"When the Prophet (ﷺ) started to pray, he would say the takbir, then say: 'Inna salati wa nusuki wa mahyaya wa mamati lillahi rabbil-alamin, la sharika lahu, wa bidhalika umirtu wa ana min al-muslimin. Allahummahdini liahsanil-amali wa ahsanil-akhlaqi la yahdi li ahsaniha illa anta wa qini sayy'al-a'mali wa sayy'al-ahaqi la yaqi sayy'aha illa ant. (Indeed my salah (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of all that exists. He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am one of the Muslims. O Allah, guide me to the best of deeds and the best of manners, for none can guide to the best of them but You. And protect me from bad deeds and bad manners, for none can protect against them but You.) "
The Opening Supplication of Prayer
This profound opening supplication from Sunan an-Nasa'i 896 in "The Book of the Commencement of the Prayer" serves as a comprehensive declaration of tawhid (monotheism) and complete submission to Allah. The Prophet's words establish the fundamental principle that all aspects of life - prayer, sacrifice, living, and dying - must be dedicated solely to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.
Scholarly Commentary on the Opening Phrase
"Inna salati wa nusuki wa mahyaya wa mamati lillahi rabbil-alamin" encompasses the totality of human existence. The scholars explain that "salati" refers to all acts of worship, "nusuki" includes both ritual sacrifices and general obedience, while "mahyaya" and "mamati" signify that one's entire life and death should be in service to Allah alone.
The declaration "la sharika lahu" reinforces the absolute oneness of Allah, rejecting any form of shirk (associating partners with Allah). This comprehensive dedication forms the foundation of Islamic monotheism.
The Guidance and Protection Supplication
"Allahummahdini liahsanil-amali wa ahsanil-akhlaqi" demonstrates the believer's constant need for divine guidance. Classical commentators note that this portion teaches humility - recognizing that even the ability to perform good deeds and maintain excellent character comes only through Allah's guidance.
The dual request for guidance to good and protection from evil reflects the balanced approach of the Shariah. Scholars emphasize that this supplication covers both positive attainment (guidance to good) and negative protection (safeguarding from evil), encompassing all spiritual needs.
Legal and Spiritual Significance
This opening establishes the proper intention and spiritual orientation before standing before Allah in prayer. The repetition of "illa anta" (except You) reinforces complete dependence on Allah, which is the essence of worship.
The scholars of hadith consider this comprehensive opening as highly recommended (mustahabb) before commencing the formal prayer, as it prepares the heart and mind for proper devotion and concentration in salah.