Subhan Allah Wa Bihamdihi: Meaning and Benefits of This Powerful Dhikr
Allah Almighty has commanded mankind to perform good deeds and to avoid evil acts. Among these virtuous deeds is the remembrance of Allah (dhikr), which brings numerous benefits. In Surah Ar-Ra’d, verse 28, Allah states: “Remember, in the remembrance of Allah, hearts find peace.” Similarly, in Surah Al-Ahzab, verses 41-42, Allah says: “O believers, remember Allah abundantly and glorify Him morning and evening.” It is evident that remembering Allah is also an act of worship. The virtues of dhikr are also emphasized in Hadith. Here, we will discuss the meaning, virtues, and benefits of saying “Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi” so that you may benefit from it in both this life and the hereafter.
The Meaning of “Subhan Allah”
The meaning of “Subhan Allah” is that Allah is free from all flaws. He does not lie, commit injustice, or deceive. Any imperfection one could imagine, Allah’s essence is pure and free from it.
The Meaning of “wa bihamdihi “
The meaning of “wa bihamdihi” is that all praise, all goodness, and all perfection belong to Allah alone. Every virtue and excellence one can imagine exists within Allah’s essence. He is free from every flaw and encompasses all attributes of goodness and perfection.
*The Significance of “Subhan Allah Wa Bihamdihi” in Hadith*
In Sahih Al-Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Two phrases are light on the tongue, heavy on the Scale, and beloved to the Most Merciful: Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi, Subhan Allahil-‘Azim (سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ).”
The meaning of the hadith is that saying these phrases is easy; there is no difficulty in doing so. There is no specific time or place required to recite them, and they are very easy to pronounce, not heavy on the tongue. However, in terms of reward, they carry immense significance.
*The Ease and Reward of Reciting “Subhan Allah Wa Bihamdihi”*
The immense reward for this dhikr can be understood from another hadith, which indicates that saying “Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi” is more rewarding than many difficult acts of worship.
*The Story of Hazrat Juwairiya and the Value of Dhikr*
Hazrat Juwairiya, one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was once sitting in the mosque engaged in the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) after the Fajr prayer. The Prophet (PBUH) passed by her and asked what she was doing. She replied that she was engaged in dhikr, praising Allah.
The Prophet (PBUH) then advised her to recite four phrases that would be beneficial for her. He said:
“Shall I not inform you of some words which, if you recite, will bring you immense reward? Say: ‘Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi’ (Glory be to Allah and praise Him) 100 times.”
The Prophet (PBUH) explained that reciting this phrase 100 times in the morning would be more valuable than performing a lengthy worship or engaging in other difficult acts.
*The Benefits of Reciting “Subhan Allah Wa Bihamdihi” 100 Times*
When Hazrat Juwairiya recited these phrases, she received immense blessings and rewards from Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) later returned to her and saw her still sitting in the same place. He remarked that if she had only recited those phrases he had taught her, her account would have been filled with immense rewards. This incident highlights that reciting “Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi” is superior to engaging in more difficult acts of worship.
*Forgiveness of Sins Through “Subhan Allah Wa Bihamdihi”*
In another hadith, reciting “Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi” is mentioned as a means of seeking forgiveness for sins. As stated in Sahih Bukhari, this phrase serves as a powerful tool for atonement. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever says: ‘Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi’ (سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ) a hundred times a day will have his sins forgiven even if they were as much as the foam of the sea.”
— Sahih Al-Bukhari (Hadith No. 6405)
Say “Subhan Allah” to plant a tree in Jannah (Paradise).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
*“Whoever says, ‘Subhan Allah al-Azeem wa bihamdihi’ (Glory is to Allah, the Mighty, and with His praise), a date-palm tree is planted for him in Paradise.”*
— (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3464)
The benefits of reciting “Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi”
“the world will be at your feet”
One significant advantage mentioned in hadith is that whoever recites “Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi subhan allah hi azim astaghfirullah” 100 times between the Sunnah and Fard prayers of Fajr, the world will come to him bowed down, symbolizing the wealth and blessings of the world
Subhan Allah for “success”
If you want to be successful in your life, you need to put in effort. You should recite “Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi, Subhan Allahil Azim” between Tahajjud and Fajr prayers. This will require sacrificing a little sleep, but this is the time when prayers are accepted quickly. After reciting these phrases, your life will become filled with ease and comfort.
To increase your value.
To enhance your personality, recite “Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi, Subhan Allah al-Azim” 33 times and blow on yourself.
To alleviate spiritual ailments,
To alleviate spiritual ailments, place your right hand over yourself and recite for 3 to 4 minutes.
“Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi.” Subhan allahilazim
To seek blessings in your sustenance.
To seek blessings in your sustenance, raise your hands towards the sky and recite “Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi, Subhan Allah al-Azim” 11 times. After that, recite Darood Sharif. It has been said by the righteous servants of Allah that such supplications reach directly to Allah’s Throne.
