Every day, millions of Muslims stand for prayer (Salah) and begin with the powerful phrase, Allahu Akbar. This declaration, meaning “Allah is the Greatest,” marks the start of a direct conversation with our Creator. But have you ever wondered what to say after Allahu Akbar in Salah?
This guide will walk you through the beautiful supplications (duas) you can recite after saying the first Allahu Akbar in your prayer. Understanding these words will not only perfect your Salah but also deepen your connection and focus.
The First ‘Allahu Akbar’: More Than Just Words
The very first time you say Allahu Akbar in your prayer is special. It’s called the Takbirat al-Ihram. This isn’t just a phrase; it’s the official entry into your prayer. Once you say it, the outside world is left behind, and your focus is solely on Allah.
So, what does Allahu Akbar mean? It is a declaration of Allah’s ultimate greatness. It reminds us that whatever worries or tasks we have, Allah is greater than them all. This mindset is the perfect way to begin your Salah.
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The Opening Dua: what to say after Allahu Akbar in Salah
After the Takbirat al-Ihram and before reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, it is a highly recommended Sunnah (practice of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) to recite an opening supplication. This is known as Du’a al-Istiftah.
There isn’t just one dua after Allahu Akbar; the Prophet (ﷺ) taught several. You can memorize and use any of them to enrich your prayer. Here are two of the most well-known options.
Dua Option 1: The Dua for Purity and Distance from Sin
This is a comprehensive Allahu Akbar dua reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, making it highly authentic. It is a beautiful plea for purification.
- Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ بَاعِدْ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ خَطَايَايَ كَمَا بَاعَدْتَ بَيْنَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ، اللَّهُمَّ نَقِّنِي مِنْ خَطَايَايَ كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ، اللَّهُمَّ اغْسِلْنِي مِنْ خَطَايَايَ بِالثَّلْجِ وَالْمَاءِ وَالْبَرَدِ - Meaning:
“O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the East from the West. O Allah, purify me of my sins as a white garment is purified of filth. O Allah, wash me of my sins with snow, water, and hail.”
Dua Option 2: The Dua of Glorification
This is another popular and powerful dua after takbeer in Salah. It’s shorter and very easy to memorize, making it perfect for beginners, children, and anyone looking for a simple yet profound supplication.
- Arabic:
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ، وَلَا إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ - Meaning:
“Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise. Blessed is Your Name, and exalted is Your Majesty. There is no god but You.”
Choosing one of these duas is a wonderful way to begin your prayer, setting a tone of humility and praise.
Now you know What To Say After Allahu Akbar In Salah.
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Seeking Refuge: The Next Step Before Al-Fatiha
After you have completed your opening dua, and just before you begin reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, you should seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan (Satan).
This is a crucial step for maintaining focus in your Allahu Akbar prayer.
- What to Say:
أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ - The meaning of Auzubillah minashaitan nirajeem is:
“I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.”
By saying this, you are asking Allah to protect your prayer from whispers, distractions, and doubts, allowing you to connect with Him fully.
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FAQ
Is it mandatory to recite an opening dua after saying ‘Allahu Akbar’?
No, it is not mandatory (Fard). It is a Sunnah, meaning it was a practice of the Prophet (ﷺ) and is highly recommended. Your prayer is valid without it, but including it brings great reward and helps you focus.
What happens if I forget the opening dua and start Surah Al-Fatiha?
Your prayer is still perfectly valid. Simply continue with your recitation of Al-Fatiha and the rest of your prayer. Don’t let a small mistake disrupt your connection with Allah.