In Islam, every word of remembrance (dhikr) holds immense value, both in this world and in the Hereafter. Among the most beautiful phrases that Muslims repeat daily is “SubhanAllah” (سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّٰهِ), which means “Glory be to Allah” or “Allah is free from all imperfections.” This simple yet powerful statement reflects a believer’s recognition of Allah’s majesty, perfection, and greatness.
But saying SubhanAllah is not just a verbal act—it brings countless spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits. In this blog, we will explore the meaning, significance, and benefits of saying SubhanAllah in light of the Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic teachings.
What Does SubhanAllah Mean?
The Arabic word “Subhan” comes from the root word s-b-h, which means to glorify, to declare perfection, and to free from any deficiency or imperfection. When a Muslim says SubhanAllah, they are affirming that Allah is:
- Free from all defects or shortcomings.
- Beyond human imagination or limitations.
- Perfect in all His attributes—knowledge, power, mercy, and wisdom.
Thus, saying SubhanAllah is a form of tahleel (glorification) and one of the most beloved acts of remembrance to Allah.
Quranic References About SubhanAllah
The Qur’an repeatedly encourages believers to glorify Allah by saying SubhanAllah. A few verses include:
- “So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate.” (Qur’an 15:98)
- “Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High.” (Qur’an 87:1)
- “The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them glorify Him. And there is nothing that does not glorify His praise, but you do not understand their glorification.” (Qur’an 17:44)
These verses remind us that glorification is not only the duty of humans but of all creation—birds, trees, seas, and even mountains glorify Allah.
Hadith About the Virtue of Saying SubhanAllah
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of saying SubhanAllah frequently. Some hadith include:
- Light on the Tongue, Heavy on the Scale:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Two words are light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, and beloved to the Most Merciful: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahi al-Azeem.”
(Bukhari & Muslim) - Planting Trees in Paradise:
He ﷺ said:
“Whoever says: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi (Glory is to Allah and praise is to Him) a hundred times a day, his sins will be forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea.”
(Bukhari & Muslim) - A Treasure of Paradise:
The Prophet ﷺ described SubhanAllah as one of the treasures of Jannah:
“SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi is a treasure from the treasures of Paradise.”
(Tirmidhi)
These narrations show that SubhanAllah carries immense reward, forgiveness, and a direct connection to Paradise.
Benefits of Saying SubhanAllah
Now let’s dive deeper into the benefits of reciting SubhanAllah daily:
1. Forgiveness of Sins
One of the greatest benefits is the forgiveness of past sins. Even major sins are wiped out when a believer sincerely glorifies Allah with repentance. Saying SubhanAllah helps cleanse the heart and soul from spiritual stains.
2. Brings Peace and Tranquility
In our fast-paced lives, stress and anxiety are common. Repeating SubhanAllah calms the mind, eases worries, and brings inner peace. It reminds us that Allah is in control and free from any weakness, so we can rely upon Him completely.
3. Increases Faith (Iman)
Every time you glorify Allah, your heart grows stronger in faith. SubhanAllah reconnects you with your Creator and strengthens your tawheed (belief in Allah’s Oneness).
4. Rewards in the Hereafter
As mentioned in hadith, every SubhanAllah plants a tree in Paradise. Imagine walking in Jannah and seeing trees that grew because of your dhikr in this world.
5. Protection from Shaytan (Satan)
Remembrance of Allah is a shield against Shaytan’s whispers. Saying SubhanAllah keeps your tongue busy in good and prevents evil speech or idle talk.
6. Gratitude and Contentment
When you say SubhanAllah, you acknowledge Allah’s perfection and wisdom. This builds gratitude in your heart and helps you accept His decree with contentment.
7. Spiritual Healing
Dhikr, including SubhanAllah, is a form of healing for the heart. The Qur’an says:
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an 13:28)
This constant remembrance softens the heart and draws you closer to Allah.
8. Elevates Your Status
Every SubhanAllah adds weight to your scale of good deeds. On the Day of Judgment, these small phrases will make a huge difference in raising your rank in Jannah.
9. Easy Yet Powerful Worship
Not everyone can pray all day or fast continuously, but dhikr like SubhanAllah can be said at any time—while walking, driving, cooking, or even before sleeping. It is one of the easiest acts of worship.
10. Reminds You of Allah’s Perfection
Saying SubhanAllah constantly reminds a believer that Allah is free from any weakness or imperfection, unlike humans. This strengthens reliance on Him and builds humility in the servant.
How to Include SubhanAllah in Daily Life
Many Muslims want to increase their remembrance of Allah but don’t know where to start. Here are simple tips to add SubhanAllah into your routine:
- Morning & Evening Adhkar: Recite SubhanAllah 33 times after Fajr and Maghrib prayers.
- After Salah: The Prophet ﷺ taught us to say SubhanAllah 33 times after every obligatory prayer.
- While Walking or Driving: Use commute time for dhikr instead of wasting it on idle thoughts.
- Before Sleeping: Recite SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar before sleeping, as advised in hadith.
- Gratitude Moments: Whenever you see something beautiful in nature or receive a blessing, say SubhanAllah to acknowledge Allah’s greatness.
The Power of “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi”
One of the best forms of dhikr is combining glorification with praise: “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi” (Glory is to Allah and praise is to Him). The Prophet ﷺ promised immense rewards for repeating this phrase:
- Forgiveness of sins, even if they are as much as the foam of the sea.
- A tree planted in Paradise for every recitation.
- Being beloved to Allah, the Most Merciful.
Make it a habit to repeat this dhikr 100 times daily. It hardly takes a few minutes but carries eternal rewards.
Conclusion
Saying SubhanAllah is more than a phrase—it is a key to spiritual growth, forgiveness, and endless rewards. It reminds us of Allah’s perfection, frees our hearts from worries, and strengthens our connection with the Creator.
In a world filled with distractions, dhikr like SubhanAllah gives us peace, clarity, and purpose. Let’s make it a part of our daily routine and encourage our families and children to do the same.
May Allah grant us the ability to keep our tongues moist with His remembrance and bless us with the trees of Paradise that grow with every SubhanAllah we say.
