سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، تَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ، وَلاَ إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ
"Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. Blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your majesty. There is no god but You."
Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika, tabaarakasmuka, wa ta'aala jadduka, wa laa ilaaha ghayruk.
When to Read
This powerful supplication is ideally recited at the beginning of your Tahajjud prayer, after you have finished your ablution and are about to commence the Salah. It can also be made as a general dua during the blessed hours of the night, especially when you are sitting in solitude and seeking to connect with your Creator. The intention is to begin your worship with a profound recognition of Allah's perfection and glory, setting the stage for deep contemplation.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a heart full of awe for Allah. Begin by making wudu properly. When you stand for Tahajjud, before starting Surah Al-Fatihah, say this dua. Raise your hands as you typically would for supplication. Focus on the meaning of each word, allowing it to fill your heart with reverence. The act of reflecting on Allah's creation is an extension of this worship, so as you continue your prayer, let your mind wander to the wonders Allah has brought into existence.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is known as the 'opening dua' for the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ night prayers. Reciting it signifies a conscious submission to Allah's greatness before engaging in intimate conversation with Him through prayer. It purifies the mind and heart, preparing you for deeper reflection. By starting with this, you are asking Allah to grant you clarity and focus to truly appreciate His magnificent creation during the stillness of Tahajjud. Reflecting on creation during Tahajjud elevates your understanding of Allah's power and wisdom, fostering greater gratitude and love for Him.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri: When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ stood up to pray at night, he would start by saying: "Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. Blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your majesty. There is no god but You." (Sunan Abi Dawud 877). This specific phrasing is found in the context of his night prayer, indicating its significance in beginning such a blessed act of worship.