Muslim (771) and Abū Dāwūd (760) also relate, through another chain, the wording: “and I am the first of the Muslims.” The Prophet ﷺ was, in absolute terms, the very first of the Muslims. As for anyone else, he should limit himself to saying, “and I am of the Muslims,” nothing more—unless he is deliberately quoting the verse; but if he stops there, he will forfeit, by restricting himself to that wording, the sunnah of the opening supplication.
15 – His words: “You are the Sovereign; there is no god but You” affirm exclusive and absolute divinity for Allah—solely and restrictively—after first affirming His kingship.
16 – “You are my Lord and I am Your servant”: You are my Owner, my Creator, the One who has nurtured me with every kind of favor and grace, while I am Your lowly slave, submissive to Your command and seeking refuge in Your bounty.
17 – “I have wronged myself”: by disobeying; I confess my sin, and You are the Generous One from whom forgiveness is sought.
18 – “So forgive all my sins”: even the major ones and those involving the rights of others.
19 – “No one forgives sins but You”: whether they are minor or major, small or great.
20 – “Guide me to the best of character”: lead me to outward and inward noble traits. Good character is a disposition of the soul from which fine deeds and perfected states arise.
21 – “Turn me away from its evil traits”: remove from me every blameworthy quality.
22 – “Labbayka wa saʿdayka; all good is in Your hands”: I respond to You again and again, and I am graced and gladdened by remaining in Your obedience; every single instance of good comes from Your bounty and favor.
23 – “And evil is not attributable to You”: all matters, good and bad, are in Allah’s hand, yet evil is not sought as a means of drawing near to You, does not ascend to You, and is not ascribed to You.
24 – “Blessed and Exalted are You”: You are magnified and glorified, and You pour blessing upon Your creation; blessing is abundance and increase.
25 – “And Exalted are You”: You are lofty in status and rank, utterly transcendent above all that does not befit You.