سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، تَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ، وَلاَ إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ
"Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praise is Yours. Blessed be Your name, and exalted be Your Majesty. There is no god but You."
Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdik, wa tabarakasmuk, wa ta'ala jadduk, wa la ilaha ghayruk.
When to Read
This beautiful invocation is recited at the very beginning of the prayer, immediately after the *takbir* (saying Allahu Akbar) and before reciting Surah Al-Fatihah. It's known as the *Dua al-Istiftah* (Opening Dua). Imagine you've just declared, 'Allahu Akbar!' You've raised your hands, signifying that Allah is greater than anything you might be preoccupied with. This dua then fills that sacred pause, setting the tone for your entire prayer. It’s a moment to consciously acknowledge Allah’s unparalleled glory before diving into His words.
How to Read
Recite this dua softly after you say 'Allahu Akbar' to begin your prayer. It is a private supplication between you and your Lord, so there's no need to raise your voice. The focus is on the heartfelt remembrance and glorification of Allah. Allow these words to sink in, connecting you to the immense majesty they describe before you embark on the recitation of the Quran.
Virtues & Benefits
This opening dua is a profound way to purify our intentions and hearts before we engage in direct conversation with our Creator. It reminds us of Allah's absolute perfection and transcendence – that He is free from any deficiency and deserving of all praise. By starting our prayer with this recognition of His greatness, we shift our focus away from worldly distractions and towards the One who truly matters. It's a way of entering Allah's presence with the utmost respect and awareness of His grandeur, helping us achieve the *khushu'* (humility and concentration) that is so vital in our prayer.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said the Takbir, he would remain silent for a moment. I said: "May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, O Messenger of Allah! What do you say during your silence between the Takbir and the recitation?" He said: "I say: 'Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdik, wa tabarakasmuk, wa ta'ala jadduk, wa la ilaha ghayruk.'" (Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praise is Yours. Blessed be Your name, and exalted be Your Majesty. There is no god but You.)