The word Subhanallah is one of the most common and precious dhikr (remembrance) in Islam, used to glorify Allah and declare Him free from any imperfection, flaw, or resemblance to His creation. Briefly, it translates to "Glory be to Allah" or "Allah is free from imperfection."
What Does Subhanallah Mean?
Derived from the Arabic root "Sa-ba-ha", it means to be distant, transcendent, or to float. In Islamic terminology, it expresses that Allah (SWT) has no defects in His essence, attributes, and actions, and is completely exalted above the characteristics of created beings.
The human mind cannot fully comprehend the greatness of Allah. Therefore, by saying "Subhanallah", we acknowledge that He is far more supreme, transcendent, and flawless than any material or human characteristic we could ever imagine.
Subhanallah in the Holy Quran
The concept of "Tasbih" (saying Subhanallah) appears in many verses of the Holy Quran. It is emphasized that the entire universe, the heavens, and the earth glorify Allah.
- Surah Al-Isra, Verse 1: "Exalted is He (Subhanalladhi...) who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs."
- Surah Al-Hashr, Verse 24: "He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise."
The Virtues and Secrets of Saying Subhanallah
Our Prophet (PBUH) frequently mentioned the virtues of the "Subhanallah" dhikr in his hadiths.
- Heavy on the scales: "There are two statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the Merciful: 'Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil-Azim'." (Bukhari)
- Forgiveness of sins: "Whoever says, 'Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi' one hundred times a day, will be forgiven all his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea." (Muslim)
- Planting a tree in Paradise: "Whoever says 'Subhan-Allahil-Azim wa bihamdihi', a date-palm tree is planted for him in Paradise." (Tirmidhi)
How Many Times Should Subhanallah Be Recited Daily?
There is no upper limit to reciting this dhikr; the more it is said, the more the reward. However, following the Prophet's (PBUH) recommendation, saying Subhanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 33 times after obligatory prayers is a highly emphasized Sunnah. Additionally, reciting "Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi" 100 times every morning and evening is recommended by great scholars. This dhikr purifies the heart, brings peace to the soul, and brings one closer to Allah.