The Art of Salah Part 2: The Heart’s First Words
In Part 1, we covered the intention and the opening Takbir. Once you have raised your hands and declared Allahu Akbar, you have officially entered the sacred space of Salah. Now, we focus on what happens in those first few moments of standing (Qiyam)—the physical placement of your hands and the spiritual "opening" of your heart.
1. The Stillness of the Limbs
The Prophet ﷺ taught us that every part of the body has a role in prayer. After the Takbir, the hands are placed in a specific manner that reflects humility and submission.
Where to Place the Hands?
The authentic Hadith describe the Prophet ﷺ placing his right hand over his left. This is a practice shared by all the Prophets, as mentioned by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ:
"We, the assembly of Prophets, have been commanded... to place our right hands over our left hands in prayer."
(Tabarani & Ad-Daraqutni)
Practical Execution:
- Right over Left: Place your right hand over the back of your left hand, wrist, and forearm.
- On the Chest: Authentic narrations from Wa’il ibn Hujr (may Allah be pleased with him) mention:
"I prayed with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and he placed his right hand over his left hand on his chest."
(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah)
Scholarly Insight: While there are various scholarly opinions on the exact placement (on the chest, above the navel, or below the navel), the core Sunnah is the right hand holding or resting on the left.
2. Dua al-Istiftah: The Opening Supplication
Before you begin reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, there is a beautiful Sunnah of reciting an "Opening Supplication" (Istiftah). The Prophet ﷺ used to vary these, and learning different ones can help keep your heart present.
Choice A: The Most Common
This is often the first one taught to children and is short and powerful.
"Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka wa ta'ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghayruka."
(Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praise. Blessed is Your name and exalted is Your majesty. There is no god besides You.)
(Sunan Abu Dawud & Sunan at-Tirmidhi)
Choice B: The Deeply Contemplative
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) noticed the Prophet ﷺ pausing briefly after the Takbir. When he asked what he was saying, the Prophet ﷺ taught him this:
"Allahumma ba'id bayni wa bayna khatayaya kama ba'adta baynal-mashriqi wal-maghrib..."
(O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the East from the West. O Allah, cleanse me of my sins as a white garment is cleansed of dirt. O Allah, wash away my sins with water, ice, and hail.)
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
3. Seeking Refuge (Ta’awwudh)
After the opening supplication, you prepare to recite the Word of Allah. But first, you must seek protection from the one who tries to steal your focus.
Allah says in the Quran:
"So when you recite the Quran, first seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled from His mercy."
(Surah An-Nahl, 16:98)
The Phrase: "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytaan-ir-rajeem" (I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed).
4. The Basmalah
Finally, you begin the recitation by mentioning the Name of Allah.
The Phrase: "Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful).
The Prophet ﷺ said that any important matter that does not begin with the remembrance of Allah is "abtar" (cut off from blessings). By saying the Basmalah, you are asking for Allah's aid and blessing in your recitation.
Conclusion: The Heart is Ready
You have now established your posture, opened your heart with praise, cleared your space from Shaytan, and invoked the Name of Allah. You are now ready to begin the ultimate conversation: Surah Al-Fatihah.
In Part 3, we will dive into the nuances of reciting Al-Fatihah and the "Ameen" that follows.
Hadith References for this Part
On Hand Placement
- Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah (479): Wa’il ibn Hujr’s narration on placing hands on the chest.
- Abu Dawud (759): Narrations on the right hand grasping the left.
On Opening Supplications
- Bukhari (744) & Muslim (598): The narration of "Allahumma ba'id bayni..."
- Abu Dawud (775) & Tirmidhi (242): The narration of "Subhanaka Allahumma..."
On Seeking Refuge
- Tirmidhi (242): The Prophet ﷺ would seek refuge before reciting.
Try choosing a different Opening Supplication in your next prayer to refresh your Khushu.