Subhanallah is one of the most important Dhikr (Tasbeeh) taught by Prophet ﷺ . It has several meanings and implications that reflect the depth of Islamic beliefs and teachings. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of Subhanallah and its different interpretations in the Islamic context. Our aim is to provide you with comprehensive and useful information that will help you understand the term and its importance in the Muslim faith.
What is the meaning of Subhanallah?
The term Subhanallah is a combination of two Arabic words: Subhan and Allah.
The word Subhan means “glory be to” or “exalted“. Therefore, the meaning of Subhanallah is often translated to “glory be to Allah” or “praise be to Allah“. It also means ” Allah is Perfect “. “Subhan” comes from the root: “س ب ح ” which may also means to read loudly.
Meaning in English
| Subhan | Allah |
| Glory Be to / Exalted is | Allah |
We use this phrase to acknowledge the greatness, power, and majesty of Allah and to express their awe and reverence for Him. We know that Tawheed means believing in Allah alone. Since reciting the tasbeeh of Subhanallah confirms the might and power of Allah SWT, it confirms our belief in Tawheed.
“Subhan” comes from the root: “س ب ح ” which may also means to read loudly.
Meaning in Urdu
| Subhan | Allah |
| تعریف | (اللہ ( کی |
Subhanallah is often used in the context of expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and invoking blessings upon oneself and others. We recite it during prayers, supplications, and after hearing or witnessing something that inspires awe and wonder. In essence, Subhanallah is a declaration of faith and submission to Allah’s will and a reminder of His mercy and benevolence towards His creation.
Interpretations of Meaning of Subhanallah
The term Subhanallah has several interpretations, each of which adds to its significance and meaning. Some of the interpretations of meaning of Subhanallah include:
- Acknowledgment of Allah’s Perfection and Flawlessness
We say Subhanallah, to acknowledge that Allah is perfect and flawless in every way. Allah is free from any weaknesses, errors, or imperfections and that His attributes are beyond human comprehension. - Praising Allah’s Greatness and Majesty
By saying Subhanallah, we are praising Allah’s greatness and majesty. Allah SWT is the Lord of the worlds, the Creator of everything, and the Sovereign of the universe. We acknowledge His infinite wisdom, power, and mercy towards His creation. - Seeking Allah’s Forgiveness and Mercy
We say Subhanallah when seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. By saying Subhanallah, we acknowledge Allah’s mercy and forgiveness towards His repentant servants. - Expressing gratitude to Allah
We use Subhanallah to express our gratitude to Allah for His blessings and favors. Everything we have is provided by Allah SWT and that we are dependent on Him for our sustenance, guidance, and protection. By saying Subhanallah, we are expressing our gratitude and acknowledging Allah’s generosity and kindness towards them.
The Importance of Subhanallah in Islam
Subhanallah is an essential term in Islam, and its significance cannot be overstated. It is a reminder of Allah’s greatness, power, and mercy towards His creation and a declaration of faith and submission to His will. Recite Subhanallah frequently throughout the day, as it helps us to stay connected to Allah and to remember our purpose in life. It is also a way of seeking Allah’s blessings, forgiveness, and protection, as well as expressing gratitude for His blessings and favors.
Can We Recite the Translation During Dhikr?
Can we say “glory be to Allah” instead of saying “Subhanallah?
No, we cannot. Dhikr is a way of worship and it can be done only as mentioned by Prophet SAW. It is a form of Ibadah and it must be recited in Arabic only. Translation is only to understand the meaning of the phrase.
Points to remember:
- This Dhikr cannot be recited in a translated language. Translation can be used to understand its meaning only.
- The phrase “Subhan” cannot be associated with other nouns or other contexts. This is used for Allah SWT alone.
- Subhanallah is one of four dearest words to Allah- Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahuakbar, La Ilaha Illalah.
Hadith for Subhanallah
#1. Samurah ibn Jundab reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The most beloved words to Allah are four: glory be to Allah, praise be to Allah, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the greatest. There is no harm in starting with any of them.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2137 ( Sahih (authentic) according to Muslim)
#2 Anas bin Malik said:
“Umm Sulaim came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), teach me some words that I may supplicate with during my prayer.’
He said: ‘Glorify Allah (by saying SubhanAllah) ten times, and praise Him (by saying Alhamdulilah) ten times, and magnify Him (by saying Allahu Akbar) ten times, then ask Him for what you need; He will say: ‘Yes, yes.’
Source: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference: Sunan an-Nasa’i 1299 In-book reference : Book 13, Hadith 121
#3 Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “For him who says: ‘Subhan-Allahi wa bi hamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection, and I begin with praising Him, and to Him),’ a palm-tree will be planted in Jannah.”
Source: At- Tirmidhi. Arabic/English book reference: Book 16, Hadith 1439
Conclusion
In conclusion, Subhanallah (Tasbih) is a term that reflects the depth of Islamic beliefs and teachings. It is a declaration of faith and submission to Allah’s will and a reminder of His greatness and mercy towards His creation. By understanding the meaning and significance of Subhanallah, we can deepen our connection with Allah and lead a more meaningful and purposeful life.
FAQ’s | Frequently Asked Questions
Ans 1. “Subhanallah” is an Arabic phrase commonly used by Muslims to express praise and glorification of Allah. There is no direct equivalent in English that captures the full essence of the phrase, but some close synonyms would be:
1. “Glory be to God” : These phrases express admiration, reverence, and acknowledgment of the greatness of God.
2. “Praise be to God” : These expressions convey gratitude and appreciation to God for His blessings, mercy, and guidance.
3. “God is Great” : These phrases emphasize the greatness and majesty of God.
4. “Allah is exalted” : These phrases emphasize the high and elevated status of Allah.
Ans 2. The full word of “Subhanallah” is سُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ (pronounced “subhanallah”) in Arabic. However, there are a few supplications (duas) that include the phrase “Subhanallah” in English:
1. “Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar”
2. “Subhanallah wa bihamdihi”
3. “Subhanallah, walhamdulillah, wala ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar” ( These are just a few examples)
1. “Subhanallah” is said when we see something amazing or beautiful. It expresses Allah’s greatness in creating such things.
2. It is used to thank Allah for the blessings they receive.
3. It can also be used to ask Allah for forgiveness.
SubhanAllah is an Arabic phrase frequently used to express praise and glorification of Allah, meaning “glory be to Allah”. One possible opposite expression could be Astaghfirullah, which holds a different connotation.
Astaghfirullah translates to “I seek forgiveness from Allah” and is considered the opposite of subhanAllah. It is an integral component of repentance and acknowledging one’s mistakes, seeking forgiveness for sins committed knowingly or unknowingly.
Alhamdulillah: This phrase means “Praise be to Allah” or “Thanks to Allah.” It is used to show gratitude and thankfulness to Allah for His blessings and kindness. Muslims say “Alhamdulillah” when they are happy or thankful for something good that has happened to them.
Subhanallah: This phrase means “Glory be to Allah” or “Allah is perfect.” It is used to acknowledge and praise the greatness of Allah. Muslims say “Subhanallah” when they see something amazing or beautiful and want to appreciate the wonders of Allah’s creation.