What Is Tasbeeh?

Tasbeeh (also spelled tasbih) means glorifying Allah—saying phrases like Subḥānallāh (Glory be to Allah), Alḥamdulillāh (Praise be to Allah), and Allāhu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest). The word comes from the Arabic root س-ب-ح (s-b-ḥ), connected with declaring Allah’s transcendence.

People perform tasbeeh on their fingers, with a string of beads (misbaha/subha), or using a digital counter—all as tools to help keep count while remembering Allah (dhikr).

Quick insight: Tools are optional. The heart’s presence matters most.

Qur’ān: clear guidance to remember and glorify Allah

33:41–42

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا (٤١) وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا (٤٢)

Transliteration: Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū udhkurū Allāha dhikran kathīrā (41) wa sabbiḥūhu bukratan wa aṣīlā (42).

English: O believers! Remember Allah often, and glorify Him morning and evening.

اردو: اے ایمان والو! اللہ کو کثرت سے یاد کرو (٤١) اور صبح و شام اُس کی تسبیح کرو (٤٢)۔

13:28

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

Transliteration: Alladhīna āmanū wa taṭma’innu qulūbuhum bidhikrillāh. Alā bidhikrillāhi taṭma’innu l-qulūb.

English: Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah—surely, in Allah’s remembrance do hearts find comfort.

اردو: جو لوگ ایمان لائے اور جن کے دل اللہ کے ذکر سے مطمئن ہوتے ہیں۔ سن لو! اللہ کے ذکر سے ہی دلوں کو اطمینان نصیب ہوتا ہے۔

2:152

فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِي وَلَا تَكْفُرُونِ

Transliteration: Fa-dhkurūnī adhkurkum, washkurū lī wa lā takfurūn.

English: So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and never be ungrateful.

اردو: پس مجھے یاد کرو، میں تمہیں یاد رکھوں گا۔ میرا شکر ادا کرو اور ناشکری نہ کرو۔

24:41

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَالطَّيْرُ صَافَّاتٍ ۖ كُلٌّ قَدْ عَلِمَ صَلَاتَهُ وَتَسْبِيحَهُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِمَا يَفْعَلُونَ

Transliteration: Alam tara anna llāha yusabbiḥu lahu man fī s-samāwāti wal-arḍi wa ṭ-ṭayru ṣāffāt; kullun qad ‘alima ṣalātahu wa tasbīḥah; wallāhu ‘alīmun bimā yaf‘alūn.

English: Do you not see that all in the heavens and the earth glorify Allah—even the birds as they soar? Each knows its prayer and glorification. And Allah knows well what they do.

اردو: کیا تم نے نہیں دیکھا کہ جو کوئی آسمانوں اور زمین میں ہے اور پر پھیلائے ہوئے پرندے سب اللہ کی تسبیح کرتے ہیں…

4:103

فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ الصَّلَاةَ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِكُمْ…

English: When the prayer is over, remember Allah—standing, sitting, and lying on your sides.

Sunnah: how the Prophet ﷺ taught tasbeeh

Tasbeeh after every ṣalāh: Say Subḥānallāh 33, Alḥamdulillāh 33, Allāhu Akbar 33, then complete 100 with Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu… (authentic; variations exist).
Before sleep (Tasbeeh of Fāṭimah): Subḥānallāh 33, Alḥamdulillāh 33, Allāhu Akbar 34—“better than a servant.”
Counting on fingers: Encouraged; the fingers will testify.
Two beloved phrases: “Subḥānallāhi wa biḥamdih, Subḥānallāhil-‘Aẓīm”—light on the tongue, heavy on the scale.

Remember: Numbers guide consistency, but presence of heart brings the reward to life.

Are prayer beads (misbaha/tasbeeh) allowed?

Most scholars permit using a string of beads as a counting aid, while preferring fingers because they will testify. Digital counters are also fine as tools. Choose what helps you be consistent and present.

Permissible Beads or counters are tools, not worship themselves.
Preferred Counting on fingers.
Focus Avoid showing off; keep your heart engaged.

How to do tasbeeh (simple, practical steps)

After each obligatory prayer

Say Astaghfirullāh (3×).
Then say:
- Subḥānallāh — 33×
- Alḥamdulillāh — 33×
- Allāhu Akbar — 33×
Complete 100 with: Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamd, wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr.

At bedtime (Tasbeeh of Fāṭimah)

Subḥānallāh 33× • Alḥamdulillāh 33× • Allāhu Akbar 34×.

Anytime routine (2–5 minutes)

Repeat Subḥānallāhi wa biḥamdih 100×. It’s short, gentle, and fills the day with remembrance.

Etiquette (adab) & common mistakes

Sincerity first: Seek Allah’s pleasure, not people’s approval.
Understand what you say: Meaning + reflection calms the heart.
Tools are helpers: Don’t let the misbaha or app distract you.
Consistency beats bursts: Morning & evening is a prophetic rhythm.

FAQs

Is it sunnah to use a tasbeeh string?

It’s permissible to use beads; many scholars prefer counting on the fingers. Use what keeps you consistent and mindful.

Which dhikr helps with anxiety or stress?

Try frequent Subḥānallāhi wa biḥamdih and keep regular remembrance. The Qur’ān links tranquility to dhikr (see 13:28 above).

How many beads are in a tasbeeh?

Common strings are 99 (with separators) or 33. Fingers are always available if you prefer.

What if I lose count?

Don’t stress. Continue approximately or restart. Presence matters more than perfect numbers.

Can I do tasbeeh at work or on a commute?

Yes—remember Allah standing, sitting, or lying down (4:103). Quiet dhikr is perfectly fine.

Sources (for trust & verification)

Qur’ān: 33:41–42; 13:28; 2:152; 24:41; 4:103 (standard translations rendered in simple English; Urdu presented in common style).
Hadith: Post-prayer dhikr (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim); Tasbeeh of Fāṭimah (authentic reports); counting on fingers; “two beloved words.”
Tafsīr: Classical commentary (e.g., Ibn Kathīr) on frequent remembrance and virtue of dhikr.
Terminology: Arabic root س-ب-ح (s-b-ḥ) meaning to glorify/declare transcendence.

Conclusion: a gentle nudge to begin today

Tasbeeh is simple. A few sincere words can reshape your mood and day. Start small—after each prayer and before you sleep. Use your fingers, a misbaha, or a small counter—whatever helps you stay steady. With time, the tongue softens, the heart settles, and life feels aligned with purpose.

May your days fill with “Subḥānallāh,” your moments with “Alḥamdulillāh,” and your steps with “Allāhu Akbar.”