your head from prostration and say them ten times. Then prostrate again and say them ten times. Then raise your head and say them ten times. This makes seventy-five in each unit. Do this in each of four units. If you are able to perform it once every day, then do so. If not, then once every Friday; if not, then once every month; if not, then once every year; and if not, then once in your lifetime.” It was recorded by Abū Dāwūd and Ibn Mājah. (1)
I say: The following points relate to the hadith concerning the Salāt al-Tasbīh:
First: Although the address in this hadith is directed to al-Abbās, its ruling applies generally to all Muslims, since the basic principle is that the Messenger’s address—peace and blessings be upon him—is general, not exclusive.
Second: The hadith states: “Allah will forgive your sins: the first and the last, the old and the recent, those committed in error and deliberately, the minor and the major, and those committed secretly and openly—ten matters in all.”
If it is asked: The hadith mentions “those committed in error and deliberately,” yet no sin is incurred for an error, as Allah Most High says, “Our Lord, do not hold us accountable if we forget or make a mistake.” How, then, can error be included among sins?
The answer is that an error involves deficiency and shortcoming even if it incurs no sin; thus, this prayer has the aforementioned effect.
Third: It is stated in al-Tanqīh li-mā Jā’a fī Salāt al-Tasbīh (A Critical Review of the Reports Concerning the Prayer of Glorification): “Know—may Allah have mercy on you—