Q 7: Which is better; to remember Allah after performing Salah (Prayer) using Misbahah (counting beads used when remembering Allah) or using one's hand? What did the Prophet (peace be upon him) use to do?

A: Remembering Allah with one's hand is better. It is not reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he assigned a Misbahah for himself to remember Allah with, as far as we know, and all goodness is in following his foot steps.Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be merciful to him) was asked about it and answered as follows: As for remembering Allah using beads and suchlike, some people disapproved it while others did not. If you devote your intention sincerely, it will be good and approved. As for assigning a Misbahah without need or to show off to people such as hanging it around the neck or making it like a bracelet in the hand and suchlike, this will be either a show off to people or indulging in suspicion and assimilating hypocrites without need. The first is forbidden and the second is the least state of reprehensibleness because showing off to people in acts of worship such as Salah, Sawm (fasting), Dhikr (remembering Allah) and reciting the Qur'an is a grave sin. Allah (Exalted be He) says: So woe unto those performers of Salât (prayers) (hypocrites), Those who delay their Salât (prayer from their stated fixed times). Those who do good deeds only to be seen (of men), And prevent Al-Mâ‘ûn (small kindnesses like salt, sugar, water). He (Exalted be He) also says: Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allâh, but it is He Who deceives them. And when they stand up for As-Salât (the prayer), they stand with laziness and to be seen of men, and they do not remember Allâh but little. (Part No. 7; Page No. 112) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.