What to say during tasbih?

Dhikr — the remembrance of Allah — is a foundational act of worship in Islam. If you're new to this practice, you may also find it helpful to read our guide on what Zikr is and how it brings peace to your life, which explains its spiritual benefits in more depth.

How to Use Islamic Prayer Beads for Dhikr

1. Hold the Beads
   Islamic prayer beads are typically arranged in strands of 99 beads (one complete circuit) or 33 beads (which requires three circuits to complete 99 repetitions). Hold the tasbih in one hand and gently move one bead at a time while reciting your chosen phrase.
   

2. Set Your Intention (Niyyah)
   Begin with sincere intention, seeking closeness to Allah. Many start with:

   • A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim (أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَانِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ)
     I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan.
   • Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim (بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ)
     In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
     
     

3. Recite Common Dhikr Phrases

   • Subhanallah (سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّٰهِ)
     Glory be to Allah — affirming His perfection and freedom from any نقص (imperfection).
   • Alhamdulillah (ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ)
     All praise is due to Allah — expressing gratitude and recognition of every blessing.
   • Allahu Akbar (ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)
     Allah is the Greatest — reminding the heart that nothing surpasses Him.
   • La ilaha illallah (لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ)
     There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah — the declaration of Tawheed.
   • Astaghfirullah (أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّٰهَ)
     I seek forgiveness from Allah — purifying the heart through repentance.
     
     

   Recitation Patterns:

   • 99-bead Tasbih: Recite one phrase per bead until completing the full strand.
   • 33-bead Tasbih: Recite each phrase for one circuit and repeat three times.
     
     

4. What to Say at the Divider (Shahad)

   When reaching the divider bead (Shahad), many recite the Shahada:

   أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

   Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu

   I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

5. After Completing Dhikr
   You may conclude with personal dua, send salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ, or continue remembrance as desired. Many Muslims incorporate this practice after salah — as explained in our article on the origins and benefits of Salah.

Using Islamic prayer beads consistently transforms Dhikr into a structured, mindful habit — strengthening spiritual discipline and connection with Allah.

For a complete explanation of remembrance in Islam, read our Complete Guide to Dhikr in Islam.