What it is and when you say it
Subhanaka, also called the thana or the opening dua (dua al-istiftah), is said quietly at the start of the prayer, after the opening takbir and before Al-Fatiha. You say it only in the first rakat.
It is a sunnah, not a pillar: the prayer is valid without it. In the Hanafi and Hanbali schools this is the usual opening dua. The Shafi'i school usually teaches another opening, "Wajjahtu wajhiya", and Maliki practice is to go straight to Al-Fatiha. All are fine.
Read the full guide: What do I say in each position of the prayer?
How to learn it by heart
- Read the whole text once with its meaning, so you know what you are saying.
- Learn one line at a time. Say it out loud until it flows, then add the next line.
- Hide the words little by little: first letters, then nothing. Tap a line when you need a look.
- Use it in your prayers right away. Repeating it five times a day is what makes it stay.
Common questions
When do I say Subhanaka?
Once, in the first rakat, right after "Allahu Akbar" and before you seek refuge and recite Al-Fatiha. Say it quietly, even when the imam leads.
What if I forget it?
Your prayer is still valid. It is a sunnah, so you simply carry on.
Hear every word
Revertly teaches new Muslims to pray from zero, with a recitation for every line, so you learn how it sounds, not only how it looks. Cannot afford it? Ask for a free code.