What to say during tasbih?
Islamic prayer beads, also known as "Tasbih" or "Misbaha," serve as a powerful tool for Muslims to engage in Dhikr (ذِكْر), which is the act of remembering and glorifying Allah through repetitive recitation of specific phrases or names. Using the beads during these recitations helps to center one's thoughts and enhance spiritual focus.
How to Use Islamic Prayer Beads for Dhikr
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Hold the Beads
Begin by holding the tasbih in one hand. 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), often divided into sections with dividers. -
Set Your Intention
Begin with a sincere intention to engage in Dhikr, seeking to remember and connect with Allah. Many start with these two phrases to seek protection and blessings:-
"A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim" (أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَانِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ)
Transliteration: A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim
Meaning: "I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan." -
"Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim" (بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ)
Transliteration: Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim
Meaning: "In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful."
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Recite the Chosen Islamic Dua's
Begin with the chosen Islamic Dua's, moving from one bead to the next, gently passing each bead through your fingers. Common Dua's include:-
Subhanallah (سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّٰهِ)
Transliteration: Subhanallah
Meaning: "Glory be to Allah." -
Alhamdulillah (ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ)
Transliteration: Alhamdulillah
Meaning: "Praise be to Allah." -
Allahu Akbar (ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)
Transliteration: Allahu Akbar
Meaning: "Allah is the Greatest." -
La ilaha illallah (لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ)
Transliteration: La ilaha illallah
Meaning: "There is no god but Allah." -
Astaghfirullah (أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّٰهَ)
Transliteration: Astaghfirullah
Meaning: "I seek forgiveness from Allah."
Recitation Patterns:- With a 99-bead Tasbih: Complete one full circuit, reciting one phrase (e.g., "Subhanallah") on each bead until the end.
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With a 33-bead Tasbih: Recite each phrase for one full circuit, and repeat this circuit three times to reach a total of 99 recitations.
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What to Say at the Divider (Shahad) when completing tasbih?
Each divider on the tasbih is called the "Shahad." When you reach the Shahad, pause and recite the Shahada:- Arabic: أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
- Transliteration: Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu
- Meaning: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger."
Reciting the Shahada at each Shahad serves as a reaffirmation of faith, drawing you closer to Allah and reinforcing the core tenet of Islam.
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Completion
Once you complete the circuit(s), conclude your Dhikr with a final supplication for blessings and guidance, or continue as desired.
Using Islamic prayer beads is a deeply meaningful practice, encouraging mindfulness and spiritual devotion with each bead as a step closer to Allah.