Salat al-Tasbih is a unique and spiritually enriching Sunnah prayer, distinguished by its inclusion of 300 tasbihat (glorifications of Allah). This article provides a detailed explanation of its performance, variations, and rulings based on Islamic scholarship.
Number of Rak’ahs in Salat al-Tasbih
Salat al-Tasbih consists of four rak’ahs. There are two narrated methods for performing it:
- First Narration: Continuous Four Rak’ahs
This method is based on the narration of Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) as described by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The prayer is performed as four uninterrupted rak’ahs, with the following structure in each rak’ah:- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another surah.
- After recitation, say the tasbihat 15 times:
SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar. - During ruku’, recite the tasbihat 10 times.
- After rising from ruku’, recite the tasbihat 10 times.
- In each sujood, recite the tasbihat 10 times.
- Between the two sujoods, recite the tasbihat 10 times.
- This totals 75 tasbihat per rak’ah and 300 for the entire prayer.
- Second Narration: Two by Two Rak’ahs
According to Imam Ibn al-Mubarak, it is preferred to pray Salat al-Tasbih in two sets of two rak’ahs if performed at night, but continuously as four rak’ahs during the day. The tasbihat remain the same, but they are recited before the recitation of Al-Fatihah and another surah.
Virtues of Salat al-Tasbih
The cumulative 300 tasbihat in Salat al-Tasbih include:
- 300 declarations of SubhanAllah
- 300 praises of Alhamdulillah
- 300 proclamations of La ilaha illa Allah
- 300 exclamations of Allahu Akbar
This aligns with Allah’s mention of those who remember Him abundantly:
“And the men and women who remember Allah often…” (Quran 33:35).
Recommended Surahs for Salat al-Tasbih
While any surah may be recited, the following are suggested for their virtues:
- First Rak’ah: Surah Al-A’la (87)
- Second Rak’ah: Surah Al-Zalzalah (99)
- Third Rak’ah: Surah Al-Kafirun (109)
- Fourth Rak’ah: Surah Al-Ikhlas (112)
Some scholars also recommend:
- First Rak’ah: Surah Al-Waqi’ah (56)
- Second Rak’ah: Surah Al-Mulk (67)
Timing for Salat al-Tasbih
Salat al-Tasbih can be prayed at any time except the prohibited times:
- After Fajr until the sun rises.
- When the sun is at its zenith (around midday).
- After Asr until sunset.
Du’a After Salat al-Tasbih
It is recommended to make the following du’a after completing the prayer:
“O Allah, I ask You for the success of those who are guided, the deeds of those who are certain, sincerity in repentance, steadfastness in patience, and seriousness in devotion… (continuation of the du’a).”
Note: This du’a has a weak chain of narration.
Ruling on Salat al-Tasbih
Islamic scholars have differing opinions on the authenticity of the Hadith regarding Salat al-Tasbih:
- Shafi’i and Hanafi Schools: Recommend it as a Sunnah prayer.
- Maliki and Hanbali Schools: Consider it non-recommended due to the weakness of its Hadith.
Despite differing views, many scholars suggest performing it at least once in a lifetime for its immense rewards.
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