The subha is used by Muslims to help count recitations and concentrate during personal prayers. The worshipper touches one bead at a time while reciting words of remembrance of Allah. These recitations are often of the 99 names of Allah, or of phrases that glorify and praise Allah. These phrases are most often repeated as follows:
- Subhannallah or Glory to Allah - 33 times
- Alhamdilillah or Praise be to Allah - 33 times
- Allahu Akbar or Allah is Great - 33 times