What to say during tasbih?
What do you say during tasbih?
During tasbih, Muslims commonly recite SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, and Astaghfirullah in repeated cycles of remembrance.
Do you need specific phrases for dhikr?
No fixed phrases are required, but these traditional expressions are widely used for structured remembrance.
How many times do you say each phrase?
Common practice is 33 or 99 repetitions, often completed using tasbih prayer beads for counting.
Many Muslims use Islamic prayer beads (tasbih or misbaha) to maintain consistency and rhythm in dhikr, turning remembrance into a structured daily practice.
If you're new to dhikr, begin with the complete guide to dhikr in Islam, or explore how it brings peace to the heart in this guide on spiritual calm through remembrance.
How to Use Islamic Prayer Beads for Dhikr
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Hold the Beads
Islamic prayer beads are typically arranged in 99-bead strands or 33-bead cycles. Move one bead at a time while reciting your chosen phrase.
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Set Your Intention (Niyyah)
Begin with sincerity and focus. Many start with:- A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim — I seek refuge with Allah from Satan
- Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim — In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
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Recite Common Dhikr Phrases
- Subhanallah — Glory be to Allah
- Alhamdulillah — All praise is due to Allah
- Allahu Akbar — Allah is the Greatest
- La ilaha illallah — There is no deity except Allah
- Astaghfirullah — I seek forgiveness from Allah
To expand your remembrance, explore additional dhikr phrases and meanings.
Recitation Patterns:
- 99-bead tasbih: complete one full cycle per phrase
- 33-bead tasbih: repeat each phrase across three cycles
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What to Say at the Divider (Shahad)
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.
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After Completing Dhikr
You may conclude with dua, salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ, or continued remembrance.
Using Islamic prayer beads consistently transforms dhikr into a structured, mindful habit that strengthens focus and spiritual discipline.
Explore the Islamic prayer beads collection to support your daily practice.
Return to the Complete Guide to Dhikr in Islam for deeper understanding.
