The significance and merit of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) in Islam are immense. Many people use a string of prayer beads (tasbih) to praise Allah and count their dhikr. However, Islamic law places special emphasis on counting dhikr using one’s own fingers rather than beads. According to hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized counting dhikr on the fingers of the right hand.
In a hadith narrated by Yusayrah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Count [dhikr] using your fingers, for they will be questioned and will speak [on the Day of Judgment].” (Abu Dawud)
On the difficult Day of Judgment, various parts of a person’s body will testify to their good and bad deeds. The very finger used to count dhikr to Allah in accordance with the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) sunnah will stand as a witness for that person’s worship on Judgment Day.
Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) noted that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was always seen counting dhikr using his right hand. Therefore, using the fingers of the right hand — rather than the left hand or any other method — is considered the method closest to and most in line with the sunnah.
While some narrations mention counting dhikr with prayer beads, their chains of transmission are comparatively weak. As a result, it is not accurate to directly call the use of prayer beads a “sunnah method.” However, if someone uses beads or a modern counter to help keep track of the number of dhikr, this is not considered forbidden under Islamic law. Still, the method taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him) — counting on the fingers — carries greater reward and merit.
The foundation of every act of worship in Islam is ikhlas, or sincerity. Understanding the meaning of the dhikr and maintaining focus is more important than simply completing a set number. Avoiding performative worship and reciting dhikr on the fingers of the right hand solely to seek Allah’s pleasure is the correct form of worship.