Opening (Iftitah) Prayer: Subhanaka and Wajjhtu
In prayer, the supplication recited immediately after the opening Takbir and before Surah Al-Fatiha is referred to in jurisprudence as 'Sena' (Praise) or 'Teveccüh'. In that first moment when the servant stands before their Creator, expressing His glory, perfection, and oneness before directly asking for anything is the highest manifestation of Islamic etiquette. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), who saw the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) silently reciting something at the beginning of the prayer, asked, 'May my mother and father be sacrificed for you, O Messenger of Allah, what do you recite between the Takbir and the recitation?' Following this, the Iftitah supplications were transmitted to the community. However, independent narrations of the Iftitah from various companions such as Aisha, Umar, Ali, and Ibn Umar have determined the preferences of the schools of thought on this matter.
سُبْحَانَكَ اللّٰهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ، وَلَا إِلٰهَ غَيْرُكَ.
Pronunciation
Sübhânekellâhümme ve bi-hamdik. Ve tebârakesmük. Ve teâlâ ceddük. Ve lâ ilâhe ğayruk.
Translation
O Allah! I glorify You from all imperfections and I praise You. Blessed is Your name. How exalted is Your glory, majesty, and power. There is no deity but You.
Jurisprudential Basis
The Hanafi school prefers the 'Subhanaka' supplication, which is narrated from Aisha and Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with them) as the Iftitah prayer, and which Umar also taught to the congregation from the pulpit in the Prophet's Mosque. According to Abu Hanifa, this text is the most superior (afdhal) supplication to begin the prayer because it contains the words of praise and glorification of Allah in the most concise manner. This Sunnah supplication is recited silently (khafi) immediately after the Takbir. In funeral prayers, the phrase 'Wa jalla sanauk' (Your praise is exalted) is added to the text.