Complete guide to Sajde ki Tasbeeh in Namaz (Salah). Learn the Arabic text of Subhana Rabbiyal A'la, pronunciation, meaning, odd count rules (3, 5, 7), and Sunnah duas.
✦What is Sajde Ki Tasbeeh? (Recitation in Prostration)
In every unit (Rakat) of Muslim prayer (Namaz / Salah), a believer performs two prostrations (Sajdah / Sujood). Prostration is the ultimate posture of humility in Islam, where a servant places the highest part of their body—the forehead and nose—flat on the earth in absolute surrender to Allah.
While in this sacred posture, reciting Sajde ki Tasbeeh is an established Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
✦The Arabic Text, Transliteration & Meaning
- ✦Transliteration: Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la
- ✦English Meaning: "Glory be to my Lord, the Most High."
Why "Al-A'la" (The Most High) in Sajdah?
There is immense theological beauty in this choice of words: as the human being lowers themselves to the lowest physical level (the dust of the floor), they praise Allah with His attribute of supreme altitude, majesty, and transcendence (Al-A'la — The Most High).
✦How Many Times Should You Recite Sajde Ki Tasbeeh?
According to authentic Hadiths in Sunan Abi Dawud (888) and Jami' at-Tirmidhi (261):
- 1The Sunnah Minimum (3 Times): Reciting Subhana Rabbiyal A'la 3 times is the established minimum Sunnah for all Fard and Sunnah prayers.
- 2Extended Counts in Voluntary Prayer (5, 7, or 9 Times): When praying alone or during Tahajjud (night prayer), it is highly recommended to prolong your Sajdah and recite it 5, 7, 9, or more times.
- 3Congregational Rule for Imams: When an Imam leads prayer, he should maintain the 3-count standard to avoid causing fatigue to the elderly, weak, or ill behind him.
✦Additional Sunnah Duas to Recite in Sajdah
In voluntary (Nafl) and Tahajjud prayers, you can also recite these authentic supplications taught by the Prophet (PBUH):
(Subboohun, Quddoosun, Rabbul-mala'ikati war-Rooh)
(Allahummaghfir lee dhanbee kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, wa awwalahu wa aakhirahu, wa 'alaniyatahu wa sirrahu)
✦Common Mistakes in Sajdah to Avoid
- ✦Rushing Up: Raising your head before your body has come to complete rest (Tama'neenah) or before completing 3 recitations clearly.
- ✦Elbows Flat on the Floor: The Prophet (PBUH) prohibited resting forearms flat on the ground like a dog (Sahih al-Bukhari 822). Keep forearms raised.
✦Build Your Daily Dhikr Routine
Deepen your prayer connection by memorizing and practicing your recitations. Try our online Tasbeeh counter on Tasbeeh.pro or count your Dhikr online to cultivate spiritual presence in your daily worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sajde ki Tasbeeh (what do you recite in Sajdah)?
In Sajdah (prostration), you recite: 'Subhana Rabbiyal A'la' (سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى), which translates to: 'Glory be to my Lord, the Most High'. It is Sunnah to recite it an odd number of times, with a minimum of 3 times.
How many times should Sajde ki Tasbeeh be recited?
The minimum Sunnah is 3 times. In voluntary prayers (like Tahajjud or Nafl), you can increase the count to 5, 7, 9, or 11 times. If an Imam is leading congregational Salah, he recites it 3 times so as not to overburden the followers.
Why is Sajdah the most powerful moment for Dua?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: 'The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so make plenty of supplication in it' (Sahih Muslim 482).
Practice Your Daily Dhikr
Count your Dhikr with our free, ad-free online Tasbeeh counter featuring haptic feedback and auto-save memory.