After completing an obligatory prayer and saying salam, Muslims are encouraged to maintain the adhkar and supplications reported from Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
One of the first things to recite is seeking Allah's forgiveness three times, followed by:
“Allahumma anta al-salam, wa minkas-salam, tabarakta ya dhal-jalali wal-ikram.”
These post-prayer adhkar include seeking forgiveness, glorifying Allah, praising Him, declaring His oneness, and reciting Quranic verses.
What Should Be Said Immediately After Prayer?
Seeking Forgiveness Three Times
After the prayer, the worshipper says:
“Astaghfirullah”
“Astaghfirullah”
“Astaghfirullah.”
Then says:
“O Allah, You are Peace, and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of Majesty and Honor.”
Tahlil After Prayer
Among the established forms of remembrance after prayer is:
“There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner. To Him belongs the dominion and all praise, and He has power over all things.”
Another reported wording includes:
“O Allah, none can withhold what You give, and none can give what You withhold, and the wealth of a wealthy person cannot benefit him against You.”
Tasbih, Tahmid and Takbir After Prayer
One of the most well-known forms of post-prayer remembrance is:
“Subhanallah” — 33 times.
“Alhamdulillah” — 33 times.
“Allahu Akbar” — 33 times.
The hundred is then completed by saying:
“There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner. To Him belongs the dominion and all praise, and He has power over all things.”
These are among the important adhkar recommended after the obligatory prayers.
Reciting Ayat al-Kursi After Prayer
Muslims are encouraged to recite Ayat al-Kursi, verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah, after the obligatory prayers.
It begins:
“Allah—there is no deity worthy of worship except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all…”
The verse should be recited to its conclusion.
Reciting the Mu'awwidhat After Prayer
The worshipper may recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas after the obligatory prayers.
They are generally recited once after each obligatory prayer, while reciting them three times after Fajr and Maghrib is recommended.
Can You Make Dua After Prayer?
Yes. A Muslim may make personal dua after prayer and ask Allah for whatever is good in this life and the Hereafter.
However, it is useful to distinguish between the specific adhkar reported after prayer and personal supplication.
Maintaining the established adhkar first is recommended, after which the worshipper may make personal dua.
What Is the Best Place for Dua During Prayer?
If the question refers to supplication during the prayer itself, sujood is one of the greatest places for making dua. Supplication before the final salam is also an established opportunity.
After completing the prayer, the worshipper begins with the prescribed adhkar and may then make personal supplication.
A Simple Order for Post-Prayer Adhkar
After each obligatory prayer, a Muslim can follow this simple sequence:
- Seek Allah's forgiveness three times.
- Say: “Allahumma anta al-salam, wa minkas-salam, tabarakta ya dhal-jalali wal-ikram.”
- Recite the prescribed forms of tahlil and remembrance.
- Say Subhanallah 33 times.
- Say Alhamdulillah 33 times.
- Say Allahu Akbar 33 times.
- Complete the hundred with tahlil.
- Recite Ayat al-Kursi.
- Recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas.
There are multiple authentic forms of remembrance, so Muslims do not have to restrict themselves to one wording in every prayer.
Conclusion
The best practice after prayer is to maintain the authentic adhkar reported from Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. These include seeking forgiveness three times, saying “Allahumma anta al-salam,” reciting tasbih, tahmid and takbir, declaring Allah's oneness, and reciting Ayat al-Kursi and the Mu'awwidhat.
Maintaining these adhkar after the obligatory prayers helps the Muslim remain connected to the remembrance of Allah after completing Salah.
What is the first dua after prayer?
The worshipper begins by seeking Allah's forgiveness three times, followed by “Allahumma anta al-salam, wa minkas-salam.”
How many times should Subhanallah be said after prayer?
A well-known form is 33 times, followed by Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allahu Akbar 33 times, completing the hundred with tahlil.
Should Ayat al-Kursi be recited after every prayer?
Yes. It is recommended to recite Ayat al-Kursi after the obligatory prayers.
How many times are the Mu'awwidhat recited after prayer?
Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas are recited once after the obligatory prayers, and three times after Fajr and Maghrib.
Can I make personal dua after prayer?
Yes. Personal dua is permissible after prayer, while maintaining the prescribed adhkar is also recommended.
