Ayat al-Kursi, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas — in post-prayer tasbih (the glorification, remembrance, and short recitations after the obligatory prayer), these four form the group recited in common at almost every prayer time. Practices don't vary greatly from one time to another, but there are small differences. Below: this common group and the differences between prayer times — practices can vary from mosque to mosque and region to region.
The General Structure of Post-Prayer Tasbih
The tasbih performed after concluding the obligatory prayer with the taslim generally follows this order: istighfar (repeating "Astaghfirullah"), reciting Ayat al-Kursi, then repeating "SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar" 33 times each, and finishing with a short supplication. This structure may show small differences from mosque to mosque and region to region; what is described here is the general practice common in Turkey.
Which Surahs Are Commonly Recited?
The most commonly recited surahs and verses regardless of prayer time are Ayat al-Kursi and the surahs known as the "Three Quls" — Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas. This group of four verses/surahs is the most common and shortest group that can be recited after prayer at any time of day.
After the Fajr Prayer
Because it is the first prayer of the day, the Fajr prayer is regarded by some as an extra time for remembrance and supplication; narrations are known about the virtue of remaining seated in remembrance and glorification until sunrise. At this time, in addition to Ayat al-Kursi and the Three Quls, adding a short supplication with the intention of a blessed day is a common preference.
After the Dhuhr, Asr, and Maghrib Prayers
The tasbih after the Dhuhr, Asr, and Maghrib prayers generally follows the same basic structure (istighfar, Ayat al-Kursi, glorifications); there is no fundamental difference among these three prayer times. After the Maghrib prayer, some people also add a short reflective supplication, since the day is drawing to a close.
After the Isha Prayer
After the Isha prayer, alongside the tasbih, the verses and surahs recommended for recitation before sleeping (Ayat al-Kursi, Amanar-Rasulu, Surah Al-Mulk, the Three Quls) also overlap with this time, since Isha is the day's last prayer and is usually performed right before sleep. We covered the surahs commonly recited before sleep in detail in our article Which Surahs Are Read Before Sleeping?.
Are These Practices Obligatory?
Post-prayer tasbih and surah recitations are not part of the obligatory prayer itself, but an additional act of worship recommended after it. For this reason, not reciting a particular surah does not make the prayer deficient; these practices are considered within the framework of sunnah and custom, and can be shortened or lengthened according to the individual.
What Should I Do If My Time Is Limited?
When time is limited, reciting at least a short istighfar and Ayat al-Kursi, rather than the full tasbih, is a minimal practice preferred by most people. Tasbih is not a race, but a brief moment of remembrance and gathering oneself after prayer; so shortening it when time is tight is a more sound choice than not doing it at all. The tasbih can be gradually expanded over time as opportunity allows.
Does Tasbih Differ at the Mosque and at Home?
After congregational prayers at the mosque, tasbih is usually performed aloud and collectively, led by the imam; this can make the tasbih longer and more structured. After prayers performed alone at home, a person can perform tasbih at their own pace, silently or aloud, for whatever length they wish. There is no right-or-wrong distinction between the two; both settings are suitable for carrying out this additional act of worship within their own means.
Practical Plan
You can use our Prayer Times tool to track prayer times and start your tasbih on time after each prayer, and count your remembrances with our Digital Tasbih.
The surahs and supplications recited after prayer do not vary greatly from one prayer time to another; Ayat al-Kursi and the Three Quls are the most common group that can be recited at any time of day, offering a complete remembrance that can be finished in a short time. See our article What Is a "Zammi Surah"? for the additional surahs recited after Al-Fatihah in prayer. For other questions, see our FAQ page.
Note: This content is for general information; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views. Consult a scholar you trust for personal religious decisions.
Sources