Certain prayers hold unique virtues and specific methods that offer immense spiritual rewards. Among these is Salatul Tasbih, often referred to as "the prayer of glorification." This special voluntary prayer is a beautiful gift from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to his Ummah, carrying extraordinary benefits, most notably the forgiveness of sins.
Salatul Tasbih is distinct due to its emphasis on the repeated recitation of a particular glorification of Allah (Tasbih) throughout its units (rakats). It serves as a profound act of devotion, a means of seeking extensive forgiveness, and a way to cleanse the heart and soul from the accumulated dust of daily life. Whether performed daily, weekly, monthly, or even just once in a lifetime, this prayer offers a unique opportunity for a believer to connect deeply with their Creator and seek His boundless mercy.
What is Salatul Tasbih?
The word "Tasbih" (تَسْبِيح) in Arabic refers to the act of glorifying Allah, praising Him, and declaring His perfection, often by reciting phrases like "Subhanallah" (Glory be to Allah). Salatul Tasbih, therefore, is a specific prayer structured around a high number of these glorifications.
A Special Prayer to Seek Forgiveness
The essence of Salatul Tasbih lies in its power to facilitate the forgiveness of sins. It is a prayer explicitly recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a means for believers to wipe away their transgressions, both minor and major, old and new, hidden and apparent. Its unique composition, involving 300 repetitions of a specific Tasbih, makes it a concentrated effort in glorifying Allah and seeking His pardon.
This prayer's significance is well-established in the authentic narrations (Hadith) of the Prophet (peace be upon him), primarily found in collections such as Sunan Abi Dawood and Jami` at-Tirmidhi. The Hadith describe its method and the incredible spiritual reward promised to those who perform it.
Hadith About Salatul Tasbih
The foundation for Salatul Tasbih comes directly from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The most well-known narration regarding this prayer is from his companion, Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him).
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to al-Abbas ibn AbdulMuttalib: "Abbas, my uncle, shall I not give you, shall I not present to you, shall I not donate to you, shall I not tell you to do ten things which, if you do them, Allah will forgive you your sins, the first of them and the last, the old and the new, those committed unintentionally and those committed intentionally, the minor and the major, those committed in secret and those committed openly?"
You should pray four rak'ahs, reciting in each rak'ah the Fatihat al-Kitab and a surah. When you finish the recitation in the first rak'ah, say:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
"Subhanallah wal hamdu lillah wa la ilaha illallah wallahu akbar (Glory be to Allah, and praise be to Allah, and there is no god but Allah, and Allah is most great)"
fifteen times while standing. Then bow, and say it ten times while bowing. Then raise your head from bowing, and say it ten times. Then prostrate yourself, and say it ten times while prostrating. Then raise your head from prostrating, and say it ten times while sitting. Then prostrate yourself, and say it ten times. Then raise your head from prostrating, and say it ten times while sitting, before you stand up. That is seventy-five times in each rak'ah. You should do that in four rak'ahs.
If you can pray it once daily, do so; if not, then once every Friday; if not, then once every month; if not, then once every year; if not, then once in your whole life."
Reference:
This Hadith clearly outlines the method, the specific glorification to recite, and the profound benefits of performing Salatul Tasbih, emphasizing its importance throughout a Muslim's life.
Best Time to Pray Salatul Tasbih
Salatul Tasbih is a voluntary (nafil) prayer, which means it offers flexibility in terms of when it can be performed.
When Can It Be Offered?
Any Time (Except Prohibited Hours): You can pray Salatul Tasbih at any time of the day or night, with the exception of the generally prohibited times for voluntary prayers. These times are:
From the moment of sunrise until the sun has fully risen (approximately 15-20 minutes after sunrise).
When the sun is directly at its zenith (highest point in the sky), just before the Dhuhr prayer begins (a very brief window).
As the sun is setting until it has completely disappeared below the horizon.
Preferably during Night or on Fridays: While permissible anytime, some scholars and practitioners suggest that the last third of the night (the time for Tahajjud prayer) or on Fridays are particularly virtuous times due to the general blessings associated with these periods.
How Often Should You Pray It?
The Hadith itself provides guidance on the frequency:
Once Daily: The most ideal.
Once Every Friday: If daily is not possible.
Once Every Month: If weekly is not possible.
Once Every Year: If monthly is not possible.
At Least Once in Your Whole Lifetime: This highlights its immense importance, suggesting that every Muslim should strive to perform it at least once to attain its extraordinary benefits.
This flexibility makes Salatul Tasbih accessible to everyone, regardless of their daily schedule, encouraging believers to make it a part of their spiritual routine whenever they can.
How to Pray Salatul Tasbih (Step-by-Step)
Salatul Tasbih consists of four rakats (units of prayer) and involves the recitation of a specific glorification (Tasbih) 300 times in total, distributed throughout the prayer. It can be prayed in two ways:
Four Rakats with One Salam: Pray all four rakats consecutively, concluding with one Tasleem (salutation) at the end. This is generally the more common method.
Two Rakats + Two Rakats: Pray two rakats, conclude with Tasleem, and then stand up to pray another two rakats, concluding with a second Tasleem. Both methods are permissible, though the first method (four rakats with one salam) is often inferred from the Hadith's phrasing.
Here's the step-by-step method, designed for four rakats with one salam:
Step 1: Make Intention (Niyyah)
Before starting the prayer, make the intention in your heart to perform four rakats of Salatul Tasbih for the sake of Allah. You do not need to say it aloud. Example Intention: "I intend to pray four rakats of Salatul Tasbih for the sake of Allah."
Step 2: Begin Prayer (Takbiratul Ihram)
Raise your hands to your ears (for men) or shoulders (for women) and say "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest), initiating the prayer.
Step 3: First Rakat Breakdown (75 Tasbihs)
Opening & Tasbih (15 times): After saying "Allahu Akbar," recite the opening supplication (Subhanaka Allahumma...) if you normally do so. Then, before reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, recite the Tasbih 15 times.
Recitation: Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Quran), followed by any other short Surah you know (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas).
Ruku' (Bowing) & Tasbih (10 times): Say "Allahu Akbar" and go into Ruku' (bowing position). After reciting the regular Ruku' glorification ("Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem" three times), recite the Tasbih 10 times.
Standing from Ruku' & Tasbih (10 times): Rise from Ruku' saying "Sami'allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears him who praises Him) followed by "Rabbana walakal hamd" (Our Lord, and to You belongs all praise). While standing upright, recite the Tasbih 10 times.
First Sajdah (Prostration) & Tasbih (10 times): Say "Allahu Akbar" and go into your first Sajdah (prostration). After reciting the regular Sajdah glorification ("Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" three times), recite the Tasbih 10 times.
Sitting Between Sajdahs & Tasbih (10 times): Say "Allahu Akbar" and sit up briefly between the two prostrations. While sitting, recite the Tasbih 10 times.
Second Sajdah & Tasbih (10 times): Say "Allahu Akbar" and perform a second Sajdah. After reciting the regular Sajdah glorification, recite the Tasbih 10 times.
Sitting Before Standing (10 times): Say "Allahu Akbar" and rise from the second Sajdah to sit for a moment before standing up for the next Rakat. While sitting here, recite the Tasbih 10 times.
This completes 75 Tasbihs in the first Rakat.
Step 4: Repeat for Remaining Rakats
Second Rakat: Stand up and begin the second Rakat. Repeat steps 1 through 8 exactly as you did for the first Rakat. This will complete another 75 Tasbihs. After the second Sajdah in this Rakat, sit for Tashahhud (reciting "At-tahiyyat...", "Allahumma Salli...", "Allahumma Barik...") before standing for the third Rakat (if praying all 4 together).
Third Rakat: Stand up and begin the third Rakat. Repeat steps 1 through 8. This completes another 75 Tasbihs.
Fourth Rakat: Stand up and begin the fourth Rakat. Repeat steps 1 through 8. This completes the final 75 Tasbihs.
Step 5: Final Tashahhud and Tasleem
After the second Sajdah of the fourth Rakat, sit for the final Tashahhud (reciting "At-tahiyyat...", "Allahumma Salli...", "Allahumma Barik...", and any other duas like "Rabbana atina..."). Conclude your prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left, saying "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you).
Tasbih Recitation (Arabic + English)
The core of Salatul Tasbih is the repeated recitation of a specific phrase of glorification:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Subhanallahi walhamdulillahi wa laa ilaaha illallahu wallaahu akbar.
"Glory be to Allah, all praise be to Allah, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest."
This powerful phrase combines four fundamental acts of remembrance and glorification of Allah:
Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah): Declaring Allah's perfection and transcendence, free from any imperfections.
Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah): Expressing gratitude and acknowledging all blessings come from Him.
La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah): Affirming the absolute oneness and uniqueness of God (Tawhid).
Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest): Affirming His supreme greatness and majesty.
Reciting these words repeatedly not only brings immense reward but also cleanses the heart, strengthens faith, and deepens one's appreciation for Allah's greatness.
Distribution of Tasbih in Each Rakat
Understanding the precise distribution of the Tasbih is crucial for correctly performing Salatul Tasbih. Each Rakat contains a total of 75 Tasbihs, which sum up to 300 Tasbihs for the entire four-rakat prayer.
Here’s the breakdown of how the 75 Tasbihs are distributed in each Rakat:
After the Opening Takbir (Allahu Akbar) and opening supplication (like Subhanaka), but before reciting Surah Al-Fatiha – 15 times
(Standing position - Qiyam)
After reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah – 10 times
(Still in standing position - Qiyam)
In Ruku' (Bowing position), after the regular Ruku' glorification – 10 times
(Bowing position - Ruku')
After rising from Ruku' (standing upright again) – 10 times
(Standing position - Qawmah)
In the first Sajdah (Prostration), after the regular Sajdah glorification – 10 times
(Prostration position - Sajdah)
While sitting between the two Sajdahs – 10 times
(Sitting position - Jalsah)
In the second Sajdah, after the regular Sajdah glorification – 10 times
(Prostration position - Sajdah)
While sitting after the second Sajdah of the Rakat, before standing up for the next Rakat (or before Tashahhud if it's the second or fourth Rakat) – 10 times
(Sitting position - Jalsah/Istirahat)
Total = 75 times per Rakat.
Total for 4 Rakats = 75 Tasbihs/Rakat × 4 Rakats = 300 Tasbihs.
Practical Tip for Counting: Many people use their fingers to keep count, often by bending a finger for each recitation. However, it's important not to move your lips or fingers in a way that disrupts the solemnity and focus of the prayer. Simply using your memory or subtly bending fingers (without external movement) is usually recommended.
Niyyah (Intention) for Salatul Tasbih
Like all acts of worship in Islam, Niyyah (intention) is crucial for Salatul Tasbih. The intention is a sincere resolve in your heart to perform the prayer for the sake of Allah. You do not need to vocalize it, though some people choose to do so.
Example of an Intention:
"I intend to pray four rakats of Salatul Tasbih for the sake of Allah, seeking His forgiveness and blessings."
Your intention should be clear and heartfelt. This mental preparation ensures that your act of worship is dedicated purely to Allah and distinguishes it from mere physical movements. Sincerity in intention is key to the acceptance of any good deed.
Benefits of Salatul Tasbih
The Hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) clearly outlines the immense benefits of performing Salatul Tasbih, making it a highly desirable prayer for any Muslim.
Forgiveness of Past and Future Sins: The most outstanding benefit mentioned is the comprehensive forgiveness of sins – "the first of them and the last, the old and the new, those committed unintentionally and those committed intentionally, the minor and the major, those committed in secret and those committed openly." This makes it an incredibly powerful prayer for spiritual cleansing.
Spiritual Cleansing and Inner Peace: The repetitive glorification of Allah throughout the prayer helps to purify the heart, remove spiritual rust, and bring a profound sense of inner peace and tranquility. It is a focused meditation on Allah's greatness and perfection.
Strengthens Connection with Allah: By engaging in such an intensive act of remembrance and praise, a believer deepens their connection with Allah, fostering a stronger sense of reliance, love, and awe for their Creator.
Highly Emphasized by the Prophet ﷺ: The fact that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) personally taught this prayer to his uncle, offering such immense reward and encouraging its regular performance (or at least once in a lifetime), signifies its extraordinary importance and value in Islam. It is a special gift from the beloved Prophet to his community.
Salatul Tasbih is thus not just a set of movements and recitations; it's a profound spiritual exercise designed to bring a believer closer to Allah and earn His forgiveness and mercy.
Conclusion
Salatul Tasbih stands as a unique and precious gift within the vast ocean of Islamic worship. It is a testament to Allah's boundless mercy and His desire for His servants to seek His forgiveness and draw closer to Him. The comprehensive nature of the forgiveness promised in the Hadith makes this prayer an invaluable opportunity for every Muslim to cleanse their spiritual slate.
While the number of Tasbihs may seem daunting at first, with practice, the rhythm becomes natural, and the focus shifts from counting to the profound meaning of the words. Whether you manage to offer it daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or at least once in your entire lifetime, the spiritual rewards are immense.
We strongly encourage you to learn and try to offer Salatul Tasbih. It is a beautiful way to glorify Allah, seek His pardon, and experience a profound sense of peace and connection with your Creator. Start small, be consistent, and trust in the immense blessing this special prayer brings to cleanse the heart and soul.
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