Shumara Al-Sunnah, Jhelum◈ Question:
Some people recite a specific supplication aloud three times after every four rak‘ahs of Tarawih prayer. Is this practice supported in Islam?◈ Answer:
This practice has no basis in Islamic teachings.Reciting a specific du‘a at this point is considered a bid‘ah (innovation) and is discouraged (makruh).
◈ The Commonly Recited Supplication
سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْمُلْكِ وَالْمَلَكُوتِ...This lengthy supplication, often recited in unison after every four rak‘ahs of Tarawih, is not established from the Prophet ﷺ, his companions, or any early scholars.
◈ Testimony of the Scholars
Imam Ibn al-Ḥājj (737 AH) writes:"One must avoid the innovations introduced during Tarawih – such as the remembrance recited after every two taslīmāt (four rak‘ahs), raising voices collectively, and chanting in a unified rhythm. All of these are innovations (bid‘ah). The same ruling applies to the mu’adhin’s call after every four rak‘ahs saying: 'as-ṣalāh yarḥamukumullāh' – it is also an innovation."
“Any innovation in religion is impermissible. The best guidance is the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ, then the Rightly Guided Caliphs, and then the Companions. Since this was not practiced by any of them, it suffices us to abstain from it as they did.”
[al-Madkhal: 2/294; another version: 1/443]
◈ Islamic Principle
In acts of worship, especially ritual prayers and supplications, explicit permission from the Qur'an or Sunnah is required.
Innovating specific duas or practices without evidence is against the Sunnah and must be avoided.◈ Conclusion
The repetitive supplication recited after every four rak‘ahs in Tarawih is an innovation (bid‘ah).It has no precedent in the Sunnah, nor in the practice of the Companions.
Therefore, Muslims should avoid such rituals and adhere to what is authentically transmitted.
