worshipper may choose one of the authentic forms without needing to combine all of them in the same prayer.

What Should Be Said When Hearing the Adhan?

When the Muslim hears the adhan, it is Sunnah to repeat the words of the caller to prayer.

When the caller says:

“Hayya 'ala as-salah” and “Hayya 'ala al-falah,”

the listener says:

“La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.”

After the adhan, the Muslim should send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ and then make the established supplication:

“Allahumma Rabba hadhihi ad-da'watit-tammah, was-salatil-qa'imah, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wal-fadilah, wab'athu maqaman mahmudan alladhi wa'adtah.”

What Is Said When Going to the Mosque?

There are authentic supplications for going to the mosque and asking Allah for light, guidance, and protection.

Among the established supplications is:

“Allahumma aj'al fi qalbi nuran, wa fi lisani nuran, wa fi sam'i nuran, wa fi basari nuran, wa min fawqi nuran, wa min tahti nuran, wa 'an yamini nuran, wa 'an shimali nuran, wa min amami nuran, wa min khalfi nuran, waj'al li nuran.”

These supplications help the Muslim prepare spiritually for standing before Allah and approaching prayer with tranquility and humility.

Is Du'a al-Istiftah Said Before Prayer?

No. Du'a al-Istiftah is recited after Takbir al-Ihram, not before the prayer begins.

The worshipper faces the qiblah and intends to pray, then says:

“Allahu Akbar.”

After that, the opening supplication may be recited, followed by seeking refuge in Allah and reciting Al-Fatihah.

Therefore, Du'a al-Istiftah should not be confused with the adhkar associated with the adhan or going to the mosque.

The Main Adhkar Connected to Prayer

The most important adhkar connected with prayer can be summarized as follows:

• When hearing the adhan: Repeat the words of the caller to prayer.
• After the adhan: Send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ and make the established supplication.
• While going to the mosque: Recite the supplications asking Allah for light and guidance.
• After Takbir al-Ihram: Recite Du'a al-Istiftah.
• After the opening supplication: Seek refuge in Allah and recite Al-Fatihah.

The key is to follow what has been authentically established from the Prophet ﷺ and avoid treating an unspecified phrase as a fixed Sunnah before Takbir al-Ihram.

Is there a specific dhikr before Takbir al-Ihram?

There is no specific authentic dhikr prescribed immediately before Takbir al-Ihram.

When is Du'a al-Istiftah recited?

It is recited after Takbir al-Ihram and before reciting Surat Al-Fatihah.

Can different opening supplications be used?

Yes. A Muslim may alternate between the authentic forms of Du'a al-Istiftah.

What should I say when I hear the adhan?

Repeat what the caller says, except when he says “Hayya 'ala as-salah” and “Hayya 'ala al-falah,” when you say: “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.”

What should I say after the adhan?

Send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ and recite the established supplication asking Allah to grant Muhammad ﷺ Al-Wasilah and Al-Fadilah and the Praised Station.