Prayer holds a central place in the life of every Muslim. It serves as a direct connection between the believer and Allah. Among the various forms of prayer, there exists a special voluntary prayer known for its immense spiritual benefits. This prayer offers believers an opportunity to seek forgiveness. It helps them draw closer to their Creator through repeated glorification.
What is Salatul Tasbih?
Salatul tasbih is a special voluntary prayer. It consists of four rak'ahs performed with a distinctive method of reciting tasbih. The prayer is characterized by the recitation of a specific formula 300 times throughout its performance.
This formula combines four powerful statements of remembrance. These are: "Subhanallahi wal hamdulillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar." This means Glory be to Allah, all praise is for Allah, there is no deity except Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.
What are the Rewards of Salatul Tasbih?
The spiritual rewards associated with this prayer are truly remarkable. According to authentic narrations, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught this prayer to his uncle Abbas. He described its profound benefits for those who perform it.
The prayer serves as a means of forgiveness for sins, both major and minor, whether committed intentionally or unintentionally, in public or in private. It offers believers a chance to cleanse their hearts and renew their commitment to righteousness. The comprehensive nature of the forgiveness promised makes this prayer particularly valuable for those seeking spiritual purification.
Beyond forgiveness, performing this prayer regularly helps strengthen one's connection with Allah, increases mindfulness, and cultivates a habit of consistent remembrance. The repeated glorification throughout the prayer serves as a powerful reminder of Allah's greatness and mercy.
When Can You Perform Salatul Tasbih?
One of the beautiful aspects of salatul tasbeeh is its flexibility regarding timing. The prayer can be performed at any time of day or night, except during the three prohibited times for voluntary prayers: after Fajr until sunrise, when the sun is at its zenith (approximately 15 minutes before Dhuhr), and after Asr until sunset.
According to various narrations, the prayer can be performed daily, weekly, monthly, or even once in a lifetime, though more frequent performance naturally brings greater spiritual benefits. Some scholars recommend performing it once a week, particularly on Friday, while others suggest once a month or at minimum once a year.
The flexibility in timing makes this prayer accessible to believers regardless of their schedule. Whether performed in the quiet hours of the night or during the day, the prayer offers the same spiritual rewards and opportunities for connection with Allah.
How to Perform Salatul Tasbih
Understanding how to pray salatul tasbih requires attention to the specific placement of the tasbih recitations throughout the prayer. Here's a detailed breakdown of the method:
Intention and Opening
Begin with the intention to perform four rak'ahs of salatul tasbih. After making takbir (saying "Allahu Akbar") and reciting the opening supplication, recite the tasbih formula 15 times before seeking refuge and reciting Surah Al-Fatihah.
First Rak'ah Structure
After reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and another surah, recite the tasbih 10 times before going into ruku (bowing). During ruku, after the regular glorification, recite the tasbih 10 times. Upon rising from ruku, recite the tasbih 10 times. In the first sajdah (prostration), after the regular glorification, recite the tasbih 10 times. Between the two sajdahs, recite the tasbih 10 times. In the second sajdah, recite the tasbih 10 times again.
This completes 75 recitations in the first rak'ah (15 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 = 75).
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Continuing the Prayer
Repeat this exact pattern for the second, third, and fourth rak'ahs. Each rak'ah will contain 75 recitations of the tasbih, bringing the total to 300 by the completion of the four rak'ahs.
For those wondering how to do salatul tasbih with proper understanding, it's helpful to practice the timing of each set of recitations. Some people find it beneficial to count on their fingers or keep track mentally during the initial performances until the pattern becomes natural.
Completing the Prayer
After the fourth rak'ah, complete the prayer with tashahhud and tasleem as in regular prayers. Some traditions suggest making specific supplications after completing the prayer, though the core obligation ends with the tasleem.
Is Salatul Tasbih a Sunnah?
The status of this prayer has been discussed among Islamic scholars throughout history. The prayer is based on hadith narrations, and many scholars consider it a recommended voluntary prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught this prayer to his uncle, indicating its legitimacy and value.
Some scholars have debated the authenticity of certain narrations related to this prayer. Despite this, many respected scholars have accepted it as a valid voluntary act of worship. The prayer falls under the category of nafl (voluntary) prayers. It is not obligatory. This means there is no sin in not performing it. However, there is reward in doing so.
Those who choose to perform this prayer do so seeking the rewards mentioned in the narrations and as an additional means of drawing closer to Allah through voluntary worship.
What if I Miss a Recitation in Salatul Tasbeeh?
Mistakes can happen during any prayer, and salatul tasbeeh is no exception. If someone loses count or realizes they may have missed some recitations, there are different scholarly opinions on how to proceed.
Some scholars suggest that if one realizes the mistake during the prayer, they should try to make up the missed recitations in the subsequent positions. For example, if someone realizes they only recited the tasbih 8 times instead of 10 in ruku, they could add the missing 2 in the next position.
Others maintain that one should simply continue with the prayer and not worry excessively about the exact count, as the intention and effort are what matter most. The prayer remains valid even if the exact count isn't achieved, though striving for accuracy is encouraged.
For those learning how to do tasbeeh within this prayer, starting slowly and focusing on accuracy rather than speed is advisable. With practice, the pattern becomes more natural and easier to maintain.
كيفية صلاة التسبيح بالأردية (How to Pray Salat Tasbeeh in Urdu)
For Urdu-speaking Muslims who want to learn how to pray salat tasbeeh in urdu, the method remains the same. The tasbih formula "سبحان الله والحمد لله ولا إله إلا الله والله أكبر" is recited 300 times total. This is done across four rak'ahs.
Urdu resources and videos are available that demonstrate the prayer with Urdu instructions. This makes it accessible for those more comfortable with that language. The key is understanding the placement of the 15-10-10-10-10-10-10 pattern in each rak'ah.
Tips for Beginners
For those new to this prayer, here are some helpful suggestions:
Start by learning the tasbih formula well, ensuring proper pronunciation. Practice counting the recitations during regular practice sessions before attempting the full prayer. Consider performing the prayer when there's no rush, allowing time to focus on each recitation. Some find it helpful to use their fingers systematically for counting during each set.
Don't be discouraged by initial difficulty. Like any new form of worship, it becomes easier with practice. The spiritual rewards and the increased mindfulness that comes from this prayer make the learning process worthwhile.
Conclusion
Salatul tasbih offers Muslims a beautiful opportunity to seek Allah's forgiveness and multiply their good deeds through a structured form of remembrance. Whether performed daily, weekly, or less frequently, this prayer provides spiritual benefits that extend beyond the moments spent in prostration.
The key to benefiting from this prayer lies in learning how to pray salatul tasbih prayer correctly, performing it with sincerity, and maintaining consistency according to one's ability. As with all acts of worship, the intention and presence of heart matter more than mere mechanical performance.
For anyone asking "how to perform salatul tasbih," the answer lies in understanding its unique structure, practicing the pattern of recitations, and approaching it with humility and hope for Allah's mercy. May Allah accept our efforts and grant us the rewards promised for this blessed prayer.
FAQ's
How many rakats is Salatul Tasbih?
Salatul tasbih consists of four rak'ahs performed consecutively in one sitting, with 75 tasbih recitations in each rak'ah totaling 300 recitations.
Can I pray Salatul Tasbih after Fajr or Asr?
No, salatul tasbeeh should not be performed during the three prohibited times: after Fajr until sunrise, at noon before Dhuhr, and after Asr until sunset.
How often should I perform Salatul Tasbih?
Salat tasbeeh can be performed daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or even once in a lifetime, depending on your capacity and schedule.
What should I recite during Salatul Tasbih?
Recite "Subhanallahi wal hamdulillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar" 300 times total throughout the four rak'ahs at specific positions.
Is Salatul Tasbih valid if I make a mistake in counting?
Yes, the prayer remains valid even with counting mistakes simply continue with sincere intention as Allah values your effort and sincerity.
