It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “When the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم started Salah, he would remain silent for a short while. I said: ‘May my father and mother be ransomed for you, Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم! What do you say when you remain silent between the Takbir and the recitation (in the Salah)?’ He said: ‘I say: (Allah, put a great distance between me and my sins, as great as the distance You have made between the East and the West; Allah, cleanse me of sin as a white garment is cleansed from filth; Wash away my sins with snow, water, and hail)’.” (Sahih)