If the question refers to the supplication recited at the beginning of Salah after the opening declaration and before reciting the first chapter, it is known as the opening supplication.
It is a recommended Sunnah rather than an obligatory part of the prayer. Therefore, leaving it out does not invalidate Salah.
There is also no single supplication that every Muslim must recite before beginning Salah. Several authentic forms have been reported, allowing worshippers to choose among them.
What Is the Status of the Opening Supplication?
The opening supplication is considered a recommended Sunnah by the majority of scholars.
It is recited after the opening declaration of prayer and before beginning the Quranic recitation.
A person who does not recite it may continue with the prayer normally, because it is not a condition for the validity of Salah.
Common Forms of the Opening Supplication
Several authentic forms of the opening supplication have been reported from the Prophet. Among the best known are:
First Form
Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praise belongs to You. Blessed is Your Name, exalted is Your Majesty, and there is no deity besides You.
Second Form
O Allah, place a great distance between me and my sins, just as You have placed a great distance between the east and 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.
Third Form
I have turned my face toward the One who created the heavens and the earth, following pure faith, and I am not among those who associate partners with Allah. Indeed, my prayer, sacrifice, life, and death belong to Allah, Lord of the worlds. He has no partner. This is what I have been commanded, and I am among those who submit.
When Is the Opening Supplication Recited?
The opening supplication is recited after the opening declaration of prayer and before the recitation of the first chapter.
Thus, at the beginning of Salah, the worshipper makes the opening declaration, recites the opening supplication, and then begins the Quranic recitation.
Is the Opening Supplication Obligatory?
No. The opening supplication is recommended rather than obligatory.
A Muslim who omits it does not invalidate the prayer. A person who begins Quranic recitation immediately after the opening declaration still has a valid prayer.
Can Different Forms of the Opening Supplication Be Used?
Yes. A worshipper may use any authentic form of the opening supplication.
It is also beneficial to vary between authentic forms during different prayers rather than restricting oneself to one form every time.
What supplication is said before reciting the first chapter?
The opening supplication is recited after the opening declaration and before Quranic recitation.
Is the opening supplication obligatory?
No. It is a recommended Sunnah, and omitting it does not invalidate Salah.
When should the opening supplication be recited?
It should be recited after the opening declaration of prayer and before reciting the first chapter.
Is there only one opening supplication?
No. Several authentic forms have been reported from the Prophet.
Is Salah valid without the opening supplication?
Yes. Salah remains valid because the opening supplication is not an obligatory pillar of the prayer.
