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TheTasbih Of FatimahAz -Zahra’ (A)

Author (s): AbbasAzizi

Translator (s):Arifa Hudda &Saleem Bhimji

Publisher (s): Islamic Humanitarian Service (I.H.S.)

www.alhassanain.org/english

This text aims to get the readers to learn about the history, benefits and the correct way of reciting theTasbih ofSayyida FatimahAz -Zahra’ (A), one of the highly recommended acts afterWajib prayers.

Notice:

This version is published on behalf of www.alhassanain.org/english

The composing errors are not corrected.

Table of Contents

Dedication 1

Introduction To The Tasbih Of Fatimah Az-Zahra’ 2

Note 2

Section 1: Importance Of The Tasbih 3

1. What Is The Meaning Of ‘Remembering Allah Much’? 3

2. Frequent Remembrance Of Allah (SWT) 4

3. The Way Of The Ahlul Bayt ('A) 4

4. Teaching The Tasbih To One’s Children 4

5. Encouragement To Recite The Tasbih 5

6. Advice From Imam Az-Zaman (May Allah Hasten His Return) In Regards To The Tasbihat 5

7. The Greatness Of The Tasbih Of Fatimah Az-Zahra’ ('A) 5

8. The Sign Of A True Believer 6

Notes 6

Section 3: Outcome Of The Tasbih 7

1. Deliverance From Misfortunes 7

2. Forgiveness Of One’s Sins 7

3. Person Becomes Worthy Of Paradise 7

4. A Gift From The Angels 7

5. Protection From Tragedies 8

6. Being Cured By The Tasbih 8

7. Separation From Satan 9

Note 9

Section 4: Etiquette Of The Tasbih 10

1. Reciting The Dhikr In The Tasbih Of Fatimah Az-Zahra’ ('A) Without A Gap 10

2. Method Of Reciting The Tasbih Of Fatimah Az-Zahra’ (‘A) 10

3. Crying During The Tasbih 10

Note 10

Section 5: Type Of Tasbih 11

1. The Tasbih That Fatimah ('A) Used 11

2. Tasbih Made With The Turbah (Dirt) Of The Grave Of Imam Husayn ('A) 11

3. The Worth Of Using A Tasbih Made From Dirt Around The Grave Of Imam Husayn ('A) 11

4. Signs Of A Shi’a 11

5. The Tasbih Speaks The Truth 12

6. The Way Of Life Of Imam ‘Ali Ibn Al-Husayn As-Sajjad ('A) 12

7. A Guide For The Angels 13

Section 6: Times To Recite The Tasbih 14

A. Tasbih After Every Salat 14

1. Greater Than 1,000 Rak’at Of Salat 14

2. Deserving Of Forgiveness 14

3. Salat Being Returned Back To Its Owner 14

B. Tasbih At The Time Of Going To Sleep 14

1. Better Than A Servant 14

2. Tasbih At The Time Of Going To Sleep 14

3. Reciting The Tasbih Before One Goes To Sleep 15

Section 7: Meaning Of The Dhikr 16

1. The Lofty Meaning Of The Tasbih Of Fatimah Az-Zahra’ ('A) 16

2. The Meaning of ‘Allah is the Greatest’ - Allahu Akbar [أللّٰه أّكْبَرُ ] 16

3. The Meaning of ‘All Praise Belongs to Allah’ - Alhamdulillah [أَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ ] 16

4. The Meaning of ‘Sanctified is Allah’ - Subhana Allah [سْبْحٰانَ اللّٰهِ ] 17

5. Words Of The Prophet (S) 17

6. Reward Of The Tasbih 17

7. Greetings Of The Angels 18

8. Benefits Of The Tasbih Of Subhana Allah [سْبْحٰانَ اللّٰهِ ] 18

9. A Tree In Paradise 19

Notes 19

Dedication

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) is something which our elders teach their children from a very young age. Even before we are taught how to recite the Qur’an, we are taught thetasbih of LadyAz -Zahra’ ('a). However, just like other acts of worship, we often don’t know or don’t realize the true merits and significance until later in life - if ever at all - and this is also the case with this beautifultasbih .

When we first read a small booklet on the ‘Reward of theTasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) written in Farsi, we were amazed at the merits which this“simple” form of remembrance of Allah (SWT) has, and felt the need to translate it into English so that others would also be able to benefit from its life-giving contents.

With the permission and assistance of Allah (SWT), we were able to translate and publish the aforementioned booklet into English, for which we thank Allah (SWT) and we ask Him to accept this humble offering from us.

Indeed, if we are able to unveil the secrets of thistasbih and recite it in ourdaily lives, wecan not even begin to imagine what spiritual blessings we will receive! However, as with other acts of worship, one of the key ingredients which must be present is that we must perform it with sincerity and a pure heart and that we perform it with complete understanding.

We dedicate this book to the Lady of Light - FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) - the leader of the women of all the Worlds, and pray that we can follow her example and way of life. We also dedicate this book to our living Imam, Sahib al-’Asr wal Zaman, al-Qa’im al-Muntazar (may Allah hasten his return and make us among his soldiers) - the one whose advent we are all anxiously awaiting.

We ask you to pray for us, our families and for the ability to continue serving the cause of Islam. May we all recite thistasbih with the utmostMa’rifat and be able to benefit from the many blessings which are hidden deep within it.

Arifa Hudda &Saleem Bhimji

5th ofJumadi al-Thani , 1426 AHi 1st of June, 2006 CE

Birth anniversary ofSayyida Zaynab (‘a)bint ‘Ali Ibn AbiTalib (‘a).

IntroductionTo TheTasbih Of FatimahAz -Zahra’

The Tasbih1 of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) is:

• A gift from Allah (SWT) to the MuslimUmmah ;

• An expression of and a lesson in understanding the Oneness of Allah (SWT);

• A way to remember the heart-wrenching events of the very short life of the daughter of the Prophet (S);

• The ascension (Me’raj ) for a true believer;

• An adornment for ourSalat ;

• Better than 1,000Rak’at of acceptedSalat ;

• The way to manifest the act of ‘Remembering Allah (SWT) much’;

• A means by which one’s scale of good deeds is made heavier;

• A way of attaining the pleasure of Allah (SWT);

• A way to ensure worthiness of entering into Paradise;

• A form of dhikr (remembrance) of Allah (SWT).

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) has said that:“There is no form of praise (of Allah) better than thetasbih of Fatimah because if there was, then the Prophet would have taught that to Fatimah.”

Thus, we must try to have a close connection with thistasbih and recite it at all times - especially after everySalat and before going to bed.

We must try and beautify ourSalat and our sleep with thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) and must ensure that we perform this great act of remembrance of Allah (SWT) using atasbih whose beads are made from the dirt of the grave of ImamHusayn Ibn ‘Ali ('a). Using the dirt from his grave helps us to remember the struggles which took place inKerbala and assists us in keeping the culture of martyrdom alive in our hearts.

Through the use of atasbih made from the dirt ofKerbala , in addition to the remembrance of Allah (SWT), we will also be able to shed tears (over the events which transpired inKerbala ) and with this, we will be able to develop an even greater affinity with thelader of the martyrs, ImamHusayn Ibn ‘Ali ('a)!

It is our wish that by the recitation of thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a), our lives in this transient world and the next life are safeguarded and that we are able to further build our abode in the next world.

‘Abbas ‘Azizi

Qum, Iran

Note

1. Please note that in this work and in Islamic terminology in general, the wordtasbih is used to refer to both the action of the remembrance (dhikr) of Allah (SWT) as has been prescribed by Allah (SWT) and taught to us by the Noble Prophet of Islam (S) and also for the collection of beads on a string which are used to enumerate the remembrances of Allah (SWT) - the intended meaning depends on the context of how this word is used. (Tr.)

Section 1: ImportanceOf TheTasbih

1. What Is The Meaning Of ‘Remembering Allah Much’?

The Noble Qur’an tells us:

وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ ….

“…Those men who remember Allah much and those women who also remember Allah much…” (Surat al-Ahzab , 33:35).

Remembering Allah (SWT) in every situation and in all circumstances helps to remove the veils of negligence and inattentiveness from one’s heart and also distances theSatanic whispers from oneself.

As far as the meaning of ‘remembering Allah much’ is concerned, it has been narrated in the Islamic traditions and various commentaries of the Qur’an (in regards to the verse of the Qur’an quoted above) that this phrase has a wide scope of understanding and application to it and includes all forms of the ‘official’ adhkar1 which the Muslims recite.

In a hadith from the Prophet of Islam (S) we read that:“When a man wakes up (from sleep) and proceeds to wake his wife up from her sleep, and both of them perform Wudu and then reciteSalatul Layl (the night prayer), it is said that this man and woman remember Allah much.”

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) has said that: “Whoever recites thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ at night becomes included in the verse of the Qur’an which states:

... يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا

‘O’ you who have true faith! Remember Allah - a constant and frequent remembering…’” (Surat al-Ahzab , 33:41).

There are many things which can make one negligent while in the material world and truly, the arrows of the whispering devils come from every direction and the only way to fight against these distractions is by remembering Allahi much.

Some people asked the Noble Prophet (S):“On the Day of Judgement, which of the servants will have the highest status?” The Prophet (S) replied:

ألذَّا كِرُونَ اللهَ كَثِيرأ

“Those who remember Allah much.” (Surat al-Ahzab , 33:41).

In addition, ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) has said,“Whoever remembers Allah much, Allah will give him a place in His shadow of Mercy in Paradise.”

From these narrations, we can deduce that remembering Allah (SWT) much has a wide range of meanings attached to it. However, the traditions show us that from these, the greatest form of remembrance of Allah (SWT) (which is the topic of this book) is that of thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) which is comprised of:

34 Times:

أللّٰه أّكْبَرُ

[Allahu Akbar]

Allah is greater than what can be compared to Him.

33 Times:

أَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ

[Alhamdulillah]

All the Praise belongs to Allah.

33 Times:

سْبْحٰانَ اللّٰهِ

[Subhana Allah]

Glory belongs to Allah.

In yet another verse of the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) tells us:

إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَذَكَرُوا اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا

“Except those who have true faith and perform righteous actions and remember Allah much…” (Surat al-Shu’ara , 26:227).

In regards to this verse, there is a tradition from ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) in which he has stated that:“The meaning of ‘remembering Allah much’ is thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’, as this (tasbih ) includes the glorification, praise and sanctification (of Allah).”

2. Frequent RemembranceOf Allah (SWT)

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) has said:

تَسْبِيحُ فَاطِمَةَ الزَّهْرَاء مِنَ الذِّكْرِالْكَثِيرِالَّذِي قَالَ اللّٰهُ عَزٌَوّجلَّ اذْكُرُوآللّٰه ذِكْراًكَثِيراً

“Thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ (peace be upon her) is from the application of remembering (Allah) much, just as Allah, the Noble and Grand, has stated that, …and remember Allah - a frequent remembering. ”

3. The WayOf TheAhlul Bayt ('A)

Imam ‘Ali Ibn Muhammad al-Hadi ('a) has said,“We theAhlul Bayt perform ten actions before the time of sleeping: Wudu … and we recite ‘Subhana Allah’ thirty-three times; ‘Alhamdulillah’ 33 times; and ‘Allahu Akbar’ thirty-four times.”

4. TeachingThe Tasbih To One’s Children

The Noble Prophet of Islam (S) taught the best lesson to his daughter FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) - thetasbih ! From the day which he taught it to her until now, millions of believers recite thistasbih after each of their daily prayers. Due to the respect of thistasbih , Allah (SWT) accepts and fulfills the legitimate desires of His servant, removes the difficulties in a person’s life and grants the servant success.

In the book,Qurb al-Isnad , it has been narrated from ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) that:“We command our children to recite the tasbihat 2 of FatimahAz -Zahra’ just as we command them to perform theSalat . You too (the Imam was speaking to his companion, Abu Harun) should command your children to the same since any servant who recites this (thetasbih ) will be protected from all misfortunes.”

5. EncouragementTo Recite TheTasbih

The narrations from the A’immah3 ('a) in regards to thetasbihat are numerous and within them, these great personalities have instructed their followers (Shi’a) to recite thetasbih at all times.

We have a tradition from Imam Muhammad Ibn ‘Ali al-Baqir ('a) which states:“Allah has not been worshipped with anything greater than thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ which is recited after everySalat , because if there was anything else better than this, then indeed the Prophet would have granted that to his daughter, FatimahAz -Zahra’.”

6. AdviceFrom ImamAz -Zaman (May Allah Hasten His Return) In Regards To TheTasbihat

The greatMarja ’, lateAyatullah al-’Uzma as-Sayyid Shahab ad-DinMar’ashi al-Najafi Ji, who passed away in Qum over 10 years ago narrated the following incident:

“One time, during myziyarat to al-’Askariain (the shrine of Imam ‘Ali Ibn Muhammad an-Naqi ('a) and Imam Hasan Ibn ‘Ali al-’Askari ('a) inSamarrah ) and thereafter on my way to visit the son of the 10th Imam - Sayyid Muhammad, I became lost. Due to my intense hunger and thirst, I gave up hope of living as through this ordeal, I had almost fallen unconscious. While in this state, I collapsed to the ground. All of a sudden, I opened my eyes and found my head in the lap of a magnanimous person. He gave me some water to drink, the like of which I had not ever drank in my entire life! After that, we started our journey and along the way, he shared some of his bread with me.

He then asked me, ‘O’ Sayyid! Where do you want to go?’ I replied, ‘To the Haram of Sayyid Muhammad.’ He said, ‘This here is the Haram of Sayyid Muhammad.’ I looked up and realized that I was under the blessed dome of Sayyid Muhammad even though where I got lost was quite a distance away from the sanctuary of this son of the Imam!

During the time that I was with this great personality, he advised me to perform many recommended acts such as the recitation of the Noble Qur’an and thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a), but it did not even occur to me who this man was until he disappeared from my sight. At that time, I realized that it was the Imam of our time!’”

7.The Greatness Of TheTasbih Of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('A)

As noted, Allah (SWT) has not been praised with anything greater than the remembrance contained in thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) since if there was anything greater than this, then surely the Noble Prophet (S) would have given that as a gift to his daughter.

This is a form of remembrance of Allah (SWT) which, in the eyes of ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) is greater than 1,000rak’at ofSalat !

In addition, every servant of Allah (SWT) who holds firm and performs this remembrance is guaranteed that he shall never experience any loss or harm.

Therefore, just as parents order their children to perform theSalat , they must alsoabises them to perform theta’qibat (prayers and supplications after theSalat ). Even though this specific form of supplication - thetasbih - is a mere 100 recitations, however in the scale of the Divine, it has a reward of 1,000!

This form of remembrance pushes the Satan away from a person and earns a believer the pleasure of the Creator of the Universe.

It also removes any (spiritual) heaviness which a person may have in his ears and as we are told, not a single servant of Allahi recites this remembrance after theSalat before he moves his feet from its previous position, except that Allah (SWT) forgives his sins and finds that person worthy of entering Paradise. This reward especially holds true if it is performed afterSalatul Fajr and if a person completes thetasbih with saying ‘LaIlaha Illa Allah’ and then asks forgiveness for his sins.

With saying thetasbihat , a servant of Allah (SWT) will be placed into the ranks and raised up (on the Day of Judgement) with those who ‘remember Allah (SWT) much’. Such a person will also be worthy of being among those whom Allah (SWT) Himself remembers, just as He has stated and promised:

... فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ

…Remember Me and I shall remember you… (Surat al-Baqara , 2:152).

8. The SignOf A True Believer

In the book,Makarimul Akhlaq , it has been stated that the recitation of thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) is one of the five signs of a true believer.

Notes

1. Plural of the word Dhikr or remembrance. (Tr.)

2. Plural oftasbih . (Tr.)

3. Plural of Imam - in reference to the 12 leaders from theAhlul Bayt. (Tr.)

Section 3: OutcomeOf TheTasbih

1. DeliveranceFrom Misfortunes

قَالَ الإِمَامُ جَعْفَرُ ابْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ لصَّادِقُ يَا أَبَا هَارُونَ! إِنَّا نَأْمُرُ صِبْيَانَنَا بِتَسْبِيحِ فَاطِمَةَ سَلاَمُ للٌّهِ عَلَيْهَا كَمَا نَأْمُرُهُمْ بِالصَّلاَةِ فَأَلْزِمْهُ فَإِنَّهُ لَمْ يُلْزِمْهُ عَبْدٌ فَشَقِيَ

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq (peace be upon them both) said:“O’ Aba Harun! We command our youngsters to recite thetasbih of Fatimah, may the peace of Allah be upon her, just as we command them to perform theSalat . Therefore, be cautious in (performing) it, since indeed whichever servant is not attentive to it will become misfortunate.”

2. Forgiveness Of One’s Sins

قَالَ الإِمَامُ جَعْفَرُ ابْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ لصَّادِقُ مَنْ سَبَّحَ تَسْبِيحَ فَاطِمَةَ لزَّهْرَاءِ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَـثْـنِِيَ رِجْلَيْهِ مِنْ صَلاَةِ لْفَرِيضَةِ غَفَرَ للٌّهُ لَهُ وَ لْبَيْدَأْ بِالتَّكْبِـيـرِ

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq (peace be upon them both) has said:“Anyone who, after his obligatorySalat and before he moves his feet, recites thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ (peace be upon her), will have all of his sins forgiven and he should start thistasbih with ‘Allahu Akbar.’”

3. Person Becomes WorthyOf Paradise

قَالَ الإِمَامُ جَعْفَرُ ابْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ لصَّادِقُ مَنْ سَبَّحَ تَسْبِيحَ فَاطِمَةَ لزَّهْرَاءِ فِي دُبُرِ لْمَكْتُوبَةِ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ يَبْسُطَ رِجْلَيْهِ، أَوْجَبَ للٌّهُ لَهُ لْجَنَّةَ

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq (peace be upon them both) has said:“One who recites thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ (peace be upon her) after the obligatorySalat , before one changes the position one is in (for thetashahhud andsalam ), Allah will make that person worthy of Paradise.”

4. A GiftFrom The Angels

Whenever one goes to bed (to prepare for sleep), one noble Angel and one Satan quickly come towards that person. The Angel says to the person, ‘Finish off your day in a good way and start off your night in a good manner too.’ However, the Satan says to him, ‘Finish off your day in sin and start off your night sinning as well!’

Thus, if a person obeys the Angel and ends his day in the remembrance of Allah (SWT) and before going to sleep, starts the night with the remembrance of Allah (SWT) by reciting thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a), then that Angel will get rid of the Satan, and will protect the person until he wakes up from his sleep.

When one wakes up (in the morning), the Satan again rushes to his side and says the same thing he did the previous night, and the Angel too repeats what he said the night before. Thus, if once again, the servant remembers Allah (SWT) the way he did before he went to sleep the previous night, then again, the Angel will get rid of the Satan and Allah (SWT) will write for that person, the reward of worship for the entire night.

5. ProtectionFrom Tragedies

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) has said, “Two brothers went to the Prophet of Allah (S) and said, ‘We want to go to Sham (Syria) for trading. Can you please advise us what we can say or do to remain safe from the dangers (which we may entail on such a long journey)?’

The Prophet replied, ‘When you go into the trading post and have recited yourSalatul ‘Isha and are ready to go to sleep, then recite thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ followed byAyatul Kursi . In this way, you will remain safe from all evils until the next morning.’

On the way to Sham, some thieves began to follow them and when they entered the trading post, the thieves sent one of their slaves to see what the two people were up to - were they sleeping or awake?

When the slave came near them, he noticed they had just gotten into bed and as each of them recited thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ andAyatul Kursi , the slave saw that two walls began to encircle the two brothers!

The slave walked around the brothers, but could seenot other than the two walls surrounding them.

He returned back to the thieves and told them what he saw to which they replied, ‘May Allah disgrace you! You are lying to us! Indeed, you are simply incapable (of carrying out such a simple job) and are scared!’

They themselves got up and went to look - but they too only saw two walls and nothing else!

They began to scale the walls; however, they could not hear a sound from inside the walls nor could they see anyone! Thus, they returned back to their camp.

When morning came, the thieves went to the two brothers and asked them, ‘Where were you last night?’ They said, ‘We were right here sleeping and did not move from our places.’

The thieves told them, ‘We swear by Allah that we came here but did not see anything except for two walls. Please tell us whatis the story behind this ?’

The two brothers said, ‘We had gone to the Prophet of Allah (S) and asked him to advise us before we begin our journey. He told us to recite thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ andAyatul Kursi (before going to sleep) and we did just as we were told.’

The thieves replied, ‘Go and continue (your journey). We swear by Allah that we will not come after you. We swear that by reciting these words (thetasbihat andAyatul Kursi ) no thief will ever be able to attack you!’”

6. Being Cured ByThe Tasbih

A man went to ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) to complain to him about his state. Even though the Imam ('a) was speaking to him, he could not hear what the Imam ('a) was saying. The man then began to complain to the Imam ('a) of very bad ear aches to which the Imam ('a) asked him,“Why are you negligent of thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’?”

The man questioned,“May I be sacrificed for you! What is thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’?” The Imam ('a) replied,“Recite ‘Allahu Akbar’ 34 times; ‘Alhamdulillah’ 33 times and ‘Subhana Allah’ 33 times as this makes a complete 100 (remembrances).

The man stated that,“After a short period of time that I recited thistasbihat continuously, the pain in my ears went away.” 1

7. SeparationFrom Satan

قَالَ الإِمَامُ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ لبَّاقِرُ مَنْ سَبَّحَ تَسْبِيحَ فَاطِمَةَ ثُمَّ سْتَغْـفَرَ، غُفِرَ لَهُ وَ هِيَ مِائَةٌ بِاللِّسَانِ وَ أَلْفٌ فِي لْمِيزَانِ وَ يَطْرُدُ لشَّيْطَانَ وَ يَرْضى لرَّحْمٌنَ

Imam Muhammad Ibn ‘Ali al-Baqir (peace be upon them both) has said,“One who recites thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ (peace be upon her) and after that asks for forgiveness (for his sins) will be forgiven (by Allah). Thistasbih on the tongue is (the recitation of the dhikr) 100 times, but as for the weight in the scale (of deeds), it is counted as 1,000 (good deeds); and (in addition, thistasbih ) will distance Satan from one’s self and makes ‘The Beneficent’ (Allah) pleased (with that person).”

Note

1.Tasbihat of Fatima Zahra, Page 27.

Section 4: EtiquetteOf TheTasbih

1. RecitingThe Dhikr In TheTasbih Of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('A) Without A Gap

It has been narrated from Muhammad IbnJa’far as-Sadiq (the son of ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a)) that:

إِنَّهُ كَانَ يُسَبِّحُ تَسْبِيحَ فَاطِمَةَ صَلَّى اللٌّهُ عَلَيْهَا فَيَصِلُهُ وَ لاَ يَقْطَعُهُ

“Surely, he (ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a)) used to perform thetasbih of Fatimah, may Allah send His prayers upon her, in a continuous manner and would not stop or pause in the middle of it.” 1

2. MethodOf Reciting TheTasbih Of FatimahAz -Zahra’ (‘A)

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) has said:“Begin thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ with aTakbir (saying of ‘Allahu Akbar’) and say this 34 times; then praise Allah 33 times by saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ and close it off with the glorification of Allah by saying ‘Subhana Allah’ 33 times.”

3. Crying DuringThe Tasbih

Shaykh Qasim ‘Ali IbnHilal Jazairi used to take over one hour to recite thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) since every time he said one of the dhikr which is contained in thetasbih , he would be engulfed in tears and grief.

Note

1. Jami’ Ayatwa Ahadith Salat , Volume 2, Page 54.

Section 5: TypeOf Tasbih

1. TheTasbih That Fatimah ('A ) Used

It has been narrated in the famous book,Makarimul Akhlaq , that FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) used to have atasbih which was made of wool thread and had 100 knots tied in it and she used to perform the dhikr of Allah (SWT) with it. WhenHamzah - the uncle of the Prophet (S) - was martyred in the battle ofUhud , the dirt from his grave was used to make the first beads that were used in thetasbih .

When ImamHusayn Ibn ‘Ali ('a) was martyred, people took the dirt from around the grave of the Imam ('a) to make thetasbih beads, since it had been narrated that there are great merits and blessings in the dirt around the grave of Imam al-Husayn Ibn ‘Ali ('a).

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) has said,“The (first)tasbih was made of blue thread and had 34 beads on it and that was thetasbih of our mother FatimahAz -Zahra’. Then whenHamzah was killed, thetasbih was formed using the dirt of his grave, and with that after everySalat , thetasbih was recited (by all).”

2.Tasbih Made WithThe Turbah (Dirt) Of The Grave Of ImamHusayn ('A)

إِنَّ فَاطِمَةَ بِنْتَ رَسُولِ اللٌّهِ كَانَتْ مَسْـبَحْـتُهَا مِنْ خُيُوطِ صُوفٍ مُفَتَّلٍ عَلَيْهِ عَدَدَ التَّكْبِيـرَاتِ فَكَانَتْ تُدِيرُهَا بِيَدِهَا تُكَبِّرُ وَ تُسَبِّحُ إِلـى أَنْ قُتِلَ حَمْزَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ فَاسْـتَعْمَلَتْ تُرْبَتَهُ وَ عَمِلَتِ التَّسَابِيحَ فَاسْتَعْمَلَهَا النَّاسُ

“Thetasbih of Fatimah, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah, was a piece of woolen string upon which, in the number of times that thetakbir was to be said were the same number of knots and she used to spin this around her hand and mention the greatness of and glorification of Allah, until the time when Hamza became a martyr. After this, she made beads for thetasbih out of the dirt of his grave and from that day on, the making of atasbih in this fashion (from the dirt of the Earth) became common among the people.”

3. The WorthOf Using ATasbih Made From Dirt Around The Grave Of ImamHusayn ('A)

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) was asked a question in relation to making thetasbih with the dirt of two particular places and which one was better - the dirt around the grave of Hamza or (from the grave of) ImamHusayn Ibn ‘Ali ('a)? The Imam ('a) replied,“As for thetasbih whose beads are made from the dirt of ImamHusayn’s grave, before one doestasbih with it, the beads itself perform thetasbih !”

4. SignsOf A Shi’a

It has been narrated from the book,Rawdhatul Wai’dhin , that Imam Musa IbnJa’far al-Kadhim ('a) has been quoted as saying: “Our Shi’a are not needless from four things:

1. Themohr /turbah (clay tablet) upon which they recite theirSalat (perform the sajdah on);

2. The ring which they wear on their (right) hand;

3. The toothbrush (miswak ) which they use to brush their teeth with (before theSalat );

4. Atasbih of 33 beads made from the dirt around the grave of Imam

Husayn Ibn ‘Ali ('a). Every time they do the dhikr with it, Allah writes fortythawab (rewards) for each bead used. If one recites thetasbih in a state of negligence (without full concentration or attentiveness to thetasbih and the meaning of the dhikr) then Allah writes twenty rewards for that person.”

5. TheTasbih SpeaksThe Truth

أَلسُّجُودُ عَلى طِيْنِ قَبْرِ الْحُسَينِ يُنَوِّرُ إِلـى الأَرْضِ السَّابِعَةِ وَ مَنْ كَانَتْ مَعَهُ سَبْحَةٌ مِنْ طِيْنِ قَبْرِ الْحُسَينِ كُتِبَ مُسَبِّحاً وَ إِنْ لَمْ يُسَبِّحْ بِهَا

“Prostrating on the dirt from the grave ofHusayn (peace be upon him) radiates Celestial Light up to the seventh Earth. The person who has atasbih which is made from the dirt of the grave ofHusayn (peace be upon him) in his possession will be counted as being one who glorifies Allah, even if he is not doing the act oftasbih with the beads!”

6. The WayOf Life Of Imam ‘Ali Ibn Al-Husayn As-Sajjad ('A)

It has been narrated that when Imam ‘Ali Ibn al-Husayn Zaynul ‘Abidin ('a) was taken to the presence ofYazid , he (Yazid ) decided to kill him. However, before this,Yazid began to speak to Imam as-Sajjad ('a) hoping that perhaps the Imam ('a) would say something which could giveYazid a reason to kill him. However, Imam as-Sajjad ('a) merely replied to whateverYazid asked from him and said nothing more!

In the hand of the Imam was a smalltasbih which the Imam was turning with his fingers, while speaking toYazid . At one point in his conversation,Yazid , may he be distanced from Allah’s mercy, rebuked, ‘I am speaking to you and you are replying to me while you are turning atasbih with your fingers - how is it that you see such an act (of talking to me and performing the remembrance of Allah) as being appropriate?’

The Imam ('a) replied to him, ‘My father informed me that he heard my grandfather ('a) say that when he would reciteSalatul Fajr , before he would move from his spot, he would not say a single thing (after theSalat was complete) until he took thetasbih in his hand and read the following supplication:

أَللٌّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَصْبَحْتُ وَأُسَبِّحُكَ وَ أُحَمِّدُكَ وَ أُهَلِّلُكَ وَ أُكَبِّرُكَ وَ أُمَجِّدُكَ بِعَدَدِ مَا أُدِيرُ بِهِ سُبْحَتِـي

‘O’ Allah! Surely I have entered into the morning in a state of Glorifying You, Praising You, Singing Your Greatness, Extolling You, and Acclaiming You in the number of beads which I have in mytasbih .’

He would then take thetasbih in his hands and turn it and would then speak whatever he wanted to say (in the day) without saying any form of dhikr ortasbih . He went on to say that this has already been counted for him (the remembrance of Allah) and would result in his protection and safety until he goes to bed.

At night, he would sit on his bed and repeat the above supplication and would then place histasbih under his pillow. From that time until he woke up from his sleep, his entire period of sleep was counted as one engaged in dhikr andtasbih .

Therefore, I am merely following in the steps of my grandfather and thus, what I am doing (in your presence) is nothing but what he used to do.’

Many times,Yazid , may Allah not shower His Mercy upon him, told the Imam ('a) that he (the Imam ('a)) had been victorious over him and finally in the end, he decided not to kill the Imam ('a). Instead, he ordered that the Imam ('a) be freed.

7. A GuideFor The Angels

There is a narration which states that:“Whenever theHurul ‘Ain (the heavenly individuals which await the believers) see Angels who are going towards the Earth for some work, they see that they use thetasbih which has been made with the dirt of the grave of ImamHusayn to find their way around the Earth.”

Section 6: TimesTo Recite TheTasbih

A.Tasbih After EverySalat

1. Greater Than 1,000Rak’at Of Salat

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) has said:

تَسْبِيحُ فَاطِمَةَ الزَّهْرَاءَ فِي دُبُرِ كُلِّ صَلاَةٍ أَحَبُّ إِلَـيَّ مِنْ صَلاَةِ أَلْفِ رَكْعَةٍ فِي كُلِّ يَوْمٍ

“Thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ after everySalat (as a part of theta’qib - supplications after the prayers) is dearer to me than the performance of 1,000rak’at ofSalat everyday .”

2. DeservingOf Forgiveness

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq (‘a) has said:

مَنْ سَبَّحَ اللٌّهَ فِي دُبُرِ الْفَرِيضَةِ تَسْبِيحَ فَاطِمَةَ الزَّهْرَاءِ مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ وَ أَتْـبَعَهَا بِلاَ إِلٌهَ إِلاَّ اللٌّهُ غَفَرَ اللٌّهُ لَهُ

“Allah will forgive that person who praises Him after the obligatorySalat through the recitation of thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ (peace be upon her) which is 100 dhikr and ends it off with ‘LaIlaha Illa Allah’.”

3.Salat Being Returned Back To Its Owner

‘Allamah Muqarram states the following:“In regards to the benefits of thistasbih , know that Allah (SWT) has the right to return theSalat to a person who performed it without it being accepted if he performed the completeSalat with all of the conditions and parts, but does not recite thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) In this regard, theA’immah ('a) have even stated that theSalat which is devoid of thistasbih is returned back to the owner! Therefore, worship which is accompanied by thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) is like a body which is adorned with beautiful clothing.”

B.Tasbih At The Time Of Going To Sleep

1. BetterThan A Servant

إِنَّ فَاطِمَةَ أَتَتِ النَّبِيَّ تَسْأَلُهُ خَادِماً فَقَالَ: أَلاَ أُخْبِرُكِ مَا هُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكِ مِنْهُ؟ تُسَبِّحِينَ اللٌّهَ ثَلاَثاً وَ ثَلاَثِينَ وَ تُكَبِّرِينَ اللٌّهَ أَرْبَعاً وَ ثَلاَثِينَ

Fatimah (peace be upon her) went to the Prophet (prayers of Allah be upon him and his family) and asked him for a servant. The Prophet said to her,“Shall I not inform you of something which is better for you than a servant? Recite: ‘Subhana Allah’ 33 times; ‘Alhamdulillah’ 33 times and ‘Allahu Akbar’ 34 times.”

2.Tasbih At The Time Of Going To Sleep

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) has said:

مَنْ بَاتَ عَلى تَسْبِيحِ فَاطِمَةَ كَانَ مِنَ الذَّاكِرِينَ اللٌّهَ كَثِيراً وَ الذَّاكِرَاتِ

“One who starts the night with thetasbih of Fatimah (peace be upon her), (recites it before going to sleep) will be counted among those men and women who remember Allah much.”

3. RecitingThe Tasbih Before One Goes To Sleep

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) has said:

تَسْبِيحُ فَاطِمَةَ الزَّهْرَاءِ إِذَا أَخَذْتَ مَضْجَعَكَ فَكَبِّرَ اللٌّهَ أَرْبَعاً وَ ثَلاَثِينَ وَاحْمِدْهُ ثَلاَثاً وَ ثَلاَثِينَ وَ سَبِّحْهُ ثَلاَثاً وَ ثَلاَثِينَ وَ تَقْرَأُ آيَةَ الْكُرْسِيِّ وَ الْمُعَوَّذَتَينِ وَ عَشْرَ اٌيَاتٍ مِنْ أَوَّلِ الصَّافَّاتِ وَ عَشْراً مِنْ أَخِرِهَا

“When you prepare to go to bed, then perform thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ (peace be upon her) by praising Allah (reciting ‘Allahu Akbar’) 34 times; glorifying Him (saying ‘Alhamdulillah’) 33 times, and sanctifying Him (saying ‘Subhana Allah’) 33 times followed byAyatul Kursi once, theMa’udhtain (Surat al-Falaq and Surat an-Nas ) once each, followed by the first ten verses and the last ten verses of Surat as-Saffat .”

Section 7: Meaning OfThe Dhikr

1.The Lofty Meaning Of TheTasbih Of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('A)

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) has said that,“Thetasbih of FatimahAz -Zahra’ ('a) includes (in its’ meanings):

• Pure is the Possessor of Glory who is the Proud and Exalted;

• Pure is the Possessor of Nobility who has a lofty station and grand status;

• Pure is the Possessor of the Dominion who hasHonour and Precedence;

• Pure is the Possessor of Virtue and Beauty;

• Pure is the One who has decorated Himself with the celestial light (an-Nur ), immensity and dignity;

• Pure is the One who is able to see the imprints of the ant on a clean, transparent stone, and who can see the flying of the birds on the top of the trees and upon the delicate flowers.”

2. The Meaning of ‘Allah is the Greatest’ -Allahu Akbar [ أللّٰه أّكْبَرُ ]

• Allah is superior and greater than what we can think or suppose of Him;

• Allah is greater than everything in existence;

• Allah is superior to all creations which can be sensed, which our intelligence can discern, and all that which is within the world and the universe.

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) has said,“At the time when you say thetakbir [saying ofAllahu Akbar] to start yourSalat , everything else in existence should seem small and trivial in your sight except for Him.”

By saying the phrase, ‘Allahu Akbar’, the greatness of Allah is increased within ourselves and we are able to reach the loftiest of stations.

If atanytime during the course of ourSalat , we are able to taste and experience the sweetness and purity of our intimate whispers (munajat ) to Allah (SWT), then we should know that ourtakbir has been accepted and that it has indeed confirmed (the status of) Allah, the Most High.

The words, ‘Allahu Akbar’, are the same words which a new born Muslim child hears for the first time in theadhan andiqamah ; and are also the last words which a person will hear when one dies in thetalqin [the words recited to the deceased in which the articles of faith are read to him].

The words, ‘Allahu Akbar’, are the first and only dhikr in theSalat which are obligatory and a part of therukn (foundation) of theSalat .

3. The Meaning of ‘All Praise Belongs to Allah’ - Alhamdulillah [أَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ ]

This line means that all Praise and Glory are reserved for Allah (SWT) alone - the One who nurtures the entire universe.

By saying this line, the feeling of thanking Him is brought to life within our soul. Speaking this dhikr removes any sort of negligence or inattention we may have within us and causes us to remember the blessings which we have been given and we are able to take notice and remind ourselves of the Lordship of Allah (SWT).

In the Qur’an, there are almost one hundred names mentioned for Allah (SWT), however the name ‘Allah’ is the most comprehensive of all of these.

In the word, al-Hamd , in addition to the meaning of praise and glory belonging solely to Allah (SWT), there is also a hidden meaning of true and sincere worship.

4. The Meaning of ‘Sanctified is Allah’ -Subhana Allah [ سْبْحٰانَ اللّٰهِ ]

ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) was once asked about the meaning of this phrase to which he replied:“It means that He is Pure and transcends all things which can be thought about Him.”

5. WordsOf The Prophet (S)

The Noble Prophet (S) was asked byTalha Ibn ‘Abdullah about the meaning of ‘Subhana Allah’ and the Prophet (S) replied:“It means to testify that Allah transcends all things which are unworthy of being thought (about Him).”

6. RewardOf TheTasbih

The Commander of the Faithful, ‘Ali Ibn AbiTalib ('a) has stated that,“All of the Angels send prayers and salutations upon a person who says ‘Subhana Allah’ one time and the reward for this glorification of Allah is not known to anyone except Allah.”

In the book, ‘Uddatul Da’i , it has been mentioned that ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) said: “The army of ProphetSulayman was made up of birds whose number covered the distance of 624 squarekilometres ; wild beasts whose number covered the total area of 156 squarekilometres ; and human beings whose number covered a total of 31.2 squarekilometres . The Jinn had woven a carpet of gold and pure silk forSulayman which measured 12.48 squarekilometres and placed amimbar (pulpit) upon the carpet forSulayman to sit on.

Around themimbar - which was made of gold and silver - there were many other chairs of gold and silver where various other prophets were sitting on.

There were birds which were flying aboveSulayman with their wings stretched out, touching one another, so that the rays of the sun would not shine on the head ofSulayman . In addition, Allah also gaveSulayman the power to control the wind which enabled his carpet to go wherever he wished for it to go. It was upon this carpet that he travelled for two straight months, just as Allah has mentioned in the Qur’an:

وَلِسُلَيْمَانَ الرِّيحَ غُدُوُّهَا شَهْرٌ وَرَوَاحُهَا شَهْرٌ

“And (We made) the wind (subservient) toSulayman , which made a month’s journey in the morning and a month’s journey in the evening.” (Surah Saba, 34:12).

One day, the wind was carrying the grand and noble carpet ofSulayman ; and on the ground, there was a peasant who was standing in his fields, who looked up and said,“Glory be to Allah [Subhana Allah]! What a great kingdom Allah has given to the son ofDawud !”

The wind carried the words of the farmer to the ears ofSulayman and immediately,Sulayman ordered the rug to land on the ground. The prophet of AllahSulayman went to the farmer and said to him:

“One glorification which a servant does (in praise of Allah) and that Allah accepts is better than all that which has been given to the family ofDawud !”

In another narration, it has been mentioned that saying one ‘Subhana Allah’ is better than giving a mountain of silver as charity in the way of Allah (SWT).

In summary, this ‘Subhana Allah’ has many benefits and merits attached to it which are mentioned in the ahadith1 .

7. GreetingsOf The Angels

In reply to a question which was asked to him about the meaning of ‘Subhana Allah’, the Commander of the Faithful, ‘Ali Ibn AbiTalib ('a) replied that it meant:“Allah is Great and of high status, the Possessor of nobility and greatness who is free from all defects and from all those things which the polytheists may say about Him. Anytime a servant of Allah says this phrase, all of the Angels immediately send prayers and salutations upon that person.” 2

8. Benefits Of TheTasbih OfSubhana Allah [ سْبْحٰانَ اللّٰهِ ]

In the book, al-Amali ofShaykh Saduq , it has been narrated from ImamJa’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq ('a) that he said, “Allah will remove seventy types of difficulties from a person who says ‘Subhana Allah’ thirty times every day - the most minimum of these difficulties is poverty. The second benefit is that the person will be saved from grief, sorrow and a fatal death, just as we see that the reason for the safety of ProphetYunus when he was in the belly of the whale was because of him reciting:

سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ

“Glory be to you (Allah), surely I was from amongst those who were unjust (to themselves).” (Surat al-Anbiya , 21:87).

Due to this, Allah (SWT)i saved him, just as He has said:

... فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْغَمِّ

“Thus didWe answer his prayer and We saved him from grief…” (Surat al-Anbiya , 21:88).

The Imam ('a) then said:

فَلَوْ لاٌ أَنَّهُ كَانَ مِنَ لْـمُسَبِّحِينَ لَلَبِثَ فِي بَطْنِهِ إِلـى يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ

“Thus had he (Yunus ) not been one of those who glorified (Allah), then surely he would have remained in the stomach of the fish until the Day of Resurrection (so it is through his glorification that he was saved from grief and sorrow).”

9. A TreeIn Paradise

In another narration it has been mentioned that if a person says ‘Subhana Allah’ then a tree is planted for him in Paradise and when he says ‘Wal Hamdulillah ’ then another tree is planted for him in Paradise.

May Allah (SWT) give us all thetawfiq to recite this greattasbih with the understanding that it deserves.

Notes

1.Thamarat ul -Hayat, Volume 2, Page 720 and 721.

2.Mizan al-Hikmah , Volume 5, Page 2363.

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