What is the ruling on the prayer of tasbih?

Question : May Allah reward you. A set of questions regarding the ruling on the prayer of tasbih and the extent of its prescription?

Answer : The prayer of tasbih is not established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and therefore it is not a sunnah (recommended practice), nor should a person seek nearness to Allah through it, because the default in acts of worship is prohibition unless its prescription is established by valid evidence without doubt. The Shaykh al-Islam (may Allah have mercy on him) stated that its hadith is invalid and that none of the Imams recommended it; it only became widespread from some of the Tabi'un (the generation after the Companions). Therefore, guard your time and do not occupy yourself with it, for it is not established from your Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). Instead, occupy yourself with what is authentic rather than what is not authentic, for what is authentic is sufficient, and success is from Allah.