Tasbihat

Types of Tasbihat in Islam 

Tasbih can take various forms, and different phrases may be used in different contexts. For example, the Four Phrases of Glorification are widely recited:

 

• SubhanAllah (سُبْحَانَ الله) - Glory be to Allah.
• Alhamdulillah (الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ) - All praise is due to Allah.
• Allahu Akbar (اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ) - Allah is the Greatest.
• La ilaha illallah (لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ) - There is no deity but Allah.

 

Other forms of tasbeeh include Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) with the phrase:

 

أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّٰهَ رَبِّي وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

 

 

Darood (invoking blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), and engaging in daily Dhikr.

 

 

When Muslims finish praying, they often recite the Tasbih, in which they praise Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and ask for His blessings by repeating predetermined lines a set number of times.

 

 

Since tasbihat are not restricted to any one time of day or religious observance, they provide a convenient and constant way to communicate with Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. After completing prayers (namaz), it is common for Muslims to engage in Tasbih as an additional act of devotion.

 

 

To aid in counting the repetitions of tasbihat, some Muslims use prayer beads or online Dhikr counters, ensuring that they fulfill their daily Dhikr obligations. Because of the beneficial impact it has on one's faith, one's knowledge of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, and one's sense of oneness with the Creator, Dhikr, which also includes tasbihat, is a practice that is advised to be performed daily in Islam.

 

 

Tasbih words like as "SubhanAllah سُبْحَانَ الله," "Alhamdulillah الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ," and "Allahu Akbar اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ ," which acknowledge His majesty and omnipresence, are chanted as a way for Muslims to express their gratitude, respect, and glorification for Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى .

 

 

These terms are part of the Tasbih. Both tasbihat and Dhikr are significant acts of worship because they assist in the formation of a believer's character by encouraging the development of characteristics such as modesty, thanks, and a feeling of purpose in one's life.

 

 

The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Regarding Tasbihat

 

According to Hudhaifah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would exclaim "Subhana Rabbiyal Azim سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ" (Glory be to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, the Almighty) and "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى" (Glory be to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, the Highest). These phrases refer to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى as the Almighty and the Highest, respectively.  (Sunan Nasa’I 1047)

 

According to Abu Huraira (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is recorded as having stated, "There are two sentences that are light on the tongue, heavier on the scales, and treasured to the Most Merciful." These are:

 

 

SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil Azim 

 

 

سُبحَانَ اللّهِ وَ بِحَمْدِهِ ، سُبحَانَ اللّهِ الْعَظِيمِ

 

 

Allahu Akbar اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ; Praise and thanks be to the Lord; Allaahu Akbar; Glory to the Lord of Hosts). 

 

 

(Sahih Muslim)

 

 

How to Recite Tasbihat? 

 

• Make a sincere intention (Niyyah).
• While Wudu is encouraged, it's not obligatory for tasbihat.
• Stay focused and present during recitation.
• Commonly recite tasbihat after prayers.
• Begin and end with Darood Sharif (blessings on Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
• Also, recite tasbihat before sleeping and waking up.
• Engage in tasbihat throughout the day.
• No specific times; encouraged regularly for constant remembrance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.

Incorporating Dhikr in Our Daily Life 

Incorporating Dhikr (including tasbihat) in daily life brings spiritual benefits and strengthens our connection with Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. 

 

Practical tips: Make a habit of reciting tasbihat after morning and evening prayers and engaging in Dhikr during chores, commutes, and in-between tasks. Use Online Tasbih counters for consistency. Dhikr brings inner peace and mindfulness of Allah's presence, fostering a deeper spiritual understanding and love for Him.

 

 

FAQs 

 

Can tasbihat be done in a group setting?

Yes, tasbihat can be done in a group setting. Gatherings of Muslims for Dhikr include reciting tasbihat, praising Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, and showering blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

 

Are there any resources available for learning more about tasbihat?

 

Books, essays, and videos are just some of the many options for digging more into tasbihat's history and philosophy. Islamic scholars and websites often guide Dhikr practices and tasbihat.

 

Are tasbihat obligatory or optional in Islam?

 

Tasbihat are considered optional acts of worship in Islam. While not obligatory, engaging in Dhikr and tasbihat is highly recommended and carries excellent spiritual rewards.

 

Is there a specific intention (niyyah) required before performing tasbihat?

 

Before performing any act of worship, including tasbihat, it is important to have a definite intention, also known as a niyyah. It is important to have a pure intention, with the end goal of remembering and glorifying Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.

 

Can tasbihat be done outside of formal prayers?

 

The practice of tasbihat is not restricted to the period in which a person is praying but can be done at any time. No matter if they are sitting at a desk, in a queue, or on the road. Islam requires its followers to constantly keep Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى  in mind.

 

Is it necessary to recite tasbihat 33 times?

 

The number of times one should recite tasbihat is not set in stone. Even though it is customary to say the tasbihat (SubhanAllah سُبْحَانَ الله, Alhamdulillah الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ, and Allahu Akbar اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ ) 33 times after prayers, Muslims are free to do it as often as they like.

 

What are the most common tasbihat?

 

The most common tasbihat are phrases glorifying and remembering Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى , including "SubhanAllah(سُبْحَانَ الله)" (Glory be to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), "Alhamdulillah(الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ)" (Praise be to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), "Allahu Akbar(اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ)" (Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى  is the Greatest), and "La ilaha illallah(لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ)" (There is no god but Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى ). 

 

Other common phrases include Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) and Darood Sharif (blessings on the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).