Comprehensive Guide to Salatul Tasbih
Salatul Tasbih is a highly recommended voluntary (Nafl) prayer in Islam, renowned for its immense rewards and spiritual benefits. As the name suggests, it is the "Prayer of Glorification," characterized by the recitation of a specific tasbih 300 times across four Rak'ahs. The primary purpose of this prayer is to seek abundant forgiveness from Allah (SWT) and to deeply glorify Him.
The Virtues and Benefits
The significance of Salatul Tasbih is highlighted in a famous Hadith narrated by Abu Dawood, where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught this prayer to his uncle, Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib. The Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly stated that performing this prayer would lead to the forgiveness of all sins—whether minor or major, intentional or unintentional, old or new.
Due to its profound benefits, the Prophet (ﷺ) advised performing it daily. If that is not possible, then once a week (preferably on Friday), or once a month, or once a year, and if none of those are possible, then at least once in a lifetime.
The Specific Tasbih to Recite
The core of Salatul Tasbih revolves around the repeated recitation of the following formula:
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ
Subhanallahi walhamdu lillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar
"Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, There is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest."
Step-by-Step Method (How to Perform)
Salatul Tasbih is performed as 4 Rak'ahs. The tasbih is recited 75 times in each Rak'ah, totaling 300 times. Here is the breakdown of the 75 tasbihs in a single Rak'ah:
- After Recitation: After reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah, while still standing, recite the tasbih 15 times.
- In Ruku: Bow down for Ruku. After reciting "Subhana Rabbiyal Azim", recite the tasbih 10 times.
- Standing from Ruku (Qiyam): Rise from Ruku. After saying "Sami Allahu Liman Hamidah" and "Rabbana lakal Hamd", recite the tasbih 10 times.
- First Sajdah: Go down into prostration. After reciting "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la", recite the tasbih 10 times.
- Sitting between Sajdahs (Jalsa): Sit up from the first Sajdah and recite the tasbih 10 times.
- Second Sajdah: Go down for the second prostration. After reciting "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la", recite the tasbih 10 times.
- Sitting after Sajdah: Before standing up for the next Rak'ah (or before reciting Tashahhud in the 2nd/4th Rak'ah), sit briefly (Jalsa Istiraha) and recite the tasbih 10 times.
Repeat this sequence for all 4 Rak'ahs to complete the 300 tasbihs.
Common Rules and FAQs
- Counting: Do not count aloud or use a physical tasbih/counter during the prayer. Instead, lightly press your fingers on your knees or count mentally to keep track.
- Missing a Count: If you forget to recite the tasbih in a particular posture, make up for it in the next posture. However, do not recite it while transitioning between postures.
- Congregation: While it can be prayed individually, it is also permissible to pray it in congregation (Jama'ah), especially during auspicious nights like Laylatul Qadr.
Using our interactive tracker above, you can familiarize yourself with the exact sequence and number of tasbihs required for each posture. May Allah accept your prayers and grant you immense rewards.