In the quiet corners of the soul, where the hustle of life fades into a whisper, there exists a practice as ancient as time itself — Tasbeeh. This simple yet profound act of repeating holy phrases has woven its way through centuries, offering solace and connection to the divine. But what is tasbeeh, and why does it hold such a revered place in the hearts of believers.
Meaning Of Tasbeeh
Tasbeeh (تسبيح) is derived from the Arabic root word ‘سبح,’ meaning to glorify or praise. In Islamic tradition, it refers to the recitation of specific phrases like “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to God) to remember and venerate the Almighty. This practice is not just a ritual; it’s a journey into the heart of spirituality, offering a path to mindfulness and inner peace.
Benefits Of Tasbeeh
Engaging in tasbeeh is like sending a gentle ripple across the lake of one’s soul. Its benefits are manifold; spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the divine presence, keeping the heart aligned with its Creator. Psychologically, the rhythmic repetition promotes a state of meditation, reducing stress and fostering a sense of well-being.
Physically, the focused calm can lower blood pressure and soothe the nerves. Truly, tasbeeh is a balm for both the body and soul.
How to Perform Tasbeeh after Prayer
There are several methods of performing Tasbeeh after prayer, and they are as follows:
First Method: Praise (Tasbeeh) Allah 33 times, declare His Greatness (Takbir) 33 times, and give thanks (Tahmid) to Allah 33 times, and declare His Oneness (Tahlil) once. This completes the Tasbeeh 100 times, according to the prophetic Hadith:
مَن سَبَّحَ اللَّهَ في دُبُرِ كُلِّ صَلاةٍ ثَلاثًا وثَلاثِينَ، وحَمِدَ اللَّهَ ثَلاثًا وثَلاثِينَ، وكَبَّرَ اللَّهَ ثَلاثًا وثَلاثِينَ، فَتْلِكَ تِسْعَةٌ وتِسْعُونَ، وقالَ: تَمامَ المِئَةِ: لا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ له، له المُلْكُ وله الحَمْدُ وهو علَى كُلِّ شيءٍ قَدِيرٌ غُفِرَتْ خَطاياهُ وإنْ كانَتْ مِثْلَ زَبَدِ البَحْرِ
“Whoever glorifies Allah at the end of every prayer 33 times, and praises Allah 33 times, and declares the greatness of Allah 33 times, that is 99, and to complete 100, say: ‘La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulk wa lahul-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer’ (There is no god but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion, and His is the praise, and He is capable of everything). His sins will be forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea.”
Second Method: Praise (Tasbih) Allah 33 times, give thanks (Tahmid) to Allah 33 times, and declare His Greatness (Takbir) 34 times, according to the prophetic Hadith:
مُعَقِّباتٌ لا يَخِيبُ قائِلُهُنَّ، أوْ فاعِلُهُنَّ، ثَلاثٌ وثَلاثُونَ تَسْبِيحَةً، وثَلاثٌ وثَلاثُونَ تَحْمِيدَةً، وأَرْبَعٌ وثَلاثُونَ تَكْبِيرَةً، في دُبُرِ كُلِّ صَلاةٍ”
Mu’aqqibat [the following phrases] will not disappoint the one who says them or acts upon them after every prayer: 33 tasbeehs, 33 tahmids, and 34 takbirs.”
Third Method: Praise (Tasbih) Allah 25 times, give thanks (Tahmid) to Allah 25 times, declare His Greatness (Takbir) 25 times, and declare His Oneness (Tahlil) 25 times, to complete 100, based on the prophetic Hadith:
“أمرنا أن نسبِّحَ دبرَ كلِّ صلاةٍ ثلاثًا وثلاثينَ ونحمدَه ثلاثًا وثلاثينَ ونُكبِّرَه أربعًا وثلاثينَ قالَ فرأى رجلٌ منَ الأنصارِ في المنامِ فقالَ أمرَكم رسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللَّهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ أن تسبِّحوا في دبرِ كلِّ صلاةٍ ثلاثًا وثلاثينَ وتحمدوا اللَّهَ ثلاثًا وثلاثينَ وتُكبِّروا أربعًا وثلاثينَ قالَ نعم قالَ فاجعلوا خمسًا وعشرينَ واجعلوا التَّهليلَ معَهنَّ فغدا علَى النَّبيِّ صلَّى اللَّهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ فحدَّثَه فقالَ افعلوا””
“We were commanded to glorify (say Subhanallah) after every prayer 33 times, praise (say Alhamdulillah) 33 times, and magnify (say Allahu Akbar) 34 times. A man from Ansar saw in a dream to say 25 of each and include Tahlil with them. He went to the Prophet and narrated his dream. The Prophet said, ‘Do it.’
What Does Tasbeeh Mean
In the depth of its letters and the breadth of its application, tasbeeh is more than a word; it’s a narrative. It signifies a believer’s journey through life, punctuated by moments of reflection and divine remembrance. Tasbeeh is an acknowledgment of the perfection of the Creator and a personal testament to one’s faith.
When To Say Tasbeeh
The beauty of tasbeeh lies in its versatility. It can be recited at any time, but certain moments hold special significance. During the early hours of dawn, as the world still slumbers, reciting tasbeeh can feel like a private dialogue with the divine. After the five daily prayers, Muslims around the globe sit back and immerse themselves in tasbeeh, their voices joining in a global chorus of devotion. In moments of anxiety or joy, tasbeeh serves as a reminder of the bigger picture, offering comfort and perspective.
FAQs About Tasbeeh
Q: Can tasbeeh be recited silently?
A: Yes, tasbeeh can be a silent chant of the heart or a vocal expression of faith. Both forms hold spiritual benefits.
Q: Is there a specific number of times one should perform tasbeeh?
A: Traditionally, tasbeeh is recited 33 times after prayers, but any number with the intention of remembrance is beneficial.
The Meaning Of Tasbeeh In English
In English, while the word “tasbeeh” is directly borrowed from Arabic, it’s often translated to “glorification” or “praise.” The essence remains the same, but the linguistic journey it has taken enriches its meaning.
The Meaning Of Tasbeeh In Arabic
Arabic, the language in which the concept of tasbeeh was first articulated, carries it with a depth unmatched. Each letter resonates with a history of spirituality and devotion, making the practice deeply rooted in Islamic culture.
Tasbeeh Used In A Sentence
“In moments of awe at the marvels of creation, a soft SubhanAllah escaped her lips, her heart engaging in tasbeeh almost instinctively..