Before reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, the worshipper is encouraged to say Dua Al-Istiftah, the opening supplication.
It is recited quietly after the opening takbir and before Quranic recitation. According to the supplied material, it is a recommended Sunnah in both obligatory and voluntary prayers.
What Is Dua Al-Istiftah?
Dua Al-Istiftah is the supplication recited at the beginning of prayer after the opening takbir and before reciting Al-Fatihah.
There are multiple reported forms of this supplication, and a Muslim may use one of the established forms.
The Supplication Reported from Abu Hurairah
One of the reported forms 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 dirt. O Allah, wash away my sins with snow, water and hail.”
This supplication asks Allah to distance the worshipper from sins and purify them from wrongdoing.
When Is Dua Al-Istiftah Recited?
The opening supplication is recited after the opening takbir and before Surah Al-Fatihah.
It is said quietly at the beginning of the prayer and is recommended for both obligatory and voluntary prayers according to the supplied material.
Is Dua Al-Istiftah Obligatory?
Dua Al-Istiftah is a recommended Sunnah rather than an obligatory component of prayer. Therefore, omitting it does not invalidate the prayer.
Are There Different Forms of the Opening Supplication?
Yes. Several forms of Dua Al-Istiftah have been reported. The worshipper may use one of the reported forms rather than being restricted to a single wording.
One well-known form begins with the supplication: “O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the East from the West.”
What should I say after the opening takbir?
You may say Dua Al-Istiftah quietly before beginning the recitation of Al-Fatihah.
What is Dua Al-Istiftah?
It is the opening supplication recited after the opening takbir and before Al-Fatihah.
Is Dua Al-Istiftah obligatory?
No. It is a recommended Sunnah and is not an essential pillar of prayer.
Is Dua Al-Istiftah recited in obligatory and voluntary prayers?
Yes, according to the supplied material, it is recommended in both obligatory and voluntary prayers.
Should Dua Al-Istiftah be recited aloud?
No. It is recited quietly.
