The Authenticity of the Hadith Concerning the Prayer of Tasbih

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, a questioner asks: What is the authenticity of the hadith regarding the prayer of tasbih?

Answer:
The prayer of tasbih is not established and is a bid'ah (religious innovation). This is for two reasons. First, the chain of narration through which it was transmitted is not authentic, nor even good. If some scholars have attempted to authenticate or improve it, they are mistaken; the chain cannot be used as evidence. That is one aspect. The second aspect is the text of this hadith, which describes a strange prayer that does not align with the prescribed prayers due to the excessive recitations, the specification of certain surahs, and the recitation during bowing and prostration. This is not customary in the prescribed prayer; it contradicts the prayers that Allah the Exalted has legislated. Therefore, it is not permissible to draw near to Allah through it. Whoever wishes to draw near to Allah, the prescribed prayers are numerous, praise be to Allah. There is the Dhuha prayer, the night prayer, the rawatib (regular voluntary prayers), and the absolute voluntary prayers. One prays whatever is easy for him outside the prohibited times, outside the times of prohibition, whether at night or during the day, whatever is easy for him. As for praying an innovated prayer, there is no reward in it; rather, there is sin in it. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

The presenter:
May Allah reward you