A Comprehensive Guide on How to Pray Salatul Tasbih
In the vast and beautiful landscape of Islamic worship, beyond the obligatory prayers, lie special voluntary acts that offer unique avenues for drawing closer to Allah. One such prayer, known for its distinctive form and emphasis on glorifying the Creator, is Salatul Tasbih (sometimes spelled Salat Tasbeeh), often translated as the Prayer of Glorification.
Over my four decades of writing, I’ve learned that intricate practices like Salatul Tasbih benefit immensely from a clear, step-by-step explanation. It might seem complex at first glance due to the specific repetitions involved, but understanding its structure and purpose can make it an accessible and profoundly rewarding act of devotion.
What is Salatul Tasbih and its Significance?
Salatul Tasbih is a supererogatory (Nafl) prayer consisting of four Raka’at (units of prayer). Its defining feature is the recitation of a specific Tasbih (phrase of glorification) a total of 300 times throughout the four Raka’at.
The prayer is mentioned in narrations attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), notably a Hadith narrated by Ikrimah from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them). In this narration (found in Sunan Abi Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah), the Prophet teaches his uncle Abbas the prayer, highlighting its potential virtue for the forgiveness of sins, past and present, intentional and unintentional, major and minor.
Important Note on Authenticity:
It’s worth mentioning, with the transparency that comes from experience, that scholars have differing views on the strict authenticity (Sahih status) of this specific Hadith. Some classify it as Hasan (good) or even Sahih, while others consider it Da’if (weak). However, many scholars permit acting upon such narrations for virtuous deeds (Fada’il al-A’mal), especially since the core of the prayer involves the undisputed virtue of Tasbih (glorifying Allah). The intention remains key: seeking closeness to Allah through abundant remembrance and glorification.
When Can You Pray Salatul Tasbih?
Being a voluntary prayer, Salatul Tasbih can be performed at any time except during the Makruh (disliked/forbidden) times for prayer. These generally are:
During sunrise
When the sun is at its absolute zenith (midday)
During sunset
The Hadith mentions performing it daily if possible, otherwise weekly, monthly, yearly, or at least once in a lifetime.
Preparing for the Prayer
Sincere Intention (Niyyah): Make a clear intention in your heart that you are performing four Raka’at of Salatul Tasbih solely for the sake of Allah.
Perform Wudu (Ablution): Ensure you have valid Wudu.
Find a Suitable Place: Choose a clean, quiet spot where you can focus without disturbance.
The Specific Tasbih to Recite
The core phrase repeated throughout the prayer is:
“SubhanAllahi wal Hamdulillahi wa La ilaha illAllahu Wallahu Akbar”
(سبحان الله والحمد لله ولا إله إلا الله والله أكبر)
Translation: Glory be to Allah, Praise be to Allah, There is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.
How to Perform Salat Tasbeeh: The Step-by-Step Guide
Salatul Tasbih consists of four Raka’at, prayed preferably in one set with one Tasleem at the end (though praying it as two sets of two Raka’at is also considered permissible by some). The goal is to recite the Tasbih mentioned above 75 times in each Raka’ah, totaling 300 times.
Here’s the breakdown for ONE Raka’ah (Repeat this pattern for all four Raka’at):
Start the Prayer: Stand, make Takbeer (“Allahu Akbar”) to begin.
Opening Supplication (Optional) & Recitation: Recite Thana (Subhanakallahumma…), then Ta’awwudh (A’udhu billahi…) and Tasmiyah (Bismillah…). Recite Surah Al-Fatihah. Recite another Surah or verses from the Quran.
BEFORE Ruku’ (While Standing): After completing the Quran recitation and before bowing down for Ruku’, recite the Tasbih 15 times.
“SubhanAllahi wal Hamdulillahi wa La ilaha illAllahu Wallahu Akbar” (x15)
During Ruku’ (Bowing): Go into Ruku’. First, recite the usual Ruku’ glorification (“Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem”) three times. Then, recite the Tasbih 10 times.
“SubhanAllahi wal Hamdulillahi wa La ilaha illAllahu Wallahu Akbar” (x10)
Standing Up from Ruku’ (Qawmah): Rise from Ruku’, saying “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah,” followed by “Rabbana wa lakal hamd.” Then, while standing straight, recite the Tasbih 10 times.
“SubhanAllahi wal Hamdulillahi wa La ilaha illAllahu Wallahu Akbar” (x10)
During the First Sujud (Prostration): Go into Sujud. First, recite the usual Sujud glorification (“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”) three times. Then, recite the Tasbih 10 times.
“SubhanAllahi wal Hamdulillahi wa La ilaha illAllahu Wallahu Akbar” (x10)
Sitting Between Sujuds (Jalsah): Rise from the first Sujud and sit briefly. You can recite the usual “Rabbighfir li” if you wish. Then, while sitting, recite the Tasbih 10 times.
“SubhanAllahi wal Hamdulillahi wa La ilaha illAllahu Wallahu Akbar” (x10)
During the Second Sujud: Perform the second Sujud. First, recite the usual Sujud glorification (“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”) three times. Then, recite the Tasbih 10 times.
“SubhanAllahi wal Hamdulillahi wa La ilaha illAllahu Wallahu Akbar” (x10)
Sitting Briefly After Second Sujud (Jalsat-ul-Istiraha – optional in some schools, but required for the count here): Before standing up for the next Raka’ah (or before reciting Tashahhud in the 2nd and 4th Raka’ah), sit briefly again after the second prostration. Recite the Tasbih 10 times.
“SubhanAllahi wal Hamdulillahi wa La ilaha illAllahu Wallahu Akbar” (x10)
Total Tasbih Count for One Raka’ah: 15 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 = 75 times.
Completing the Prayer:
Second Raka’ah: Stand up and repeat steps 2 through 9 exactly as above. After the second Sujud and reciting the Tasbih 10 times while sitting (step 9), remain seated and recite the Tashahhud (Attahiyyaat…) and Salawat (Allahumma salli…).
Third Raka’ah: Stand up for the third Raka’ah and repeat steps 2 through 9 again.
Fourth Raka’ah: Stand up for the fourth Raka’ah and repeat steps 2 through 9. After the second Sujud and reciting the Tasbih 10 times while sitting (step 9), remain seated. Recite the Tashahhud, Salawat, and the final Duas.
Tasleem: Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and then left, saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.”
Tips for Praying Salatul Tasbih:
Counting: You can keep count mentally or by using your fingers (folding/unfolding them discreetly). Some people use prayer beads (Tasbih), but try not to let the counting distract you excessively from the prayer’s essence. If you lose count, make your best estimate or revert to the lower certain number and continue.
Focus (Khushu’): While the counting is specific, the primary goal is the glorification of Allah. Focus on the meaning of the Tasbih and maintain humility and concentration. Don’t let the mechanics overshadow the spiritual connection.
Patience: It takes longer than usual prayers. Be patient with yourself, especially when first learning.
Mistakes: If you forget the Tasbih in one position, try to make it up in the next one (e.g., if missed in Ruku’, recite 20 times standing up). However, avoid excessive additions that disrupt the prayer flow significantly. Focus on sincerity.
A Prayer of Deep Remembrance
Salatul Tasbih is a beautiful practice centered on immersing oneself in the glorification and praise of Allah. It’s an opportunity to consciously acknowledge His perfection, His blessings, and His majesty hundreds of times within a single act of worship. Whether you aim to perform it regularly or occasionally, understanding how to perform salat tasbeeh correctly allows you to unlock this unique spiritual exercise.
May Allah accept our efforts and grant us the ability to remember and glorify Him abundantly. Ameen.