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:
| 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" |
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).
Question: Is the isti'adha a Quranic verse? What is its wording according to the majority?
Answer: Not a Quranic verse by consensus — the majority formula is: "A'udhu billahi min al-shaytan al-rajim."