Is the opening supplication (*Istiftah*) obligatory or recommended in prayer?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The opening supplication is a Sunnah of the prayer according to the majority of scholars. Evidence for its permissibility includes the Prophet's consistent practice and the practice of the Companions, such as Umar leading the prayer aloud with the *Istiftah* to teach others. If one omits the *Istiftah* or the subsequent *Ta'awwudh* (seeking refuge) until entering the next prescribed phase, they should not return to it as the time for that Sunnah has passed.
Supporting text
Malik did not consider it obligatory, holding that one should immediately recite the *Takbir* and then begin recitation, based on the narration that the Prophet (PBUH), Abu Bakr, and Umar began prayer with 'Alhamdulillah Rabb al-Alamin.' However, this narration is interpreted to refer to the beginning of the recitation itself, supported by the statement regarding the division of prayer between Allah and the servant (Hadith Qudsi), which refers to Al-Fatiha.