Dua Al-Istiftah is the supplication recommended at the beginning of the prayer, after the opening takbir and before reciting Surah Al-Fatihah.
Several authentic forms have been reported from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. A worshipper may use any authentic form and may alternate between them during different prayers.
First Authentic Form
One established form of the opening supplication is:
«سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك، وتبارك اسمك، وتعالى جدك، ولا إله غيرك».
This supplication praises and glorifies Allah and affirms His absolute oneness.
Second Authentic Form
Another authentic form is:
«اللهم باعد بيني وبين خطاياي كما باعدت بين المشرق والمغرب، اللهم نقني من خطاياي كما ينقى الثوب الأبيض من الدنس، اللهم اغسلني من خطاياي بالماء والثلج والبرد».
This supplication asks Allah for forgiveness and purification from sins, expressing the desire to be separated from wrongdoing as far as east is from west.
When Is Dua Al-Istiftah Recited?
Dua Al-Istiftah is recited after the opening takbir and before Surah Al-Fatihah.
It is a recommended Sunnah rather than an obligatory pillar of the prayer. Therefore, leaving it out does not invalidate the prayer.
Must One Use Only One Form?
There is no requirement to use only one form of Dua Al-Istiftah.
A Muslim may alternate between authentic forms reported from the Prophet ﷺ, allowing different established Sunnah supplications to be practiced.
When is Dua Al-Istiftah recited?
It is recited after the opening takbir and before reciting Surah Al-Fatihah.
Is Dua Al-Istiftah obligatory?
No. It is a recommended Sunnah, and omitting it does not invalidate the prayer.
Are there multiple forms of Dua Al-Istiftah?
Yes. Several authentic forms have been reported from the Prophet ﷺ.
Can a Muslim alternate between the different forms?
Yes. A worshipper may alternate between authentic forms reported in the Sunnah.
