Intermediate
Terminology
Surah: An-Nahl (98)
Surah Openings — Readers' Differences in the Form of Isti'adha
فَإِذَا قَرَأۡتَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ فَٱسۡتَعِذۡ بِٱللَّهِ مِنَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ
— النحل الآية 98
Isti'adha (seeking refuge before recitation):
The isti'adha is a sunnah before recitation — readers agree on its legitimacy but differ in its exact wording and whether to say it aloud or silently.
Wording differences:
Aloud vs. silent: Majority say it silently in prayer; some imams say it aloud in public recitation.
Note: The isti'adha is not a Quranic verse by consensus — it is a recommended opening preparation based on the verse (16:98).
The isti'adha is a sunnah before recitation — readers agree on its legitimacy but differ in its exact wording and whether to say it aloud or silently.
Wording differences:
| Reader | Formula |
|---|---|
| Majority | "A'udhu billahi min al-shaytan al-rajim" |
| Al-Duri from Abu Amr | "A'udhu billahi al-sami' al-'alim min al-shaytan al-rajim" |
Aloud vs. silent: Majority say it silently in prayer; some imams say it aloud in public recitation.
Note: The isti'adha is not a Quranic verse by consensus — it is a recommended opening preparation based on the verse (16:98).
Source: Al-Nashr (1/248); Al-Dani (p.7); Al-Dymati
Test Yourself
Is the isti'adha a Quranic verse? What is its wording according to the majority?
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