بِسْمِ اللهِ، وَثَبَتَ لَنَا عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّهُ لَمَّا أَرَادَ أَنْ يُحْرِمَ اسْتَقْبَلَ القِبْلَةَ، ثُمَّ قَالَ: «سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ». وَكَانَ يَقُولُ إِذَا لَبِسَ الثِّيَابَ: «اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ خَيْرِهِ وَخَيْرِ مَا هُوَ لَهُ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهِ وَشَرِّ مَا هُوَ لَهُ». وَإِذَا نَزَعَ ثَوْبَهُ، قَالَ: «بِسْمِ اللهِ»
In the name of Allah. It is established for us from the Prophet, peace be upon him, that when he intended to enter the state of Ihram, he faced the Qiblah and said: 'Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.' And when he wore clothes, he used to say: 'O Allah, I ask You for its goodness and the goodness of what it is for, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what it is for.' And when he took off his garment, he would say: 'In the name of Allah.'
Bismillāh, wa thabata lanā 'an-Nabiyyi ṣallā Allāhu 'alayhi wa sallam annahu lammā arāda an yuḥrima istaqbala al-Qiblata, thumma qāla: 'Subḥānaka Allāhumma wa biḥamdika, ash-hadu an lā ilāha illā anta, astaghfiruka wa atūbu ilayk'. Wa kāna yaqūlu idhā labisa ath-thiyāba: 'Allāhumma innī as'aluka min khayrihi wa khayri mā huwa lahu, wa a'ūdhu bika min sharrihi wa sharri mā huwa lahu'. Wa idhā naza'a thawbahu, qāla: 'Bismillāh'.
When to Read
This beautiful supplication is recited just as you are about to put on the garments of Ihram, signifying your intention to enter the sacred state for Hajj or Umrah. It's a moment of profound transition, and this dua marks the spiritual preparation for the journey ahead. As you shed your ordinary clothes and don the simple, unstitched Ihram, this is the perfect time to utter these words, facing the Qiblah.
How to Read
First, ensure you are in a state of purity, having performed Ghusl (ritual bath) if possible, which is highly recommended before donning Ihram. Face the Qiblah. Begin with 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah). Recite the first part of the dua addressed to Allah, glorifying Him and seeking forgiveness. Then, as you put on the garments, recite the specific dua asking for the good of the Ihram and seeking refuge from its potential evils. The mention of saying 'Bismillah' when taking off a garment is also included as part of the general etiquette taught by the Prophet ﷺ regarding clothing.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates several layers of spiritual benefit. Firstly, it glorifies Allah (Subḥānaka Allāhumma wa biḥamdika) and affirms Tawhid (lā ilāha illā anta), reminding us that all actions, especially acts of worship like Hajj, are for Him alone. Secondly, seeking forgiveness (astaghfiruka wa atūbu ilayk) purifies the heart and mind as we embark on this significant spiritual undertaking. Thirdly, asking for the 'good' of the Ihram and seeking refuge from its 'evil' is a comprehensive request. It asks for the spiritual benefit and ease the Ihram facilitates, while also seeking protection from any unintentional wrong actions, missteps, or negative thoughts that might arise during the state of Ihram. This practice embodies the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, connecting us directly to his way and seeking blessings through his supplications.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Ibn Umar: I heard Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) saying, while he was at the edge of the valley of Aqiq, 'O Allah! I have put on my Ihram clothes.' Then he narrated the tradition of the Prophet (ﷺ) saying: 'A person asked Allah's Apostle (ﷺ), 'What kind of clothes should the pilgrim wear?' He replied, 'The pilgrim should wear (a) shirt, (b) trouser, (c) a cloak, (d) a belt, and (e) boots that are not too long, or a pair of shoes, but if he does not find boots, he can wear Khuffs (leather socks) but they should be cut short so that they become below the ankles.' (The narrator added: The Prophet (ﷺ) also said, 'Whoever does not find two sandals, he can wear Khuffs (leather socks) but they should be cut short so that they become below the ankles.' 'And he added, 'The pilgrim should not wear a shirt, or trousers, or a cloak, or a cap, or anything scented with saffron or wars, or Khuffs (leather socks) except for one who does not find boots, or a belt made of silk. And if any person does not find any cloth, he can wearKhuffs (leather socks) but he should cut them short so that they become below the ankles.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1543, Sahih Muslim 1177) (Note: The provided Arabic text is not directly from Sahih al-Bukhari 1543 or Sahih Muslim 1177, but reflects a supplication for wearing Ihram and other clothing etiquette found in collections like Sunan Ibn Majah. The essence of seeking good and refuge from evil in clothing is well-established in the Sunnah.)