Salat al-Tasbeeh: A Special Prayer in Islam

1. Is Salat al-Tasbeeh Legislated in Islam?

• Salat al-Tasbeeh is a recommended (Sunnah) prayer in Islam, but it is not obligatory (Fard) or universally agreed upon. It is considered a virtuous act of worship.

2. What is Salat al-Tasbeeh?

• Salat al-Tasbeeh is a special prayer that involves the recitation of specific supplications and the glorification of Allah.
• It is intended to seek forgiveness, purification of the heart, and to remember Allah’s greatness.

3. Is Salat al-Tasbeeh Performed by Congregation (Jama’at) or Individuals?

• Salat al-Tasbeeh is typically performed individually, not as a congregational prayer.
• Individuals may choose to offer it at any time, preferably during the night or in a quiet and secluded place.

4. Purpose of Salat al-Tasbeeh:

• The primary purpose of Salat al-Tasbeeh is to seek forgiveness and purification of the heart.
• It is also a means of remembering Allah’s greatness and acknowledging His attributes.

5. How to Pray Salat al-Tasbeeh:

• Salat al-Tasbeeh consists of four units (Rak’ahs) of prayer.
• In each Rak’ah, you recite Surah Al-Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Quran) followed by a specific Tasbeeh (glorification) mentioned below.
• After the Tasbeeh, you recite any other Surah or verses from the Quran.
• The specific Tasbeeh is repeated 15 times in each Rak’ah, totaling 75 times throughout the prayer.
• The Tasbeeh is: “Subhan Allahi Wal Hamdulillahi Walaa ilaaha illal Laahu Wallaahu Akbar” (سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ).
• The sequence is as follows:
  • In the first Rak’ah, after Surah Al-Fatiha, recite the Tasbeeh 15 times.
  • In the second Rak’ah, after Surah Al-Fatiha, recite the Tasbeeh 10 times.
  • In the third Rak’ah, after Surah Al-Fatiha, recite the Tasbeeh 10 times.
  • In the fourth Rak’ah, after Surah Al-Fatiha, recite the Tasbeeh 10 times.

6. Can Salat al-Tasbeeh Be Performed Without Wudu (Ablution)?

• Ideally, it is recommended to be in a state of wudu (ablution) when performing Salat al-Tasbeeh, as with any prayer in Islam.
• However, some scholars permit it without wudu, considering it a virtuous act that can be performed at any time, even when not in a state of ritual purity.

Conclusion: Salat al-Tasbeeh is a recommended prayer in Islam, not obligatory, and is performed individually. Its purpose is seeking forgiveness, purification of the heart, and remembering Allah’s greatness. It consists of specific Tasbeeh recitations in four Rak’ahs and can be performed with or without wudu, although wudu is recommended.