Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Shall I not tell you of something by which you will catch up with those who came before you, those who come after you will not reach your (rank), and you will be the best among all people, except for the one who does the same as you?” (The deed is:) “You should say «سبحان الله», «الحمد لله», and «الله اكبر» thirty-three times after every prayer.” This hadith is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah, Sayyiduna Abu Dharr, Sayyiduna Abu Darda, Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas, and Sayyiduna Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with them. The hadith of Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah, which Abu Salih narrated from him, is as follows: The poor people came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and said, “The wealthy have taken the high ranks and everlasting blessings. They pray as we pray, and they fast as we fast, but they have more virtue due to their wealth; they perform Hajj, Umrah, Jihad, and give charity.” The narrator says: ... (the above hadith was mentioned). (Regarding the number of tasbihat) we fell into disagreement; some said to say «سبحان الله» thirty-three times, «الحمد لله» thirty-three times, and «الله اكبر» thirty-four times (and some said something else). I went to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and (mentioned the whole matter), so he said: “Say each of «سبحان الله», «الحمد لله», and «الله اكبر» thirty-three times.”