Answered by: Alimah Sumeyye Sofu
Question
Assalamu Alaikum. How many times should we recite ‘Subhana rabbi al atheem’ and ‘Subhana rabbi al a’ala’ in salah? Is it three times or seven times? Is there any sunnah? Which is better?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
It can be recited three, five or seven times. There are many ahadith that indicate that the Prophet (s.a.w) recited different amounts of tasbeeh in his prayers. Three times is the least amount of tasbeeh.[1] Seven times is the most complete.[2]
It is narrated from Abdullah ibn Masud that the Prophet (s.a.w) had said;” If one of you go into ruku’, he should recite “Subhana Rabbiy al Atheem” three times and that is the least. And if he does sajda, he should recite “Subhana rabbiy al a’ala” three times and that is the least amount.[3]
Only Allah knows best
Written by Alimah Sumeyye Sofu
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
[1] Al Hidaya p.197 v.1 Maktabatul Bushra
[2] Quduri p.97 found in Hashiya, Maktabatul Bushra
[3] Abu Dawud no 886 Darus salam