What is Said After the Takbir al-Ihram in Prayer?
In Islamic prayer (Salat), the Takbir al-Ihram, which marks the commencement of the prayer, is the first phrase uttered by the worshiper to enter the act of worship. This phrase, “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), signifies the start of the prayer, and it sets the stage for a direct and intimate conversation with Allah. However, there is more to what is said after the Takbir al-Ihram, as the next words and actions play a significant role in the formation of the prayer’s structure and in seeking Allah’s guidance and mercy.
After saying the Takbir al-Ihram, worshipers proceed with a series of invocations and recitations, most notably the “Dua al-Istiftah” (Opening Supplication), followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha, and additional parts depending on the specific prayer or school of thought. This article explores what is typically recited after the Takbir al-Ihram in a Muslim’s prayer, the significance of these recitations, and their meanings.
The Takbir al-Ihram: The Start of Prayer
Before delving into the recitations after the Takbir al-Ihram, it is essential to understand its significance. The phrase “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) signifies that the worshiper is about to stand before Allah in prayer. It is a declaration of Allah’s ultimate majesty, and it marks the transition from the worldly distractions to a moment of solemn devotion. The Takbir al-Ihram is often followed by specific supplications depending on the tradition of the worshiper.
The Dua al-Istiftah (Opening Supplication)
After the Takbir al-Ihram, the worshiper can choose to recite the “Dua al-Istiftah,” which is an opening supplication. While this prayer is not mandatory, it is highly recommended, especially in the Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i schools of thought. The dua is intended to seek Allah’s blessings before the main recitations of the prayer.
The most common version of the Dua al-Istiftah is as follows:
“SubhanaK-Allahumma wa bihamdiKa, wa tabaarak-asmuKa, wa ta’ala jadduKa, wa la ilaha ghayruKa.”
Translation:
“Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise; blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your majesty, and there is no deity but You.”
This supplication acknowledges Allah’s perfection, praises His name, and affirms His divinity. It is a way to begin the prayer with humility, recognizing Allah’s supremacy and asking for His mercy and guidance throughout the prayer.
Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha
Following the opening supplication, the next key part of the prayer is the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha. Surah Al-Fatiha, often referred to as “The Opening,” is one of the most central elements of the Islamic prayer and is recited in every unit of prayer (Rak’ah). It holds immense significance because it is a prayer for guidance, mercy, and grace from Allah.
The translation of Surah Al-Fatiha is as follows:
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds.
The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Master of the Day of Judgment.
You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
Guide us on the Straight Path,
the path of those who have received Your grace;
not the path of those who have brought down wrath upon themselves, nor of those who have gone astray.”
The recitation of Al-Fatiha is a direct plea to Allah, asking for His mercy, guidance, and strength. It is a reminder of the importance of staying on the straight path, which is the path of righteousness and piety.
The Additional Recitations
After Surah Al-Fatiha, the worshiper may recite additional verses from the Qur’an. This step is not obligatory in all schools of thought, but it is common in many traditions, especially in the first two Rak’ahs of the prayer. The additional recitation could include any part of the Qur’an, but some of the most frequently recited verses include portions from Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Naas. The choice of Surah depends on the length of the prayer and the time available for recitation.
For instance, a common recitation after Al-Fatiha is:
Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112):
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Say: He is Allah, [Who is] One,
Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born,
Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
This Surah, like many others, is a profound statement of Allah’s uniqueness and sovereignty. It emphasizes the oneness of Allah, a core tenet of Islamic belief, and reinforces the message that Allah has no equal.
The Rukuu (Bowing)
After the recitations, the worshiper moves to the next position in the prayer: Rukuu, which involves bowing with the back straight, head level with the back, and hands on the knees. In the Rukuu position, the worshiper praises Allah, often saying:
“Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory is to my Lord, the Almighty).
This phrase is repeated three times, affirming the worshiper’s complete submission to Allah’s greatness.
The Sujud (Prostration)
Following Rukuu, the worshiper moves to the Sujud position, which is the act of prostration. In Sujud, the worshiper places their forehead, nose, both hands, both knees, and toes on the ground. This position is considered the most humble form of submission before Allah. The worshiper says:
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High).
This phrase is repeated three times during the Sujud, and it signifies the worshiper’s humility before Allah, recognizing His absolute greatness and majesty.
The Final Tashahhud (Testification)
After performing the Sujud, the worshiper sits on the floor for a brief moment before resuming the next Sujud or completing the prayer. During this sitting position, the worshiper recites the Tashahhud, a declaration of faith:
“At-tahiyyatu lil-lahi wa as-salawatu wa at-tayyibat, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh, as-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ibadillah as-saliheen, ash-hadu alla ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhoo wa rasuluh.”
Translation:
“All greetings, prayers, and good deeds are for Allah.
Peace and blessings be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone without partner,
and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”
The Tashahhud is an affirmation of the core beliefs in Islam, especially the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Conclusion
The actions and words following the Takbir al-Ihram in Islamic prayer are designed to establish a direct and meaningful connection with Allah. Each recitation, whether it is the Dua al-Istiftah, Surah Al-Fatiha, or the glorification in Rukuu and Sujud, reflects deep worship and submission. These acts form the essence of the prayer, encapsulating not just a ritual, but a profound spiritual journey that Muslims undertake multiple times throughout the day. Each phrase and posture within the prayer carries a unique meaning and purpose, reinforcing the believer’s commitment to Allah and their continual quest for guidance and mercy.
Understanding the significance of what is said after the Takbir al-Ihram helps to deepen one’s connection with the prayer and enhances the overall spiritual experience. It is through these invocations and actions that Muslims express their gratitude, seek guidance, and reaffirm their faith, making the prayer a true act of worship that connects the individual to the Creator.