CONCEPT OF TASBIH IN ISLAM

Tasbih is the act of saying “Subhan Allah”. It consists of two words; “Subhan” and “Allah”. Subhan is from three alphabets -Seen, Ba, and Haa. It means to glorify, praise, extol Allah by tongue or by heart. It includes to say He is Perfect; He has no similarity with His creation, He is free from all kinds of association or “Shirk” Subhan and its derivatives has been used 92 times in the Glorious Qur’an.

It is reported in traditions that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) used to say in Qunut, “Suboohun Qudoosun Rabbal Malaikate war Rooh.” It means, “He is Exalted, He is Pure, He is the Rabb of the angels and Gabriel.”

Glorifying (Tasbih) is the root of all authentic Islamic beliefs and thoughts. In fact, Tauheed, Justice of Allah, Prophet hood and the Day of Resurrection are the manifestation of Glorification of Allah. On the same lines, “Subhan Allah” circumscribes Riza (satisfaction)tawakkul (reliance), love, praise, salvation from all superstitions. Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) said that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had said, “When a servant of Allah utters, “Subhan Allah” whatever is under the Divine Throne glorifies Allah along with him and ten times the reward will be given to him. (Wasail ash-Shia v.7 page 187). Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Allah has made it necessary for His creation to do “abundant remembrance” (Dhikr al-Kathir). It means to remember Allah at the time of committing any act whether it is Halal or Haram. (Al-Kafi v. 2 page 80)

Apart from human beings, every creation of Allah Glorifies Him; Surah Jumah Ayah 1, “All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah, the King, al-Quddus, the Majestic, and the All-Wise.” Surah Anbiya Ayah 79, “We made the mountains and the birds glorify the Lord along with Dawood.” Surah Ra’ad Ayah 13, “Both the thunder and the angels glorify Him….” Surah Isra’ Ayah 44, “The seven heavens, the earth, and whatever is between them all glorify Him. There is nothing that glorify Him and always praise Him, but you do not understand their praise and glorification. He is All- Forbearing and All-forgiving.”

Tasbih-e-Fatima: It was granted by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to his daughter Saiyyada Fatima Zahra (s.a.) when she asked for a helper or servant. He said, “I have granted you something that is superior to a maidservant and to the world and everything in it.” Tasbih is 34 times Allaho Akbar, 33 times Alhamdulillah, 33 times Subhan Allah and one time La Ilaha Illallah. It is a simple, short yet very powerful act of worship.

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Reciting of Tasbih Fatima Zahra (s.a.) every day after every Salat is liked by me more than reciting one thousand rakat of Mustahab Namaz. One who recites the Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra and then seeks forgiveness, will be forgiven. (Reciting Tasbih) drives away Shaitan. You do adhere to it and be regular about its recitation, for surely one who is steadfast upon its recitation, will not encounter adversity. One who recites the Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra before even moving his feet, Allah will forgive him. One who recites Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra at the time of going to bed, he will be accounted among those who have remembered Allah a lot. At the time of going to bed, Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra and the Maoozatain (Surah Falaq and Surah Nas) and Ayatal Kursi should be recited.”

Tasbih Hazrat Zahra is a Powerful Dua for all needs.

Sources: A Commentary on Prayer by Professor Muhsin Qaraati, Duas.org