Yes. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is authentically reported to have said an opening supplication at the beginning of prayer. However, it is recited after the opening takbir and before reciting Al-Fatihah, rather than before the takbir.
Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه reported that when the Prophet ﷺ stood for prayer, he would say the takbir and then recite: “I have turned my face toward the One who created the heavens and the earth...” This narration is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Abu Dawud, and al-Tirmidhi.
When Is the Opening Supplication Recited?
The Sunnah is to begin the prayer with the opening takbir by saying “Allahu Akbar.” The worshipper then recites the opening supplication, seeks refuge in Allah from Satan, and proceeds to recite Al-Fatihah.
The wording of the hadith is clear: “When he stood for prayer, he said the takbir, then he said...” This establishes that the takbir comes before the opening supplication.
What Is One Authentic Opening Supplication?
Among the supplications authentically reported from the Prophet ﷺ is:
“I have turned my face toward the One who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth and submitting to Him, and I am not among the polytheists. Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are for Allah, Lord of the worlds...”
This longer supplication is reported from Ali رضي الله عنه in Sahih Muslim.
Another reported form begins:
“Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. Blessed is Your Name, exalted is Your Majesty, and there is no deity but You.”
Is There a Specific Supplication Before the Opening Takbir?
There is no established prophetic supplication specifically prescribed to be recited before the opening takbir at the beginning of prayer.
The established practice is to say the opening takbir first and then recite the opening supplication.
What Is the Correct Order at the Beginning of Prayer?
The basic sequence is:
- Face the qiblah and prepare for prayer.
- Make the intention in the heart.
- Say “Allahu Akbar” for the opening takbir.
- Recite the opening supplication.
- Seek refuge in Allah from Satan.
- Recite Al-Fatihah and then whatever Quran is easy to recite.
Therefore, there is no need for a specific supplication before the opening takbir. The Sunnah places the opening supplication after the takbir.
Conclusion
An opening supplication is authentically reported from the Prophet ﷺ at the beginning of prayer. However, the authentic narrations indicate that it is recited after the opening takbir and before Quran recitation.
As for a specific supplication to be recited before the opening takbir, no such supplication has been authentically established from the Prophet ﷺ in this context.
Is the opening supplication obligatory?
No. It is a Sunnah and is not one of the pillars or obligatory components of the prayer.
When is the opening supplication recited?
It is recited after the opening takbir and before reciting Al-Fatihah.
Can it be recited before the takbir?
The established Sunnah is to recite it after the takbir. No specific opening supplication before the takbir has been authentically established.
Are there different forms of the opening supplication?
Yes. Several authentic forms have been reported from the Prophet ﷺ.
What comes first: the opening supplication or Al-Fatihah?
The opening takbir comes first, followed by the opening supplication, then seeking refuge in Allah, and then reciting Al-Fatihah.
