Fatima went to the Prophet (ﷺ) complaining about the bad effect of the stone hand-mill on her hand. She heard that the Prophet (ﷺ) had received a few slave girls. But (when she came there) she did not find him, so she mentioned her problem to `Aisha. When the Prophet (ﷺ) came, `Aisha informed him about that. `Ali added, "So the Prophet (ﷺ) came to us when we had gone to bed. We wanted to get up (on his arrival) but he said, 'Stay where you are." Then he came and sat between me and her and I felt the coldness of his feet on my `Abdomen. He said, "Shall I direct you to something better than what you have requested? When you go to bed say 'Subhan Allah' thirty-three times, 'Al hamduli l-lah' thirty three times, and Allahu Akbar' thirty four times, for that is better for you than a servant."
Supporting the Family - Sahih al-Bukhari 5361
Fatima went to the Prophet (ﷺ) complaining about the bad effect of the stone hand-mill on her hand. She heard that the Prophet (ﷺ) had received a few slave girls. But (when she came there) she did not find him, so she mentioned her problem to `Aisha. When the Prophet (ﷺ) came, `Aisha informed him about that. `Ali added, "So the Prophet (ﷺ) came to us when we had gone to bed. We wanted to get up (on his arrival) but he said, 'Stay where you are." Then he came and sat between me and her and I felt the coldness of his feet on my `Abdomen. He said, "Shall I direct you to something better than what you have requested? When you go to bed say 'Subhan Allah' thirty-three times, 'Al hamduli l-lah' thirty three times, and Allahu Akbar' thirty four times, for that is better for you than a servant."
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith demonstrates the Prophet's profound wisdom in addressing worldly needs through spiritual means. Fatima, the beloved daughter of Allah's Messenger, sought physical relief from domestic labor, yet the Prophet offered her a treasure surpassing temporal comfort.
The Prophet's refusal of their rising from bed reflects Islamic etiquette - honoring the natural state of family members and maintaining comfort in personal spaces. His physical proximity and the mention of feeling his cold feet illustrate the intimate, loving nature of Prophetic household interactions.
The prescribed dhikr - 33 Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah), 33 Alhamdulillah (All praise is for Allah), and 34 Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest) - totaling 100 remembrances, provides spiritual sustenance that transcends mere physical assistance. This teaches that true enrichment comes not from servants but from connection with the Divine.
Scholars note this prescription became known as "Tasbih Fatima" and represents a comprehensive form of worship encompassing Allah's transcendence, gratitude for blessings, and recognition of Divine greatness - a complete spiritual system for daily life.