Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar is among today’s most recited Arabic phrases. This tasbih has been transmitted in several Hadiths and practiced by the Holy Propeht (PBUH).
It is widely popular among Muslims as a dua to praise and thank Allah. Many artists and singers have created the melody of this phrase, among which Ayesha Abdul Basith’s video is the most popular, generating more than 72 million views on YouTube.
This blog will highlight the importance and significance of this tasbih. We will also discuss its meaning in Arabic text, English transliteration and translation.
Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar in Arabic
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّ
Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar in Englsih transliteration
Here is the English transliteration of Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar for those of you who cant read Arabic.
Subḥānallāhi wal-ḥamdu lillāhi wa lā ilāha illallāhu wallāhu akbar, wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh.
How to pronounce it?
Here is the easy pronunciation of
- Sub-Haaan-Allah
- wal-Ham-Du-Lil-Lah
- Wa-La-Ilaha- Ill-Lal-Lah
- Wal-La-Hu-Akhbar
- Wala-Hau-La
- Wala-Qo-Wa-Ta
- Illa-Billah
Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar in English translation
Here is the English translation of this tasbeeh.
Glory be to Allah, and all praise is due to Allah. There is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. There is no power and no strength except with Allah.
Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar meaning
Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar is basically a combination of heavy Arabic words to praise Allah. The meaning of this tasbih can be extracted from its translation.
Subhan-Allah: We say SubhanAllah to praise our creator. It means that all the glory in this world belongs to Allah. Here is a researched guide on the meaning of SubhanAllah.
Walhamduillah or Alhamduillah means praise be to Allah. We say Alhamdulillah whenever we see any magnificent creation of Allah. This is one of the best ways to praise Allah, and we have written a complete guide on the benefits and meaning of Alhamdulillah.
La Ilaha Illallah is part of the 1st and second Kalma and means no God exists except Allah. This is also the first pillar of Islam, and without believing it, you can not be a Muslim.
Wa La Hawla Wa La Quwwata Illa Billah means there is no power or strength greater than Allah. By saying this we are submitting to the power and will of Allah.
By combining these Arabic phrases, we are praising, glorifying, and testifying his powers. Additionally, we are submitting ourselves to Allah.
Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar in Hadith
Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar has been transmitted in several Hadihts. Here are a few Hadiths in which the Holy Propeht (PBUH) preached this tasbih.
Hadith: Narrated Abdullah ibn AbuAwfa: A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: I cannot memorise anything from the Qur’an: so teach me something which is sufficient for me. He said: Say Glory be to Allah, and praise be to Allah, and there is no god but Allah, and Allah is most great, and there is no might and no strength but in Allah. :He said: Messenger of Allah, this is for Allah, but what is for me? He said: Say: O Allah have mercy on me, and sustain me, and keep me well, and guide me. When he stood up, he made a sign with his hand (indicating that he had earned a lot). —Sunan Abi Dawud 832
Hadith: Samura b. Jundub reported God’s messenger as saying, “The most excellent words are four: Glory be to God; Praise be to God; there is no god but God; and God is most great.” A version has, “The words dearest to God are four: Glory be to God; Praise be to God; there is no god but God; and God is most great. It does not matter which you say first.” —Mishkat al-Masabih 2294
Explanation: We can conclude that the four dearest words to Allah are SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La Ilaha Illallah, and Wa La Hawla Wa La Quwwata Illa Billah. As Muslims, we should recite these Arabic words/phrases daily to invoke Allah’s blessings upon us.
Hadith: Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The uttering of the words: “Subhan-Allah (Allah is free from imperfection), Al-hamdu lillah (all praise is due to Allah), La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah) and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)’ is dearer to me than anything over which the sun rises.” —Riyad as-Salihin 1409, Sahih Muslim 2695, Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3597
Is there a pattern to follow in this Tasbih?
You can start with any of the four words, but remember to recite all four to invoke Allah’s blessings. Here is the Hadith addressing this subject.
Hadith: It was narrated from Samurah bin Jundab that : the Prophet (PBUH) said: “(There are) four that are the best of words, and it does not matter with which you begin: Subhan-Allah, wal-Hamdu-Lillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wa Allahu Akbar (Glory is to Allah, praise is to Allah, none has the right to be worshiped but Allah and Allah is the Most Great).” —Sunan Ibn Majah 3811
Can I recite this tasbih for forgiveness?
This is one of the best tasbih to ask Allah’s forgiveness. We have covered the topic of best dua for forgiveness in a separate guide if you want to read.
Hadith: Anas ibn Malik said, “The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, took a bough and shook it and not all the leaves fell off. Then he shook it again and not all the leaves fell off. Then he shook it a third time but not all the leaves fell off. He said, ‘Saying, “Glory be to Allah and praise be to Allah and there is no god but Allah” makes errors fall away as the leaves of a tree fall away.’“—Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 634
What are the benefits of reciting Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar?
Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar is considered one the best and complete tasbih to praise Allah. Here are a few benefits or reciting this tasbih.
1. Connection with Allah and Reminder of His Majesty
Each phrase glorifies different aspects of Allah’s greatness, from His perfection, SubhanAllah, to His unmatched power and strength. This reminder fosters a stronger connection with Allah, filling the heart with humility and devotion.
2. Gratitude and Contentment
Saying Alhamdulillah helps cultivate gratitude, focusing on Allah’s blessings rather than worldly desires. This feeling of gratitude often leads to contentment, reducing stress, and promoting inner peace. You can also recite dua for stress and anxiety.
3. Strength and Reliance on Allah
The phrase ‘Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar’ acknowledges that all power and strength come from Allah alone. This remembrance reminds us that we’re not alone in facing life’s challenges and encourages reliance on Allah, especially during difficult times.
4. Calming the Heart and Relieving Anxiety
Regularly reciting this dhikr can help calm the heart by focusing on Allah’s power and mercy. It serves as a source of comfort, especially in times of worry or anxiety, offering a reminder that Allah’s support is always present. You can also recite the dua for hardships to calm your heart in difficult times.
Wrap Up
Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wala Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar is one of the most recited tasbihs in the Muslim community, and we have discussed the meaning and benefits of reciting it.
We have also mentioned it in Arabic with English transliteration and translation so that everyone can recite and understand its meaning.
What else should you know?
Here is a list of a few powerful Islamic terms you should know.