It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to remain silent for a short while between saying the opening Takbeer and the recitation. Once I submitted in the presence of the Messenger, "May my parents be sacrificed for you, what do you recite during the silence between the Takbeer and the recitation?" The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, "During that time I say this supplication: O Allah, create distance between me and my sins as You have made distance between the East and the West. O Allah, purify me of my sins as a white garment is cleansed of dirt. O Allah, wash away my sins with water, snow, and hail."