Traditional opening dedication in Southeast Asia supplicating for the prophets, companions, and believers. Scholars differ: the majority of early predecessors and Ibn Taymiyyah held that dedicating recitation to the Prophet SAW was never practiced by the Companions and all righteous deeds of the Ummah already flow to him, whereas later authorities (such as al-Subki and Ibn Hajar al-Haytami) permitted it as an expression of love and supplication for elevated ranks.
Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari that Surah Al-Ikhlas is equivalent to one third of the Quran. Reciting it three times is akin to completing the Quran.
A chapter of protection against external harm, witchcraft, and malicious envy.
A chapter of protection against inward insidious whispers and doubts.
The Mother of the Book (Umm al-Kitab) encompassing praise, affirmation of divine unity, and plea for guidance.
The tradition of Al-Hall al-Murtahil: continuing immediately from the concluding chapters back to the beginning of the Quran so recitation never ceases.
A clear declaration of pure monotheism (Tawhid).
The greatest verse in the Quran (A'dhamu Ayah), carrying divine protection.
Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim: Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.
Seeking divine mercy and honoring the family of the Prophet (Ahl al-Bayt).
Origin: The phrase 'kullamā zakarakaz-zākirūn...' was formulated by Imam Ash-Shafi'i in the opening of ar-Risalah. In certain litanies (e.g. Majmu' Syarif), rhymed titles are rotated: 'Nur al-Huda', 'Shams ad-Duha', and 'Badr ad-Duja'. While widely recited, it is non-ma'thur; verifying scholars emphasize that the most superior salawat is the Ibrahimiyyah taught directly by the Prophet in Bukhari & Muslim.
Hadith narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 1517) & At-Tirmidhi (no. 3577); graded Sahih by Al-Hakim, Adh-Dhahabi, and Al-Albani.
Hadith narrated by At-Tirmidhi (no. 3383, Hasan) & Ibn Majah (no. 3800); authenticated by At-Tirmidhi and graded Hasan by Al-Albani.
Affirmation of faith concluding the declaration of divine unity.
Sahih hadith in Bukhari (no. 6682) & Muslim (no. 2694): 'Two words beloved to the Most Merciful, light on the tongue, and heavy in the scale of deeds'.
The pinnacle of the gathering: supplicating via the performed good deeds to seek divine forgiveness, safety in the grave, and mercy for the deceased.