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How is a prayer (tasbih) count performed with the right hand, with evidence, and can this be illustrated with pictures?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The Sunnah is to count the tasbih (glorification of God) with the fingertips, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Count with your fingertips, for they will be questioned and made to speak." The meaning of "counting" (العقد) here is to keep track of the number. There is no authentic evidence that clarifies the specific method of counting with the fingertips, and the matter is broad. It is permissible to do so by placing the tip of the thumb on the fingertips of the other fingers, or by placing the tips of the fingers on the palm. It is permissible to count the tasbih with both the right and left hands, the difference being in preference. The best is to restrict it to the right hand, due to the hadith of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-Aas (may Allah be pleased with them both): "I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) counting the tasbih with his right hand."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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