Ṣalātu ʾt-Tasbīḥ (صلاة التسبيح)
Ṣalātu ʾt-Tasbīḥ (صلاة التسبيح), also known as the “Prayer of Praise,” is a special prayer in Islam that aims to cover and seek forgiveness for a wide spectrum of sins. This structured form of prayer is based on a tradition related by Ibn ʿAbbās, where the Prophet Muhammad recommended this form of worship to his uncle, ʿAbbās.
Etymology
- Ṣalātu ʾt-Tasbīḥ (صلاة التسبيح)
- Ṣalātu (صلاة): Meaning “prayer”
- ʾt-Tasbīḥ (التسبيح): Derived from the root “s-b-ḥ” (سبح), meaning “to praise” or “to glorify”
Turkish Translation:
- Tesbih Namazı
Significance
Ṣalātu ʾt-Tasbīḥ is regarded as a powerful act of devotion capable of purging sins—past, present, minor, major, known and unknown. Its prescribed recitations create a deeply reflective and spiritually enriching experience.
Detailed Practice
The Tradition
Ibn ʿAbbās narrates:
<p>The Prophet Muhammad said to ʿAbbās: “Shall I not inform you of a deed which will forgive your past and future sins, minor and major sins, intentional or unintentional sins, and your hidden or open sins? Recite four rakʿahs (units of prayer). In each rakʿah, recite Surah Al-Fātiḥah and another Surah from the Qurʾān. After each recitation, say:</p> <ul> <li>‘Subḥāna ʾllāh’ (سبحان الله) - ‘Holiness to God’ (15 times)</li> <li>‘Alḥamdu li-ʾllāh’ (الحمد لله) - ‘Praise be to God’ (15 times)</li> <li>‘Lā Ilāha illā ʾllāh’ (لا إله إلا الله) - ‘There is no deity but God’ (15 times)</li> <li>‘Allāhu Akbar’ (الله أكبر) - ‘God is most great’ (15 times) … Recite these in different positions of the prayer: standing (Qiyām), bowing (Rukūʾ), and prostration (Sajdah). The total recitations should be seventy-five per rakʿah. Do this daily if possible, or weekly, monthly, yearly, or at least once in a lifetime.” (Narrated in Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ)</li> </ul>
Steps to Perform Ṣalātu ʾt-Tasbīḥ
- Begin with the Niyyah (intention) for Ṣalātu ʾt-Tasbīḥ.
- First Rakʿah:
- Recite Surah Al-Fātiḥah.
- Recite another Surah.
- Say ‘Subḥāna ʾllāh, Alḥamdu li-ʾllāh, Lā Ilāha illā ʾllāh, Allāhu Akbar’ (15 times).
- Perform Rukūʾ and repeat the phrases (10 times).
- Stand up from Rukūʾ and repeat the phrases (10 times).
- Perform the first Sajdah and repeat the phrases (10 times).
- Sit after first Sajdah and repeat the phrases (10 times).
- Perform the second Sajdah and repeat the phrases (10 times).
- Sit after second Sajdah and repeat the phrases (10 times).
Repeat these steps for the next three rakʿahs.
Frequency
- Every Day
- Weekly (especially on Fridays)
- Monthly
- Yearly
- Once in a lifetime
Cultural Context
It’s essential to acknowledge the broader cultural and religious practices among Muslims when considering Ṣalātu ʾt-Tasbīḥ. The practice serves not only as a spiritual exercise but as a continuous mode of connecting with God’s infinite mercy.
Recommended Books for Further Studies
- “Riyadh as-Saaliheen” by Imam Nawawi
- “Fortress of the Muslim” by Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
- “Al-Maqāṣid: Nawawī’s Manual of Islam” by Imam Nawawi and Nuh Ha Mim Keller
- “Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship” by Imam al-Ghazali
Takeaways and Conclusion
Ṣalātu ʾt-Tasbīḥ stands as a stark example of the devotional rigor within Islamic practice. Its structured recital underscores the importance attributed to the remembrance of God (Zikr) in seeking divine forgiveness. By integrating it into one’s life at the recommended frequencies, Muslims enhance their spiritual journey and maintain a continual state of reflection and piety.
