Every prayer begins with essential preparatory steps that set the spiritual tone for your entire salah. In this episode of “The Prophet’s Prayer” series, the focus is on the opening elements: formulating the intention, facing the Qiblah, the opening takbir, hand placement, the opening supplication (du’a al-istiftah), seeking refuge from Shaytan, and the proper recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.
Beginning Your Prayer the Prophetic Way
Before any word is spoken, the worshipper must face the Qiblah and formulate a sincere intention in the heart. The prayer then begins with the takbir — “Allahu Akbar” — while raising the hands. The right hand is placed over the left on the chest, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) was observed doing by his companions. What follows is the opening supplication, recited silently, which beautifully sets the tone of humility and devotion before Allah.
“Allahu Akbaru Kabira, walhamdulillahi Kathira, wa Subhan Allahi bukratan wa asila — Allah is the Greatest, much praise is due to Allah, and glory be to Allah morning and evening.”
Step-by-Step: The Opening of Salah
- Opening supplication: Recited silently after the takbir — multiple prophetic variations exist, and it is excellent to learn and rotate between them
- Seeking refuge (Isti’adhah): “A’udhu billahi minash-Shaytanir-rajeem” is recited only once, in the very first rak’ah of the prayer
- Bismillah: “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem” is recited silently before Surah Al-Fatihah, even when leading prayer aloud
- Surah Al-Fatihah: This is a pillar (rukn) of the prayer — without it, the prayer is invalid, as the Prophet stated clearly
- Saying “Ameen”: After Al-Fatihah, saying “Ameen” in unison with the angels can lead to the forgiveness of all your sins
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: whoever’s ‘Ameen’ coincides with the ‘Ameen’ of the angels, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
The Foundation of Every Prayer
These opening steps — from the intention to the completion of Surah Al-Fatihah — form the spiritual foundation upon which every prayer is built. By performing them with knowledge, focus, and sincerity, a Muslim transforms the daily routine of salah into a profound, personal audience with the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Take the time to learn each step properly, and your prayer will become the coolness of your eyes.
