Question Summary:
Tasbeeh Counters

Question Detail:

Is using counter or beads to count dhikr of Allah Bidah. Using of digital Tashbeeh or tally counter is allowed?

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh.
It is permissible (Mubaah) to use a “Tasbīh” or “Subhah” in order to aid oneself in performing Zikr. A Tasbīh helps in performing Zikr in the following ways:
By holding it in the hand or seeing it, one is encouraged and reminded to make Zikr. This is why it is also known as a “Muzakkir” (reminder).
It also helps one keep count.
Furthermore, the usage of these types of ‘counters’ are supported by Hadeeth. Imaam Abu Dawood mentions that on one occasion Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam came to a woman who was reciting Tasbih using date pits and pebbles. Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam did not reprimand her nor disapprove of her action. Imaam Tirmidhi grades this Hadeeth as Hasan. [1]
In the past, people used stones and beads as an aid in making Zikr. In today’s times, digital counters along with other technological methods are used.
Hence, if one uses a Tasbih for this purpose it will not be Bid‘ah. The general principle of Mubaah is one may practice on it or use it on condition he does not regard it as compulsory in Deen or a Sunnah.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Ismaeel Bassa
Student Darul Iftaa
Durban South Africa
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net