What is the complete or perfect number of Tasbeeh (glorifications) recommended in bowing?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Imam Ahmad stated in his treatise that the perfect glorification is seven times, the intermediate is five, and the minimum is three, based on narration from Al-Hasan Al-Basri. The recognized perfect number for an individual is that which does not lead to forgetfulness (Sahw). For the Imam, the perfect number is what does not cause undue hardship for the followers. There is an opinion suggesting the perfect number is ten, derived from the report that the Prophet's prayer resembled that of 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz, which was estimated to be ten glorifications.
Supporting text
Another view among our associates holds that the perfection of the glorification should equal the duration of standing (Qiyam), based on the narration of Al-Bara' indicating that the Prophet's movements—bowing, rising, prostrating, and sitting—were nearly equal in duration, excluding standing and sitting.