Table of Contents
Introduction
This is the sixteenth article of a series of articles discussing prayer in Islam—its correct performance, how the righteous predecessors prayed, the actions upon entering the mosque, and the importance of “Takbiratul Ihram” as we begin our prayer. Click here to read the entire series, ALLAH willing.
Entering the Mosque: Preparing for the Prayer
Upon entering the mosque, we say,
“O ALLAH, forgive me my sins and open to me the gates of YOUR mercy“1
Should we start the prayer immediately? No. This is the time for voluntary prayer (nafl), which helps to quiet worldly distractions, set aside concerns that occupy the heart, and prepare to stand in the presence of ALLAH Almighty.
When you enter, you say the Takbiratul Ihram (“ALLAHu Akbar“), marking the beginning of the obligatory prayer. This reverence applies to every prayer, whether obligatory or voluntary. In Islam, the first act of prayer is saying the Takbir. Sadly, many of us—including myself—fall short; we come before ALLAH Almighty, yet we begin with a contradiction. How? We say “ALLAHu Akbar” (“ALLAH is the Greatest”), but in our hearts, other things—worldly matters, wealth, desires—often take precedence over ALLAH. May ALLAH grant us guidance and safety.
Understanding the Meaning of “Takbiratul Ihram”
When you say “ALLAHu Akbar“, truly understand what you are proclaiming. In that moment, nothing and no one should hold a place in your heart greater than ALLAH Almighty—nothing more majestic or awe-inspiring. This is a core aspect of the prayer in Islam. ALLAHu Akbar. For this reason, if you had witnessed Ibn Taymiyyah saying the Takbiratul Ihram, your heart might have felt as though it would burst.
This Takbiratul Ihram is the greatest reminder for your heart to remain attentive to ALLAH Almighty as you enter HIS presence. In the hadith, prayer is described as ‘forbidden by the Takbir’, meaning that its key lies in beginning with ALLAHu Akbar, entering upon ALLAH. But why do we repeat it during bowing, prostration, and rising from prostration? As mentioned earlier, it serves as a reminder—awakening and refocusing the heart. If we become distracted, as humans naturally do, saying ALLAHu Akbar brings our hearts back to ALLAH, restoring our attention and presence.
“ALLAHu Akbar” Above All Worldly Matters
ALLAHu Akbar is greater than my work, greater than my studies, greater than my family and children, greater than everything. ALLAHu Akbar is greater than my fears and worries, greater than my concerns and distress, greater than my desires and the temptations that grip me. ALLAHu Akbar surpasses them all. These words carry profound meaning, offering us a lesson—a world of their own. Yet, we often rush through prayer. In this series, we aim to help you truly experience the depth of prayer in Islam, rather than hastening through it.
The Lifelong Journey of Perfecting Prayer
Know that the journey of perfecting prayer spans our entire lives—a journey that only ends with our passing. The prayer in Islam is a lifelong project. As long as we breathe, we must strive to improve, perfect, and beautify it. With every prayer, it elevates, and we are elevated alongside it.
Upon saying ALLAHu Akbar, we enter the presence of ALLAH with the ‘Opening Supplication’ (Du’a al-Istiftah). Through this supplication, we seek to remove sins, erase mistakes, and ask ALLAH’s forgiveness, preparing our hearts to understand and connect deeply as we read the Quran. This enhances the entire experience of prayer in Islam.
May ALLAH grant us understanding, teach us the Quran, and open our hearts to reflect deeply on its verses and to be moved by its guidance. It is not essential to grasp every verse as the commentators explain; rather, it is vital that our hearts remain connected to the Quran’s overarching meanings. When we hear about Paradise, we should feel a deep longing for it. When we hear about Hellfire, we should feel a strong aversion, a fear that stirs us to tears, reflection, hope, and resolve. This is the essence of prayer in Islam.
Prayer: A Constant Engagement
“In the prayer one is occupied (with a more serious matter)“2
as the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said. This means that prayer must fully engage you; it is not merely words to be recited. Prayer in Islam is a commitment and a connection.
The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) also said,
“The best rank is Salat, so let those who can perform it abundantly do so“3
Don’t limit yourself to only the obligatory prayers—pray as much as you are able.
The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said:
“Adhere to righteousness even though you will not be able to do all acts of virtue“
So what should we do, O Messenger of ALLAH?
“And know that the best of your deeds is Salat (prayer)…“4
Prayer is the greatest act in Islam—the one to uphold, remain steadfast in, and persevere with. Through prayer, you can transform your relationship with ALLAH, creating a meaningful impact on both your religious and worldly life.
Upon entering, we say Du’a al-Istiftah (the Opening Supplication):
“O ALLAH, remove my sins from me as Thou hast removed the East from the West. O ALLAH purify me from sins as a white garment is purified from filth. O ALLAH! wash away my sins with snow, water, and ice“5
Then what? The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) did not always recite the same supplication; he would vary them. Why? To experience different meanings and enter the presence of ALLAH Almighty with renewed awareness.
Abu Hurairah narrated this hadith, but the Mother of the Believers, Aisha (may ALLAH be pleased with her), narrated another Opening Supplication:
“Glory and praise be to YOU, O ALLAH. Blessed be YOUR name and exalted be YOUR majesty, there is none worthy of worship except YOU“6
This supplication embodies the glorification and exaltation of ALLAH Almighty, while the first focuses on humility and seeking forgiveness, as though saying, “O LORD, I am needy; O LORD, I am poor; O LORD, I seek YOUR forgiveness”. Some scholars suggest that because Aisha narrated this hadith, it may be particularly suited for voluntary prayers, whereas the one narrated by Abu Hurairah may apply to obligatory prayers.
The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) would alternate the Opening Supplication between obligatory and voluntary prayers. Abu Hurairah, often with the Prophet in the mosque, narrated one version, while Aisha (may ALLAH be pleased with her), closer to him at home, narrated another. Changing your Opening Supplications holds great importance, as it fosters humility and deepens the experience of prayer in Islam.
Sources:
- Dr. Ahmed ElAraby. فاهم 36 | سلسلة تذوق العبادات – (1) الصلاة | مع د. أحمد العربي. YouTube Video.
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