Salat ul Tasbeeh (Prayer of Forgiveness) - Method and Benefits.

Salat ul Tasbeeh is a unique prayer gifted by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to help Muslims seek forgiveness for all sins. It’s recommended at least once in a lifetime, though performing it more often—daily, weekly, or monthly—is encouraged for greater spiritual benefit.

How to Perform Salat ul Tasbeeh

1. Preparation for Salat ul Tasbeeh

Start with the Niyyah (intention): “I intend to perform four rakats of Salat ul Tasbeeh.”

2. The Tasbih to Recite

Recite this phrase throughout the prayer:
Subhaan Allahi Wal Hamdulillahi Wa Laa ilaha illal Laahu Wallahu Akbar
(Translation: “Glory be to Allah, All praise is for Allah, there is no god but Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”)

3. Detailed Steps for Each Raka’at

Each Raka’at contains 75 recitations of the tasbih, totaling 300 recitations over four Raka’at. Here’s how to perform it:

• • • • Starting the Prayer: After saying “Allahu Akbar” and beginning with the opening prayer (Sana), recite the tasbih 15 times.
      • After Surah Fatiha and Another Surah: Recite the tasbih 10 times.
      • In Ruku (Bowing): After the usual dhikr (Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem), recite the tasbih 10 times.
      • After Standing Up from Ruku: Recite the tasbih 10 times.
      • In the First Sajda: After the usual dhikr (Subhana Rabbiyal Aa’la), recite the tasbih 10 times.
      • Sitting Between the Two Sajdas (Jalsa): Recite the tasbih 10 times.
      • In the Second Sajda: Recite the tasbih 10 times.

4. Completion of Each Raka’at

After finishing these steps, rise to start the next Raka’at and repeat the same steps for all four Raka’at.

5. Subsequent Raka’ats

• • • Second Raka’at: Begin as before, starting with “Allahu Akbar” and reciting the tasbih 15 times after the opening prayer (Sana).
    • After Surah Fatiha and a Surah: Recite the tasbih 10 times.
    • In Ruku, Qawmah (Standing), and Sajdas: Follow the same pattern as the first Raka’at, reciting the tasbih 10 times in each position.
    • Complete the second Raka’at with 75 tasbih recitations.

6. Final Raka’ats (Third and Fourth)

• • • Repeat the exact pattern as in the first two Raka’ats:
      • Start with 15 recitations of the tasbih after the opening prayer.
      • Recite the tasbih 10 times after Surah Fatiha and in each position (Ruku, Qawmah, Sajdas).
    • Ensure each Raka’at totals 75 tasbih recitations, reaching 300 by the end of the fourth Raka’at.

Tips for Focus and Counting During Salat ul Tasbeeh

• • Counting the Tasbih Quietly: Avoid counting out loud. You can lightly press your fingers as a way to keep track.
  • Making Up Missed Counts: If a count is missed, make it up in the following position to keep the total at 75 per Raka’at.
  • Mindfulness in Recitation: Reflect on Allah’s mercy and blessings as you recite the tasbih, helping to keep your mind engaged and spiritually connected.

Significance and Legitimacy (Hadith)

The prayer’s importance is emphasized in a hadith where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised his uncle, Abbas (RA), to perform this prayer for the forgiveness of past, present, intentional, and unintentional sins.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammed (SAW) once said to His uncle Sayyidina Abbass (RA):  

“Oh uncle shall I not give you, Shall I not grant you, Shall I not award you, Shall I not do mercy on you, when you do 10things Allah will forgive your sins: of the future and of the past; new and old; those you have forgotten and those you did knowingly; big and small; hidden and revealed. Then He (Prophet PBUH) explained and taught the way to pray Salat-o-Tasbeeh and then said: “If you can pray this Salah once a day, if you cannot pray once a day then every Friday, and even if this is not possible then once a month and even if this is not possible then once a year and even if this is not possible then at least once in a lifetime.”

(Tirmidhi)

Spiritual and Religious Benefits

Salat ul Tasbeeh is not just about asking for forgiveness; it strengthens one’s relationship with Allah. Regularly performing this prayer helps in cleansing sins and creates a deep sense of peace and humility. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted that the prayer removes sins of all kinds, providing a fresh start each time it is offered.

FAQs

• • How often should Salat ul Tasbeeh be performed?
    It’s recommended at least once in a lifetime, though performing it regularly—daily, weekly, or monthly—can bring greater benefits.
  • Is Salat ul Tasbeeh authentic?
    Yes, it is validated by several hadith sources, with the Prophet (PBUH) advising it to his uncle Abbas (RA) as a means of forgiveness.
  • What are the best times to perform Salat ul Tasbeeh?
    It can be offered any time outside of the prohibited prayer times (during sunrise, sunset, and noon). Many prefer to pray it before Dhuhr.
  • What should be done if a count of tasbih is missed?
    Simply make up the missed recitations in the following position to ensure the total recitations match.