When Should You Say “Subhanallah” and What Does It Mean?

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An in-depth guide on the Muslim phrase “Subhanallah”
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Subhanallah is a central word to the Islamic faith that roughly translates to “Glory be to Allah” or “Glorified is Allah.” Muslims might say this when they see a beautiful aspect of nature or during times of hardship. Subhanallah is also part of a devotional act where a person recites short phrases a certain number of times to show appreciation and gratitude for Allah. Keep reading to learn more about this powerful Arabic phrase.

Things You Should Know

  • “Subhanallah” roughly translates to “Glory be to Allah.” “Subhanallah” generally means that Allah is free from imperfection and is above any wrongdoing.
  • Say “SubhanAllah” when admiring the wonders of the natural world, like a waterfall, a sunset, a vast starry sky, or the birth of a child.
  • To remember the greatness of Allah, Muslims say “Subhanallah” 33 times, “Alhamdulillah” 33 times, and “Allahu Akbar” 34 times.
Section 1 of 3:

Subhanallah Meaning

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  1. There’s no direct or precise definition in English, but Subhanallah (or SubhanAllah) generally means that Allah (God) is free from imperfection and eternally high above any wrongdoing. Subhanallah also glorifies Allah as a possessor of virtue, beauty, exaltation, honor, and dignity. [1]
    • The Arabic word “Subhan” is an infinitive that means “to declare the purity of someone from defects.” “Subhanallah” means that Allah is pure of all defects. [2]
    • “Subaha” is also the root word for “swim” or “float,” and in this context, it signifies being distant or free from imperfection. [3]
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Section 2 of 3:

When to Say “Subhanallah”

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  1. Muslims often say Subhanallah when they’re amazed at the beauty of the natural world. When seeing a shooting star or witnessing the birth of a child, you might say “Subhanallah” to show appreciation towards Allah and all that He has created. [4]
    • “These stars are incredible. The universe is so grand and vast, SubhanAllah!”
    • “The city looks small from on top of this mountain. Subhanallah, what an amazing view.”
    • “My sister’s child was just born—how amazing life is. Subhanallah!”
    • “Subhan’Allah, this bright red flower I found is so beautiful.”
  2. Repeat “Subhanallah” as a form of Dhikr , or devotional worship. To remember the greatness of Allah, Muslims repeat “Subhanallah” 33 times, “Alhamdulillah” (All praises are due to God) 33 times, and “Allahu Akbar” (God is the greatest) 34 times after they perform each of their daily prayers . [5]
    • Reciting “Subhanallah” is called the “Tasbih,” “Alhamdulillah” is the “Takbir,” and “Allahu Akbar” is the “Tahmid.” [6]
      • In general usage, the “Tasbih” also refers to all forms of worship and remembrance of Allah. [7]
    • The recitation of these phrases comes from the story of Fatimah, where she asked her father, the Prophet Muhammed, for a slave to help her with her chores. Instead, the Prophet said repeating Tasbih, Takbir, and Tahmid is more beneficial. [8]
  3. Reciting Subhanallah is a way to glorify Allah and show gratitude for all the blessings He has bestowed upon your life. [9] Repeat “Subhanallah wa bihamdihi” 100 times a day to atone for all major and minor sins and remember the Magnificent Allah. [10]
    • Abu Hurairah, a companion of the Prophet Muhammed, reported that the Prophet said “Whoever says ‘Subhan Allah 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.” [11]
    • “Subhanallah wa bihamdihi” roughly translates to “Glory be to Allah and Praise Him.” [12]
  4. Muslims may sometimes say “Subhanallah” to restore a sense of perspective during difficult times, express gratitude for small moments of beauty, and acknowledge that a life of hardships is a test of one’s true faith in Allah. [13]
    • “I have so many bills to pay, but I know good things will come. Subhanallah.”
    • “I lost my job, but Allah has blessed me with this world and is guiding me towards the truth. SubhanAllah.”
    • “Subhanallah. Although I’m struggling with my health, Allah has blessed me with this delicious coffee and this warm weather.”
  5. Some Muslims might say “Subhanallah” in casual conversation after they’re startled or surprised. [14] To say “Subhanallah” when you’re caught by surprise is to repeat a highly rewarding Sunnah (saying of the Prophet of Muhammed) that honors Allah. [15]
    • “SubhanAllah, you scared me half to death!”
    • “Subhanallah, I didn’t expect this surprise party!”
    • “Subhanallah! I had no idea you were pregnant!”
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Section 3 of 3:

Subhanallah in the Noble Qur’an

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  1. In the Qur’an (the Islamic holy book), “Subhanallah” is often included in verses that warn Muslims against comparing Allah to other deities. Because of these verses, “Subhanallah” is also an affirmation that Allah is the one and only god. [16]
    • “Or do they have a god other than Allah? Glorified is Allah far above what they associate with Him!” (Surah At-Tur 52:43) [17]
    • “ Glorified and Highly Exalted is He above what they claim!” (Surah Al-Isra 17:43) [18]
    • “Allah has never had any offspring, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what he created, and they would have tried to dominate one another. Glorified is Allah above what they claim!” (Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:91) [19]

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.al-islam.org/tasbih-fatimah-az-zahra-abbas-azizi/section-7-meaning-dhikr
      2. ↑ https://quran.com/en/30:17/tafsirs/en-tafsir-maarif-ul-quran
      3. ↑ https://www.arabiantongue.com/subhan-allah-meaning/
      4. ↑ https://muslimmatters.org/2010/10/06/subhanallah-moments-reflecting-on-the-blessings-of-allah/
      5. ↑ https://simplyislam.academy/blog/how-to-perform-dhikr
      6. ↑ https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/about-muhammad/story-of-fatimah-the-favorite-daughter-of-the-prophet/
      7. ↑ https://quran.com/en/30:17/tafsirs/en-tafsir-maarif-ul-quran
      8. ↑ https://myislam.org/meaning-of-subhanallah/
      9. ↑ https://myislam.org/meaning-of-subhanallah/
      1. ↑ https://myislam.org/subhanallah-wa-bihamdihi/
      2. ↑ https://simplyislam.academy/blog/how-to-perform-dhikr
      3. ↑ https://myislam.org/subhanallah-wa-bihamdihi/
      4. ↑ https://muslimmatters.org/2010/10/06/subhanallah-moments-reflecting-on-the-blessings-of-allah/
      5. ↑ https://islamqa.org/hanafi/hadithanswers/119684/saying-subhanallah-or-allahu-akbar-when-suprised/
      6. ↑ https://understandquran.com/startled-say-subhanallah/
      7. ↑ https://myislam.org/meaning-of-subhanallah/
      8. ↑ https://quran.com/52?startingVerse=43
      9. ↑ https://quran.com/17?startingVerse=43
      10. ↑ https://quran.com/23?startingVerse=91

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