Tasbeeh Fatima: A Simple and Powerful Dhikr for Daily Life (2025)

In the vast treasury of Islamic remembrances (Dhikr), few are as beloved, widely practiced, and spiritually potent as the Tasbeeh of Fatima (also spelled Tasbih Fatimah). This simple yet profound litany was a direct gift from Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to his beloved daughter, Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her). It is a powerful practice for glorifying Allah, expressing gratitude, and seeking strength, recommended to be recited after the five daily prayers (Salah) and before sleeping.

This article explores the beautiful origin story of Tasbeeh Fatima, its components and meaning, and the immense virtues associated with making it a consistent part of a Muslim’s life.

What is Tasbeeh Fatima?

Tasbeeh Fatima is a specific sequence of Dhikr recited in a particular number. The most common and well-known formulation is:

• 33 times “SubhanAllah” (سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّٰهِ)
  • Meaning: “Glory be to Allah” / “Allah is free from all imperfections.”
• 33 times “Alhamdulillah” (ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ)
  • Meaning: “All praise is due to Allah.”
• 34 times “Allahu Akbar” (ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)
  • Meaning: “Allah is the Greatest.”

(Another authentic narration mentions reciting each phrase 33 times, and then concluding with “La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer” once to complete 100.)

The Origin Story: A Gift Better Than a Servant

The story behind this Tasbeeh beautifully illustrates the Prophetic wisdom of prioritizing the remembrance of Allah over worldly comforts. It is narrated in an authentic Hadith from Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him):

Fatimah (RA), the Prophet’s daughter, had complained about the hardship and blisters on her hands from the strenuous work of grinding wheat. Having heard that some captives had been brought to the Prophet (PBUH), she and Ali (RA) went to ask for a servant to help with the household chores.

They did not find the Prophet (PBUH) at home but spoke to his wife, ‘Aisha (RA). Later that evening, after Fatimah and Ali had gone to bed, the Prophet (PBUH) visited them. He said to them: “Shall I not guide you to something better than what you have asked for? When you go to your beds, say ‘Allahu Akbar’ 34 times, ‘Alhamdulillah’ 33 times, and ‘SubhanAllah’ 33 times. That is better for you than a servant.”

Ali (RA) later remarked, “I have never failed to say it since I heard it from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

This story highlights that while physical ease is a blessing, the spiritual strength, peace, and Barakah (divine blessings) derived from the remembrance of Allah are far superior and more enduring.

The Meaning and Spiritual Significance of Each Phrase

Each component of Tasbeeh Fatima carries profound theological weight:

• SubhanAllah (Tasbeeh – Glorification): This is the act of declaring Allah’s absolute perfection. It affirms that He is completely free from any fault, deficiency, weakness, or any characteristic that does not befit His Majesty. It is a recognition of His transcendent glory.
• Alhamdulillah (Tahmid – Praise): This is the expression of all praise and gratitude to Allah. It acknowledges that every blessing, big or small, seen or unseen, originates solely from Him. It cultivates a state of thankfulness (Shukr).
• Allahu Akbar (Takbir – Magnification): This declaration proclaims that “Allah is the Greatest.” It is an affirmation that He is greater than anything and everything in existence – greater than our worries, our problems, our joys, our successes, and our very selves. It instills humility and proper perspective.

Reciting these phrases together is a comprehensive act of praise, glorification, and recognition of Allah’s greatness.

Virtues and Benefits of Reciting Tasbeeh Fatima

The rewards for this simple act of remembrance are immense:

1. A Substitute for Worldly Hardship: As the origin story shows, it was given as something “better than a servant,” implying it provides spiritual strength and Barakah that helps one manage life’s difficulties.
2. Forgiveness of Sins: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever glorifies Allah (says SubhanAllah) after every prayer thirty-three times, and praises Allah (says Alhamdulillah) thirty-three times, and magnifies Allah (says Allahu Akbar) thirty-three times, making ninety-nine in all, and says to complete the hundred: ‘La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer’ (There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the dominion, to Him be praise, and He has power over all things), his sins will be forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea.” (Sahih Muslim)
3. Heavy on the Scales: These phrases are described as being beloved to Allah and heavy on the scales of good deeds on the Day of Judgment.
4. A Source of Great Reward: Another Hadith states that reciting these phrases after every prayer is an act that can help the poor catch up in reward to the wealthy who are able to give more in charity. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
5. Planting Trees in Paradise: The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that these phrases are among the “good deeds which endure” (Al-Baqiyat as-Salihat) and that for each one recited, a tree is planted for the reciter in Jannah (Paradise).

When and How to Recite Tasbeeh Fatima

• After Obligatory Prayers (Salah): This is the most common and highly recommended time. After completing the final Taslim of the prayer, one should remain seated and recite the Tasbeeh.
• Before Sleeping: As taught directly by the Prophet (PBUH) to Fatimah and Ali (RA), reciting it before sleep is a powerful Sunnah that brings strength and blessings.

Method of Recitation: The Sunnah is to use the fingers of the right hand to count the recitations. The Prophet (PBUH) was observed counting on his fingers. This method is considered superior as the limbs themselves will testify on the Day of Judgment. Using prayer beads (Misbaha/Tasbih) is also permissible and a common practice to aid in counting.

The most important aspect is to recite with mindfulness and presence of heart, reflecting on the profound meaning of the words, rather than just rushing through them.

Conclusion

The Tasbeeh of Fatima is a precious gift from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to his daughter and to his entire Ummah. It is a simple, accessible, yet immensely powerful form of Dhikr that serves as a source of spiritual strength, a means of forgiveness, and a way to earn immense rewards from Allah. By consistently incorporating this beautiful remembrance after our daily prayers and before we sleep, we follow a cherished Sunnah, fill our scales with good deeds, and cultivate a continuous connection with our Lord through the glorification, praise, and magnification of His perfect attributes.