Muslims use the term tasbih to describe the process of bringing praise, giving thanks, and petitions to Allah. Dhikr means "remembrance" in Arabic, and this is one form of the practice. Dhikr is a crucial part of the Islamic spiritual tradition as it helps Muslims stay in tune with Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and be more aware of His presence in their daily lives.
Tasbih commonly entails reciting a set of prescribed words or prayers that speak highly of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى or praise Him for His grandeur. Tasbih frequently begins with the word "SubhanAllah سُبْحَانَ الله," which can be translated as either "Glory is to Allah" or "Glorified is Allah." By reciting these words, Muslims seek to acknowledge Allah's omnipotence and majesty while also humbling themselves before Him.
Tasbihat and Dhikr hold immense significance in Islam as they serve as acts of devotion and remembrance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. The station of Tasbih in Islam is significant and emphasized in various ways. In comparison to other kinds of remembrance of God, the order for Tasbih (glorification of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has been mentioned more frequently in the Quran.
Tasbih is commanded 16 times in the Quran, Istighfar (repentance to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى ) is mentioned 8 times, Dhikr (remembrance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is mentioned 5 times, and Takbir (reciting "Allahu Akbar اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ ") is mentioned twice. This highlights the significance of Tasbih in a Muslim's spiritual life. The act of glorifying Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى through tasbihat allows believers to remember God, regardless of their circumstances or times continually, and to acknowledge His perfection, greatness, and free of any defects or shortcomings.
Tasbih can take various forms, and different phrases may be used in different contexts. For example, the Four Phrases of Glorification are widely recited:
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.
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).
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.
