Discover how to perform Tasbeeh prayer with simple steps, its benefits, and best times to pray. Follow this easy guide to Salat al-Tasbeeh.
Introduction: What Is Tasbeeh Prayer?
Tasbeeh prayer, also known as Salat al-Tasbeeh, is a special voluntary prayer that helps Muslims get closer to Allah. It is a Sunnah prayer that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged his companions to perform. This prayer holds great value because it includes constant remembrance of Allah through repeating phrases of praise and glorification.
The purpose of Tasbeeh prayer is to help a person reflect deeply on Allah’s greatness, mercy, and blessings. It gives Muslims a chance to seek forgiveness, build spiritual strength, and purify their hearts. Unlike regular prayers, this one includes repeating a specific phrase of Tasbeeh many times during each rak’ah. The words are:
Subhan Allahi wal hamdu lillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar
(Glory be to Allah, all praise is for Allah, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.)
Salat al-Tasbeeh is not obligatory, but it is highly recommended. Scholars consider it a powerful act of worship that brings immense rewards. One of its main benefits is the forgiveness of sins. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned that performing this prayer can wipe away past mistakes when done sincerely and with attention.
By learning how to perform Tasbeeh prayer properly, Muslims can add a meaningful act of devotion to their spiritual routine. It is especially beneficial during times like the last ten nights of Ramadan, Fridays, or when a person feels the need to reconnect with Allah.
Virtues and Importance of Salat al-Tasbeeh
Salat al-Tasbeeh is a voluntary prayer that holds deep spiritual value in Islam. It focuses on remembering and praising Allah throughout the prayer. When you take time to perform this prayer with sincerity, you strengthen your relationship with your Creator and increase your awareness of His mercy and greatness.
The repetition of phrases like “Subhan Allahi wal hamdu lillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar” during the prayer brings your heart closer to the remembrance of Allah. This constant praise encourages humility and reflection. While learning how to perform Tasbeeh prayer, you also learn to slow down and connect your heart with each word you say.
Although the hadith about Salat al-Tasbeeh found in Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi is widely known, scholars have differed on its authenticity. To remain cautious and stick to only sahih hadith, it is important to note that Salat al-Tasbeeh does not appear in Sahih al-Bukhari or Sahih Muslim. However, many scholars still consider the prayer permissible as a form of voluntary worship that involves Tasbeeh and brings a believer closer to Allah.
In general, the act of glorifying Allah in prayer carries great reward. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Two words are light on the tongue, heavy in the balance, and beloved to the Most Merciful: Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan Allahil Azeem.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6406, Sahih Muslim 2694)
This hadith shows the value of Tasbeeh in daily life. Salat al-Tasbeeh builds on this foundation by repeating phrases of glorification throughout the prayer, helping the believer stay mindful of Allah.
By understanding how to perform Tasbeeh prayer and making it part of your routine, you increase your focus in worship. Even if you pray it occasionally, you benefit from its spiritual rewards and draw closer to the mercy of Allah.
When Should You Offer Salat al-Tasbeeh?
You can perform Tasbeeh prayer at any time that is allowed for voluntary prayers. It is not limited to a specific day or month, which gives you the flexibility to pray it when your heart feels most connected to Allah. Many Muslims choose to offer it during special nights or when they seek spiritual peace and forgiveness.
One of the best times to perform Salat al-Tasbeeh is during the last third of the night. This is a time when Allah accepts dua and looks upon His servants with mercy. If you already pray Tahajjud, you can include Tasbeeh prayer in your night worship.
Another good time is on Fridays, especially in the morning or before Maghrib. Fridays are special in Islam, and adding an extra prayer like Salat al-Tasbeeh can bring extra blessings. You can also pray it during the last ten nights of Ramadan, which are full of mercy and reward.
However, you should avoid praying it during the forbidden times, such as:
- Right after Fajr until the sun rises
- When the sun is at its peak (just before Dhuhr)
- Right after Asr until sunset
These are times when all voluntary prayers are discouraged, including Tasbeeh prayer.
You can pray Tasbeeh alone or in private. It does not need a group or a special imam. In fact, praying it quietly and with full focus can help you connect more deeply with Allah.
When you understand how to perform Tasbeeh prayer and choose the right time for it, your worship becomes more meaningful. The key is to offer it with sincerity, not routine. Even if you pray it once a month or on a special night, you can still gain its spiritual rewards.
Step-by-Step Guide to Salat al-Tasbeeh
Salat al-Tasbeeh is made up of four rak’ahs. You can pray all four together, or two rak’ahs followed by another two. This prayer includes repeating a special phrase of remembrance 300 times across the entire prayer. Each step helps you stay focused and mindful of Allah’s greatness.
The phrase you will repeat is:
Subhan Allahi wal hamdu lillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar
(Glory be to Allah, all praise is for Allah, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.)
Here is how to perform Tasbeeh prayer correctly:
1. Make Your Intention (Niyyah)
Before you begin, make the intention in your heart that you are offering Salat al-Tasbeeh for the sake of Allah. You do not need to say it aloud.
2. Say Takbir and Begin the First Rak’ah
Start with Allahu Akbar, then recite Subhanaka Allahumma as usual. After that, recite Surah Al-Fatiha followed by another surah, such as Surah Ikhlas.
3. Say the Tasbeeh Phrase 15 Times
Before going into ruku, repeat the Tasbeeh phrase 15 times.
4. Perform Ruku
After the usual ruku dhikr (Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem), repeat the Tasbeeh phrase 10 times.
5. Stand Up from Ruku
When you rise (Sami’Allahu liman hamidah…), say the Tasbeeh phrase 10 more times while standing.
6. Perform Sujood
After saying Subhana Rabbiyal A’la, say the Tasbeeh phrase 10 times while in sujood.
7. Sit Between the Two Sujood
Say the Tasbeeh phrase 10 times while sitting.
8. Perform the Second Sujood
Repeat the Tasbeeh phrase 10 more times in the second sujood.
9. Complete the Rak’ah
After finishing the second sujood, that completes the first rak’ah. You will have said the Tasbeeh phrase 75 times in total.
Repeat the same process in the next three rak’ahs.
If you forget to say the Tasbeeh at any point, you can add the missed number before the next position or at the end of the rak’ah. Focus on the meaning of the words while you say them. This will help you feel more connected and avoid rushing.
When you follow these steps and learn how to perform Tasbeeh prayer properly, your prayer becomes a deep and rewarding form of worship.
Tasbeeh Prayer Step-by-Step Breakdown
Once you understand how to perform Tasbeeh prayer, it becomes easier to follow each part. In this section, you’ll see a clear breakdown of what to do in every rak’ah. The goal is to keep your focus and repeat the Tasbeeh phrase with mindfulness.
Before You Begin: Make Intention and Say Takbir
- Make the intention (niyyah) in your heart to pray Salat al-Tasbeeh
- Begin the prayer by saying Allahu Akbar
First Rak’ah
- Recite Subhanaka Allahumma
- Read Surah Al-Fatiha
- Recite a short Surah (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas)
- Say the Tasbeeh phrase 15 times
- Go into ruku, say usual dhikr, then the Tasbeeh phrase 10 times
- Stand up from ruku, say Rabbana lakal hamd, then the Tasbeeh phrase 10 times
- Perform first sujood, say Subhana Rabbiyal A’la, then the Tasbeeh phrase 10 times
- Sit between sujood, say the Tasbeeh phrase 10 times
- Perform second sujood, say Subhana Rabbiyal A’la, then the Tasbeeh phrase 10 times
→ Total Tasbeeh in this rak’ah: 75 times
Second Rak’ah
- Repeat the same process as the first rak’ah
- After the second sujood, sit for Tashahhud
→ Total Tasbeeh in this rak’ah: 75 times
Third Rak’ah
- Stand up for the third rak’ah
- Repeat all steps like in the first rak’ah
→ Total Tasbeeh in this rak’ah: 75 times
Fourth Rak’ah
- Follow the same pattern again
- After the second sujood, sit for the full Tashahhud and complete the prayer with Tasleem
→ Total Tasbeeh in this rak’ah: 75 times
By the end of the four rak’ahs, you will have said the Tasbeeh phrase 300 times.
Learning how to perform Tasbeeh prayer correctly helps you focus on each step and avoid confusion. Take your time, stay present, and let your heart connect with every word of remembrance.
Reference for Tasbeeh Prayer
The guidance for how to perform Tasbeeh prayer comes from a narration reported by Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught his uncle Al-Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib this special prayer and promised great rewards for it. The hadith describes Salat al-Tasbeeh as a four-rak’ah prayer with repeated phrases of remembrance.
“O Abbas! O uncle of the Messenger of Allah! Shall I not teach you something by which Allah will forgive your sins, the first and the last, the old and the new, the intentional and the unintentional?”
(Then the Prophet explained how to perform Salat al-Tasbeeh)
Reported in:
- Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 1297
- Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 481
- Graded hasan (acceptable) by scholars like Ibn Hajar and Al-Albani
Note:
This prayer is not found in Sahih Bukhari or Sahih Muslim, but many scholars agree it is a recommended Sunnah and may be performed for its spiritual benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Tasbeeh Prayer
Learning how to perform Tasbeeh prayer is a beautiful way to strengthen your connection with Allah. However, like any form of worship, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can affect the quality and reward of your prayer. Here are a few errors to watch out for:
1. Rushing Through the Tasbeeh Phrases
One of the most common mistakes is saying the Tasbeeh too quickly. This defeats the purpose of reflection and focus. Take your time with each phrase. Speak with awareness, and let the words settle in your heart.
2. Forgetting the Count
The total number of Tasbeeh repetitions is 300 across four rak’ahs. Some people forget when and how many times to say it. If you lose count, stay calm and make up for the missed Tasbeeh before moving to the next position or at the end of the rak’ah.
3. Skipping the Intention (Niyyah)
Even though you don’t say the intention out loud, you should be clear in your heart that you are offering Salat al-Tasbeeh. Performing the prayer without intention may reduce its spiritual value.
4. Praying at Forbidden Times
Avoid performing Tasbeeh prayer during times when voluntary prayers are not allowed. These include right after Fajr, at midday, and after Asr until sunset. Stick to allowed times for full benefit.
5. Losing Focus During the Prayer
Because Salat al-Tasbeeh involves repeated phrases, it is easy to fall into routine and lose concentration. Stay mindful of the meaning behind the words. Remember, this prayer is about glorifying Allah, not just finishing a set of recitations.
6. Thinking It Is an Obligation
Tasbeeh prayer is not mandatory. It is a recommended Sunnah, meaning it brings reward if you perform it, but there is no sin if you leave it. Do not feel guilty if you miss it, but try to perform it when you have time and focus.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can make your Tasbeeh prayer more meaningful and rewarding. Understanding how to perform Tasbeeh prayer properly helps you gain spiritual benefit and avoid distractions during worship.
Benefits of Performing Tasbeeh Prayer Regularly
When you learn how to perform Tasbeeh prayer and make it part of your routine, you unlock many spiritual benefits. This special prayer strengthens your faith, purifies your heart, and brings peace to your daily life.
1. Increases Remembrance of Allah
Tasbeeh prayer keeps your tongue and heart engaged in the remembrance of Allah. Repeating phrases that glorify Him deepens your awareness and love for your Creator. The more you remember Allah, the closer you feel to Him.
2. Helps in Gaining Forgiveness
Although the hadith about Tasbeeh prayer is not in Sahih Bukhari or Muslim, scholars like Ibn Hajar and Al-Albani accepted its value. The hadith promises forgiveness for many types of sins. Even praying it once can bring great reward, especially when done sincerely.
3. Builds Focus in Worship
Since Salat al-Tasbeeh includes repeating phrases at each stage of the prayer, it requires extra attention. This helps improve your concentration in other prayers as well. Over time, it trains your heart to focus more deeply during worship.
4. Strengthens Your Relationship with Allah
Performing Tasbeeh prayer regularly shows that you care about your spiritual growth. When you set aside time for this prayer, you build a stronger connection with Allah. It helps you feel more grounded, calm, and content.
5. Encourages Patience and Consistency
Taking time to pray four rak’ahs with 300 Tasbeeh repetitions teaches patience. It also builds a habit of regular worship. This consistency adds value to your prayer life and brings lasting inner peace.
Learning how to perform Tasbeeh prayer and practicing it regularly brings many benefits. Even if you perform it once a week, once a month, or during special nights, you will feel the positive impact on your heart and soul.
Conclusion: Make Tasbeeh Prayer a Part of Your Worship
Now that you know how to perform Tasbeeh prayer step by step, try to include it in your routine as a way to grow closer to Allah. This unique prayer helps cleanse the heart, brings peace to the soul, and fills your day with meaningful remembrance.
Even if you perform it occasionally, you will gain spiritual rewards and feel more connected to your faith. Tasbeeh prayer is not difficult. All it requires is focus, sincerity, and a desire to glorify Allah.
Choose a quiet time, follow the simple steps, and let each phrase of praise remind you of Allah’s mercy and greatness. Whether you pray it once a week, on special nights, or during personal moments of reflection, it can bring light into your life.
Start today by learning how to perform Tasbeeh prayer with care and devotion. The more you practice, the more you will feel its impact on your heart and soul.
Read also: Benefits of istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness) in Islam