The supplication recited at the beginning of prayer is known as Dua al-Istiftah, or the opening supplication.
It is a recommended Sunnah that is recited after the opening takbir and before beginning the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.
Several authentic forms of the opening supplication have been reported from the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
When Is Dua al-Istiftah Recited?
Dua al-Istiftah is recited immediately after the opening takbir and before reciting Al-Fatihah.
After saying “Allahu Akbar” to begin the prayer, the worshipper may recite the opening supplication, then seek refuge in Allah and begin reciting Al-Fatihah.
The opening supplication is recommended rather than obligatory, so leaving it out does not invalidate the prayer.
Common Authentic Forms of the Opening Dua
First Form
One established 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 deity except You.”
This is one of the well-known forms of the opening supplication.
Second Form
Another authentic supplication is:
“O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the East from the West. O Allah, cleanse me of my sins as a white garment is cleansed of impurity. O Allah, wash away my sins with water, snow, and hail.”
This supplication expresses the worshipper's request for forgiveness and purification from sins.
Is the Opening Dua Obligatory?
No. Dua al-Istiftah is a recommended Sunnah rather than an obligation.
Therefore, a prayer remains valid if the worshipper does not recite it, and merely forgetting it does not require prostration of forgetfulness.
However, maintaining the Sunnah is encouraged as an act of following the example of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
Is There Only One Opening Supplication?
No. Several authentic forms have been reported.
A worshipper may use different authentic forms on different occasions. This variety is part of the reported Sunnah and allows the worshipper to practice more than one established wording.
Is It Recited in Every Prayer?
The opening supplication is prescribed at the beginning of prayer, after the opening takbir and before Al-Fatihah.
When praying in congregation, the worshipper should also observe the rulings concerning following the imam and should not allow the supplication to interfere with following the imam properly.
Opening Dua vs. Supplication in Prostration
The opening supplication is recited at the beginning of the prayer, whereas supplication during prostration is made while the worshipper is in sujood.
Each position in prayer has its own established remembrances and supplications, and the worshipper should observe them according to the Sunnah.
What is Dua al-Istiftah?
It is a recommended supplication recited after the opening takbir and before reciting Surah Al-Fatihah.
Is the opening dua obligatory?
No. It is a recommended Sunnah, and leaving it out does not invalidate the prayer.
What is one well-known opening dua?
One well-known form begins: “Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You.”
Can different opening supplications be used?
Yes. Several authentic forms have been reported, and the worshipper may alternate between them.
When is the opening dua recited?
It is recited at the beginning of the prayer, after the opening takbir and before Al-Fatihah.
