Which specific *Istiftah* supplication is preferred?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Ahmad favored the specific supplication mentioned by Al-Kharaqi, stating that using any authentically reported opening supplication is good or permissible. This view is held by Umar ibn Al-Khattab, Ibn Mas'ud, Al-Thawri, and Ishaq. The preferred supplication by Al-Shafi'i and Ibn al-Mundhir is the lengthy one reported from Ali. However, the supplication favored by Ahmad and the majority is the one reported by Aisha: 'Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka wa ta'ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghayruk,' based on its widespread use by the Salaf, including Umar, who recited it openly to teach others.
Supporting text
Regarding the long supplication reported from Ali, Ahmad noted that some narrations suggest it was used specifically for night prayers. Furthermore, the entirety of that long supplication is not widely practiced today, with only its beginning being recited. Ahmad permits using other authentic supplications, but favors the one narrated by Aisha, as the practice of the early generations supports it, and the reports of the supplication from Ali are not practiced in their entirety.