✿ Derived from:
Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth, Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, Vol. 1
Is it permissible to count tasbīḥāt on the left hand?
Counting tasbīḥāt on the left hand or on both hands is permissible, as there is no explicit prohibition in the Sharīʿah against counting tasbīḥāt on the left hand. However, it is preferable to count tasbīḥāt on the right hand.
The Prophet’s ﷺ Preference for the Right Side:
In Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, it is narrated from Ḥaḍrat ʿĀ’ishah (may Allāh be pleased with her):
“The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ liked to begin with the right side in all good matters such as wearing shoes, combing the hair, performing ablution, and all noble tasks.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
This ḥadīth generally highlights the virtue of using the right side, and from this, the preference for counting tasbīḥāt on the right hand is derived.
The Prophet ﷺ Counting Tasbīḥāt on the Right Hand:
Ḥaḍrat ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ (may Allāh be pleased with them) stated:
“I saw the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ counting tasbīḥāt on his hands.”
Ibn Qudāmah stated that the Prophet ﷺ used to count them on his right hand.
(Narration: Abū Dāwūd)
This narration of using the right hand clearly indicates the superiority of counting tasbīḥāt on the right hand.
The Lajnah Dāʾimah (a reputable scholarly committee) also issued a fatwa stating:
✔ It is permissible to count tasbīḥāt on both hands.
✔ However, in light of general evidence, it is better and preferable to count them on the right hand.
✔ Counting tasbīḥāt on the left hand or both hands is permissible.
✔ However, counting tasbīḥāt on the right hand is superior and more complete, as it aligns with the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his general preference for the right side.
Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth, Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, Vol. 1
Is it permissible to count tasbīḥāt on the left hand?
Counting tasbīḥāt on the left hand or on both hands is permissible, as there is no explicit prohibition in the Sharīʿah against counting tasbīḥāt on the left hand. However, it is preferable to count tasbīḥāt on the right hand.
The Prophet’s ﷺ Preference for the Right Side:
In Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, it is narrated from Ḥaḍrat ʿĀ’ishah (may Allāh be pleased with her):
“The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ liked to begin with the right side in all good matters such as wearing shoes, combing the hair, performing ablution, and all noble tasks.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
This ḥadīth generally highlights the virtue of using the right side, and from this, the preference for counting tasbīḥāt on the right hand is derived.
The Prophet ﷺ Counting Tasbīḥāt on the Right Hand:
Ḥaḍrat ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ (may Allāh be pleased with them) stated:
“I saw the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ counting tasbīḥāt on his hands.”
Ibn Qudāmah stated that the Prophet ﷺ used to count them on his right hand.
(Narration: Abū Dāwūd)
This narration of using the right hand clearly indicates the superiority of counting tasbīḥāt on the right hand.
The Lajnah Dāʾimah (a reputable scholarly committee) also issued a fatwa stating:
✔ It is permissible to count tasbīḥāt on both hands.
✔ However, in light of general evidence, it is better and preferable to count them on the right hand.
✔ Counting tasbīḥāt on the left hand or both hands is permissible.
✔ However, counting tasbīḥāt on the right hand is superior and more complete, as it aligns with the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his general preference for the right side.
