Certain supplications and dhikr have a special meaning and significance in Islam. Every verse and word of the Holy Quran is a source of blessings and rewards for us; however, there are some verses that are meant for specific purposes.
Surah Ya Sin is one such example. Another is the Ayat-ul-Kursi, also known as the Verse of the Throne. Yet another is the supplication of Hazrat Yunus (AS), known as the Ayat-e-Kareema, which people recite multiple times to invoke Allah’s (SWT) help in time of dire need.
The verses of the Holy Quran are more than mere strings of words. The Holy Book is the word of Allah (SWT) and holds powers that we cannot fathom. That is one of the miracles of the Holy Quran. It is not just a Book of Wisdom and Guidance, but also seeking Allah’s (SWT) help without any intermediary.
It is best to know important dhikr and tasbeeh that can help us daily. One such is the tasbeeh of Hazrat Fatimah (RA).
The Background to Tasbeeh Fatimah
We all know Hazrat Fatimah (RA) was the beloved youngest daughter of the Holy Prophet (SAW). She was married to Hazrat Ali (RA) and was the mother of Hazrat Imam Hasan and Hazrat Imam Husain (RA). She is revered immensely being an honored member of the family of the Holy Prophet (SAW).
It is no secret that Muslims had to endure a lot of persecution and hardship in Makkah. The initial years of the spread of Islam were a trying time for all believers. The opposition was immense and unbearable at times, prompting many Muslims to escape to Abyssinia twice and eventually to Madinah.
Once in Madinah, the fortunes of Muslims changed as they were no longer persecuted for their beliefs. They could practice their religion in the open peacefully. Still, this did not mean that there were no hardships.
Since most Muslims had left everything behind in Makkah upon migration to Madinah, many struggled to make ends meet. Hazrat Fatimah and Hazrat Ali (RA) were among those with humble means.
It is in this context that we must consider the following authentic hadith reference as narrated by Hazrat Ali (RA):
“Fatimah went to the Prophet (SAW) complaining about the bad effect of the stone hand-mill on her hand. She heard that the Prophet (SAW) had received a few slave girls. But (when she came there) she did not find him, so she mentioned her problem to `Aisha. When the Prophet (SAW) came, `Aisha informed him about that. `Ali added, “So the Prophet (SAW) came to us when we had gone to bed. We wanted to get up (on his arrival) but he said, ‘Stay where you are.” Then he came and sat between me and her and I felt the coldness of his feet on my `Abdomen. He said, “Shall I direct you to something better than what you have requested? When you go to bed say ‘Subhan Allah’ thirty-three times, ‘Al-hamdulillah’ thirty three times, and ‘Allahu Akbar’ thirty four times, for that is better for you than a servant.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 69, Hadith 6]
The hadith comprehensively provides a backdrop to tasbeeh Fatimah and the actual tasbeeh. We can see that Hazrat Fatimah (RA) was struggling with the demanding routine of household tasks and had gone to the Holy Prophet (SAW) for assistance in the form of being given a servant to help with the daily tasks.
In return, the Holy Prophet (SAW) taught Hazrat Fatimah and Hazrat Ali (RA) the aforementioned tasbeeh to help them ease the burden of the household work. Since Hazrat Fatimah (RA) had come to the Holy Prophet (SAW) requesting his help, this tasbeeh has become associated with her.
The Importance and Virtues of Tasbeeh Fatimah
Reciting Tasbeeh Fatimah every day is very simple and easy. It takes a minute or two at most. It consists of the following:
- SubhanAllah, which means “Glory be to Allah (SWT)” 33 times
- Alhamdulillah, which means “Praise be to Allah (SWT)” 33 times
- Allahu Akbar, which means “Allah (SWT) is Great” 34 times
These should be recited in order before going to bed as per the saying of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Here is why this tasbeeh is so virtuous:
Given by the Holy Prophet (SAW)
The tasbeeh is not just a given to us by the Holy Prophet (SAW) to overcome day-to-day hardships. It was, in fact, a gift to a daughter by a father. The Holy Prophet (SAW) was especially fond of Hazrat Fatimah (RA), being his youngest surviving child, and Hazrat Ali (RA).
As the narration goes, the Holy Prophet (SAW) explained how reciting the tasbeeh was superior to having a servant to help with the household tasks. This is because by reciting, we are invoking the help of Allah (SWT), which is greater than any other power.
Remembrance of Allah (SWT)
The tasbeeh is full of praise and remembrance of Allah (SWT). It glorifies Allah (SWT). By saying the tasbeeh we are constantly repeating Allah’s (SWT) attributes and His Greatness. It keeps us mindful of Allah (SWT). It is a great reminder that no matter how difficult the situation may be we can always turn to Allah (SWT) for help. We can always ask Him for assistance. If nothing else, we can always find solace and comfort in that we have prayed to Allah (SWT) to improve our condition.
Example of the Aal-e-Rasul
By reciting the tasbeeh we are following the example of the Aal-e-Rasul. The respected and honored family of the Holy Prophet (SAW) are the torchbearers of his legacy. The family of the Holy Prophet (SAW) is the best source of prophetic wisdom due to their closeness with him. Their words and actions are a reflection of the way our beloved Holy Prophet (SAW) lived his life.
We are encouraged to follow not just the Holy Prophet (SAW) but also the Aal-e-Rasul. Hazrat Fatimah (RA), in particular, was extremely close to the Holy Prophet (SAW).
Reciting Tasbeeh Fatimah
Tasbeeh Fatimah is one of the easiest and most effective tasbeeh. Even young children can easily memorize it and make a habit of reciting it every day. It is a gift not just from a father to a daughter but to an entire nation. All the followers of the Holy Prophet (SAW) can benefit from the virtues of tasbeeh Fatimah.
It will bring ease and comfort to us that we cannot even envision. After all, the direct help of Allah (SWT) is the greatest gift we could hope for.
