Tasbeeh (تسبيح) is a fundamental aspect of Islamic worship and spirituality, rooted deeply in the remembrance (dhikr) of Allah. It refers to the act of glorifying Allah, typically by saying "Subhan Allah" (سُبْحَانَ الله), which means "Glory be to Allah" or "Allah is free from imperfection." Muslims around the world perform tasbeeh as part of their daily devotion, and it plays a crucial role in cultivating spiritual consciousness and inner peace.
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In this article, we’ll explore the meaning, significance, various forms, and the benefits of tasbeeh, as well as how it is incorporated into daily Muslim life.
What Is Tasbeeh?
The Arabic word tasbeeh comes from the root word sīn-bāʾ-ḥāʾ (س ب ح), which means "to glorify" or "to praise." In its simplest form, tasbeeh involves the repetition of short phrases glorifying Allah, often using a string of prayer beads called a misbaha or tasbeeh.
Common phrases used in tasbeeh include:
Subhan Allah (سُبْحَانَ الله) – Glory be to Allah
Alhamdulillah (الْـحَـمْـدُ للهِ) – All praise is due to Allah
Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر) – Allah is the Greatest
La ilaha illallah (لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ) – There is no deity but Allah
The Importance of Tasbeeh in Islam
Tasbeeh is not just a ritual; it’s a practice that reinforces a believer’s connection with the Creator. The Qur'an and Hadith emphasize the significance of engaging in the remembrance of Allah through tasbeeh.
1. Mention in the Qur’an
Allah commands and praises those who remember Him constantly:
"So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate (to Him)."
— Surah Al-Hijr (15:98)
"Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest."
— Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:28)
2. Mention in Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently encouraged his companions to engage in tasbeeh:
"Shall I not tell you of a thing which, if you do, you will catch up with those who have surpassed you, and nobody will overtake you except one who does what you do? Say Subhan Allah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar thirty-three times after every prayer."
— Sahih Muslim
This practice is known as the Tasbeeh Fatimah, taught by the Prophet to his daughter Fatimah (RA) as a means of gaining strength and spiritual peace.
Types of Tasbeeh
1. Daily Tasbeeh after Salah
Many Muslims recite the tasbeeh of Fatimah after the five daily prayers:
33 times: Subhan Allah
33 times: Alhamdulillah
34 times: Allahu Akbar
2. Tasbeeh of Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Whoever says: Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi (Glory and praise be to Allah) 100 times a day, will have his sins forgiven even if they were like the foam of the sea."
— Sahih Bukhari and Muslim
3. Tasbeeh of Laylatul Qadr
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, Muslims often increase their dhikr. A special tasbeeh often repeated is:
Subhanallahi walhamdulillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar
4. Tasbeeh Prayer (Salat al-Tasbeeh)
This is a special prayer performed occasionally, consisting of four rak‘ahs, where a specific tasbeeh is repeated 300 times. The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said:
"If you can do this prayer once a day, do it. If not, once a week; if not, once a month; if not, once a year; and if not, at least once in your life."
— Abu Dawud
The tasbeeh recited in each rak‘ah is:
Subhanallahi walhamdulillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar
Using the Misbaha (Tasbeeh Beads)
The misbaha is a tool commonly used to keep count of the number of times tasbeeh is recited. It usually contains 33 or 99 beads, often divided into sets of 33:
33 beads: Subhan Allah
33 beads: Alhamdulillah
33 beads: Allahu Akbar
Using the beads helps maintain focus and consistency during dhikr. However, it's important to note that the essence of tasbeeh lies in the sincerity of the heart rather than the physical object.
Benefits of Tasbeeh
Spiritual Clarity: Regular tasbeeh helps purify the heart and keeps the believer mindful of Allah.
Stress Relief: As supported by the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah brings tranquility to the soul.
Rewards and Forgiveness: Dhikr, including tasbeeh, is a means to earn immense rewards and forgiveness from Allah.
Daily Connection: Tasbeeh fosters a continual connection with the divine, reinforcing a life lived with purpose and faith.
Protection from Evil: Engaging in constant remembrance serves as a shield against negative thoughts and influences.
Tasbeeh in Everyday Life
Tasbeeh can be practiced at any time — while walking, driving, cooking, or resting. It’s a flexible form of worship that doesn’t require a specific location or posture. Many Muslims build the habit of engaging in silent or verbal tasbeeh during idle moments throughout the day.
Conclusion
Tasbeeh is a beautiful and powerful form of worship in Islam. It strengthens the soul, cleanses the heart, and brings one closer to Allah through constant remembrance and glorification. Whether performed after prayers, during special nights, or throughout the day, tasbeeh is a vital practice that nourishes the believer’s spiritual life.
May Allah grant us the ability to engage in sincere tasbeeh and keep our tongues moist with His remembrance. Ameen
Dhikr Counter – Tasbeeh Tracker
