What is the ruling on adhering to a specific number when performing Dhikr, such as saying "Subhan Allah" 33 times, or repeating Yunus's supplication, "There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers," three times, by analogy with the hadiths in which a specific number was mentioned?
There is no objection to a Muslim glorifying Allah (Tasbih) and declaring His oneness (Tahlil) any number of times. However, a specific number that was not reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, should not be adopted. Indeed, glorifying Allah 33 times after prayer and before sleep has been reported. The supplication of Dhul-Nun, "There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers," was not restricted to a specific number. The conclusion is to adhere to the remembrances with a specified number that were reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Otherwise, there is no objection to a Muslim reciting any number of remembrances, as long as he does not adopt a number that was not reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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