The Hadith:
Narrated `Ali (Radi Allahu Anhu) : Fatima (Radi Allahu Anha) complained of what she suffered from the hand mill and from grinding (to the Messenger of Allah) , when she got the news that some slave girls of the booty had been brought to Allah’s Messenger.
She went to him to ask for a maid-servant, but she could not find him, and told `Aisha (Radi Allahu Anha) of her need. When the Prophet (Salallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) came, Aisha informed him of that.
The Prophet came to our house when we had gone to our beds. (On seeing the Prophet) we were going to get up, but he said, ‘Keep at your places,’ I felt the coolness of the Prophet’s feet on my chest.
Then he (Salallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, “Shall I tell you a thing which is better than what you asked me for? When you go to your beds, say: ‘Allahu Akbar (i.e. Allah is Greater)’ for 34 times, and ‘Al hamdu Li llah (i.e. all the praises are for Allah)’ for 33 times, and Subhan Allah (i.e. Glorified be Allah) for 33 times. This is better for you than what you have requested.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari 3113)
Dhikr of Allah Gives Us Physical Strength:
Ibn Al-Qayyim said in (Al-Wabil Al-Sayyib):
“Dhikr (Zikr, Remembrance of Allah) gives the Dhaakir (Zaakir, the one doing the Dhikr) strength, to the extent that he do such things with Dhikr what one would not have thought possible without Dhikr.
I have witnessed the extraordinary strength of Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah in his habits, speech, courage, and writings. He would write in one day what a scribe would write in a week or more. The armies witnessed his extraordinary strength in war.
The Prophet (Salallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) taught his daughter Fatimah and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them both) that when they went to bed, they would say ‘Subhanallah’ thirty-three times, ‘Alhamdulillah’ thirty-three times, and ‘Allahu Akbar’ thirty-four times.
(This formula of supplications was taught) when she (Fatimah) asked for a maid servant and complained to him (her father Salallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) about her hardships, her grinding, and her service (while doing household chores).
He (Salallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) taught her this and said: ‘This is better for you both, than a servant.’
(Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim noted) It is said that- whoever persists in this will find strength in their day that makes them independent of a servant.” End quote.
(Translated by Mohammed bin Thajammul Hussain Manna.)
Saheehus-Seerah 