Many Muslims ask: What supplication should be said before starting the prayer? Is there a specific dua that should be recited before saying the opening Takbir?
The correct distinction is that the Dua al-Istiftah, or opening supplication, is not recited before the opening Takbir. It is recited after the Takbir and before reciting Surah Al-Fatihah. It is a recommended verbal Sunnah of prayer.
There is no specific supplication that must be recited before entering the prayer. The worshipper begins the prayer by saying “Allahu Akbar”, then may recite the opening supplication.
What Is Dua al-Istiftah?
Dua al-Istiftah is the supplication recited at the beginning of the prayer, after the opening Takbir and before Al-Fatihah.
Several authentic forms have been reported from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
One of the well-known forms is:
“Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. Blessed is Your Name, exalted is Your majesty, and there is no god but You.”
A Muslim may use any authentic form of the opening supplication. It is not necessary to combine several forms in the same prayer.
Another Form: “O Allah, Distance Me from My Sins”
Another authentic form of the opening supplication is:
“O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the East from the West. O Allah, purify me from my sins as a white garment is purified from impurity. O Allah, wash away my sins with water, snow and hail.”
This supplication asks Allah for forgiveness and purification from sins.
When Is Dua al-Istiftah Recited?
The opening supplication is recited after the opening Takbir and before reciting Al-Fatihah.
The beginning of the prayer can therefore be summarized as follows:
- The worshipper faces the Qiblah and forms the intention for prayer.
- He says “Allahu Akbar” to enter the prayer.
- He recites the opening supplication.
- He seeks refuge in Allah from Satan.
- He recites Surah Al-Fatihah.
Is There a Dua Before the Opening Takbir?
There is no established specific supplication from the Prophet ﷺ that must be recited before the opening Takbir as part of the prayer.
The worshipper therefore enters the prayer by saying “Allahu Akbar”, followed by the opening supplication.
It is important to distinguish between making a general personal dua before prayer and Dua al-Istiftah, which belongs to the beginning of the prayer after the opening Takbir.
Is Dua al-Istiftah Obligatory?
Dua al-Istiftah is recommended, not obligatory. Therefore, leaving it out does not invalidate the prayer.
Whoever recites one of the authentic forms has followed the Sunnah, while whoever leaves it out has no sin and their prayer remains valid.
What Is the Best Opening Supplication?
There is not only one valid form, because several forms have been authentically reported from the Prophet ﷺ.
Among the well-known forms is:
“Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. Blessed is Your Name, exalted is Your majesty, and there is no god but You.”
Another is:
“O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the East from the West. O Allah, purify me from my sins as a white garment is purified from impurity. O Allah, wash away my sins with water, snow and hail.”
Muslims may learn and alternate between the authentic forms, following the example of the Prophet ﷺ.
What should I say before starting the prayer?
There is no specific established dua before the opening Takbir. The prayer begins with “Allahu Akbar”, followed by the opening supplication.
When is Dua al-Istiftah recited?
It is recited after the opening Takbir and before Surah Al-Fatihah.
What is a well-known opening dua?
One well-known form is: “Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. Blessed is Your Name, exalted is Your majesty, and there is no god but You.”
Is Dua al-Istiftah obligatory?
No. It is a recommended Sunnah, and omitting it does not invalidate the prayer.
Can I leave out the opening supplication?
Yes. The prayer remains valid if the opening supplication is omitted.
