Formulas for the Opening Supplication

Question:
The questioner says: Honorable Shaykh, what are the formulas for the opening supplication? Is there only one opening supplication? Is it obligatory in the voluntary prayers?

Answer:
The opening supplication is the du'a' (supplication) recited after the takbir (saying Allahu akbar) of entering prayer and before reciting al-Fatihah (Surat al-Fatihah). Many formulas have been reported for it, the most famous of which is: "Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, tabarakasmuka wa ta'ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghayruk" (Glorified are You, O Allah, and praised, blessed is Your name and exalted is Your majesty, and there is no god but You). Among them, for the night prayer, is: . Also: "O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the East from the West; O Allah, purify me from my sins as a white garment is purified from dirt; O Allah, wash away my sins with water, snow, and hail." And: "I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, in submission, and I am not among those who associate partners with Allah. Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. He has no partner, and thus I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims." Other formulas have also been reported, which can be reviewed in their respective sources. Whichever one you use to open the prayer, it is prescribed (mashru'), but the most commonly used and best of them is the first: "Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika." Yes. May Allah reward you and bless you.