Everything in the universe glorifies Allah, but we cannot understand their glorification. The chirping of birds, the rustling of tree leaves, and the roar of the ocean waves are all actually describing the glory of Allah.
These blessed words “Glory be to Allah and to His praise, Glory be to Allah the Great” are not just a few words, but an ocean of divine knowledge, the essence of glorification and sanctification, and the easiest and shortest means of attaining the pleasure of Allah Almighty. In these words, the holiness of Allah is described, His praise is praised, and His greatness is acknowledged.
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ، سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ
Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi, Subhanallahil-’Azeem
“Glory be to Allah and His is the praise, (and) Glory be to Allah the Supreme.”
These words have two parts that encompass the universe in their meaning:
- Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi: This means “Glory be to Allah and His praises.” Here, Tasbeeh (glorification) and Hamd (praise) are combined. Tasbeeh means declaring Allah free from every flaw, defect, and weakness that is found in creation.
- Subhan Allah al-Azeem: This means “Glory be to Allah, the Most Great.” This word “Al-Azeem” creates awe, glory, and greatness of Allah in the heart of the servant.
The Hadith
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
There are two words that are very light on the tongue, very heavy in the balance (scale), and very dear to the Most Gracious: Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi, Subhan Allah al-Azeem.
This hadith reveals three important things
- There is no difficulty in reciting them.
- These words will weigh heavily in the balance on the Day of Judgment.
- These words are a means of activating divine mercy.
Human life is full of mistakes. We commit many sins every day, knowingly or unknowingly. The burden of sins can be lightened by the blessings of these words.
In another narration (Sahih Bukhari), the Prophet (PBUH) stated that whoever says “Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi” 100 times a day will have their sins forgiven, even if they were as much as the foam of the sea.
Spiritual Benefits
When a person says “Subhana Allah”, he becomes in harmony with nature. When a believer utters these words, he tries to fulfill his duty of worship.
Anxiety, depression and mental stress are very common among people today, only the remembrance of Allah brings peace to the hearts. Allah says:
“أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ
Alā bidhikri llāhi taṭma’innu l-qulūb
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
When a person acknowledges the greatness of Allah, he realizes that all his problems are very small in front of the power of Allah. This feeling reduces mental stress and creates trust in a person.
Blessing and Expansion in Sustenance
These words are the glorification of all creatures and by His blessings they are provided with sustenance. If a person is suffering from financial hardship, he should make these words his routine.
Summary of the Word
Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi, Subhan Allah al-Azeem are those luminous words that cover the distance from the earth to the Throne of Allah in seconds. These words bring us closer to Allah, guarantee our troubles and make the scales heavier in the Hereafter.
What greater blessing can there be for a Muslim than to have his tongue moistened with the remembrance of what is most beloved to Allah Almighty?