CAPE TOWN — In contemporary Islamic jurisprudence concerning ritual worship, scholars of the Shafi‘i school of thought have reiterated the established ruling regarding the recitation of the isti‘adha—the act of seeking refuge with God—prior to reciting Surat al-Fatiha during formal prayers. According to recent clarifications issued by religious authorities, incorporating the phrase “a‘udhu billahi min al-shaytan al-rajim” before the opening chapter of the Quran is a strongly recommended practice, known as a sunna, across all cycles, or rak‘as, of the prayer.
The clarification was provided by prominent South African scholar Shaykh Irshaad Sedick in response to inquiries regarding procedural specifics within the Shafi‘i legal tradition, one of the major schools of jurisprudence followed by millions of Muslims worldwide.
Legal Status in the Shafi‘i Tradition
Addressing whether worshippers should say the formulaic expression of seeking refuge before the Fatiha, Shaykh Sedick confirmed the affirmative. Within the framework of the Shafi‘i school, it is considered a sunna—an emulated prophetic tradition—to seek refuge prior to the recitation of Surat al-Fatiha in every single rak‘a of the prayer.
However, legal authorities emphasize that the emphasis on this practice is highest during the very first cycle of the prayer. This structural nuance is well-documented in foundational Shafi‘i legal texts, including classical and post-classical reference works such as Imam al-Nawawi’s Minhaj al-Talibin and Shams al-Din al-Shirbini’s Mughni al-Muhtaj.
The theological basis for this practice is rooted directly in the text of the Quran. Scholars point to the explicit directive found in Surah An-Nahl, verse 98, which states: “So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed.” Islamic jurists interpret the general command to include the formal recitation of the Quran that takes place within the daily ritual prayers, particularly before the recitation of the mother of the book, Surat al-Fatiha.
Placement and Procedural Significance
In terms of liturgical sequence, the act of seeking refuge occupies a specific window within the opening phase of the prayer cycle. Jurists note that it follows immediately after the opening supplication, known as the du‘a al-istifitah, and directly precedes the recitation of Surat al-Fatiha.
Because seeking refuge is classified strictly as a sunna rather than an obligatory pillar of the prayer, missing the recitation carries specific legal implications within the Shafi‘i madhhab. Jurists clarify that leaving it out—whether intentionally or due to forgetfulness—does not invalidate the prayer in any way. Furthermore, unlike omissions of essential pillars, failing to say the isti‘adha does not require the performance of the prostration of forgetfulness, known as sujud al-sahw.
Despite its non-obligatory legal status, religious teachers consistently encourage worshippers to maintain the practice. Scholars advise that when individuals incorporate the phrase into their prayers, they should do so with mindfulness and presence of heart, fully engaging with the meaning of seeking divine protection from spiritual distractions.
Background on the Authority
The clarification was issued by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick, an established Islamic scholar and educator with extensive training in traditional Islamic sciences. Raised in South Africa within a traditional Muslim family, Shaykh Sedick pursued his formal studies at the Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah located in Strand, in the Western Cape. During his time there, he studied under the guidance of the late, world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Throughout his educational journey, Shaykh Sedick has received formal licenses to transmit Islamic knowledge, known as ijaza, from numerous prominent luminaries of the contemporary Islamic world. In addition to Shaykh Taha Karaan, his list of teachers who granted authorization includes Mawlana Yusuf Karaan and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
Beyond his scholarly studies, Shaykh Sedick has contributed actively to academic and community leadership. He is the author of the scholarly text titled The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not? and has held leadership roles within community organizations, having served as the Director of both the Discover Islam Centre and the Al Jeem Foundation.
For the past five years, Shaykh Sedick has served in the capacity of khatib—preacher and prayer leader—at Masjid Ar-Rashideen located in Mowbray, Cape Town, delivering weekly sermons and guiding the local congregation. His professional background also includes thirteen years of dedicated teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic educational institutes in the Cape Town area.
In addition to his community work and teaching career, Shaykh Sedick has pursued advanced academic qualifications, completing his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He is currently involved in the development of an online Islamic learning and media platform designated as ‘Isnad Academy,’ aimed at broadening access to traditional religious education through digital media. Outside of his academic and religious responsibilities, he maintains an active personal interest in physical fitness and healthy living.