The opening dua of salah is mentioned in various hadith narrations and begins with “Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika.”
According to the Hanafi and Hanbali madhhabs, it is sunnah to recite this dua when starting the prayer.
This dua should be recited immediately after Niyyah (a Muslim’s intention to begin the prayer). Specifically, right after the Takbeer—raising your hands and saying “Allahu Akbar”—you may recite this dua.
It is important to remember that this opening dua is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), not a mandatory act. Instead, it is recommended to recite it. If you forget to recite the Subhanaka Allahumma dua, your salat remains valid, and there is no fault in this. Do not go back to recite it afterward, as the proper timing has passed, and it would be incorrect to redo it.
Subhanaka Allahumma Wa Bihamdika in Arabic
The Arabic text of this dua is as follows:
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ وَلاَ إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ
Transliteration (for Pronunciation)
Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghairuk
Meaning of Subhanaka Allahumma Wa Bihamdika Wa Tabarakasmuka
The English translation of “Subhanaka Allahumma Wa Bihamdika Wa Tabarakasmuka Wa Ta’ala Jadduka Wa la ilaha Ghayruka” is:
“Glorious You are O Allah, and with Your praise, and blessed is Your Name, and exalted is Your majesty, and none has the right to be worshipped but You.”
Authenticity of the Dua
It was narrated by Aishah that when the Prophet (ﷺ) opened the Salat, he would recite this dua. Additionally, Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to start his prayer with this same supplication.
Other Duas Beginning with “Subhanaka Allahumma”
There are other dua mentioned in hadith that begin with “Subhanaka Allahumma” (meaning “Glory be to You O Allah”). Below are three such duas:
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Aishah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say when bowing and prostrating: “Subhanaka Allahumma, Rabbana wa bihamdik. Allahumma-ghfirli (Glory be to You O Allah, Our Lord, and praise. O Allah, forgive me),” following the command of the Quran.
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Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever sits in a gathering and indulges in useless talk and before getting up supplicates: ‘Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilaika (O Allah, You are free from every imperfection; praise be to You. I testify that there is no true god except You; I ask Your Pardon and turn to You in repentance),’ he will be forgiven for (the sins he may have intentionally or unintentionally committed) in that assembly.”
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Aishah narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say in his bowing and prostrations: “Subhanaka l-lahumma Rabbana wa bihamdika; Allahumma ghfir li.’ (Exalted [from unbecoming attributes] Are you O Allah our Lord, and by Your praise [do I exalt you]. O Allah! Forgive me).”
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