Alternative Spelling:
SubhanAllah / SubhaanAllah / SobhanAllah / SuphanAllah
What is SubhanAllah?
- “SubhanAllah” is a central expression in Islam, used to glorify Allah and declare Him free of any imperfection.
- The word Subhan comes from the Arabic root s-b-ḥ (سبح) meaning “to glorify” or “declare perfection.”
- It literally means: Glory be to Allah or Exalted is Allah above all shortcomings.
- Muslims say “SubhanAllah” when witnessing something beautiful, extraordinary, or when struck with awe.
- The phrase is found frequently in the Qur’an, where it introduces the praise of Allah’s majesty and power.
- The Prophet ﷺ encouraged frequent recitation of “SubhanAllah” as part of daily dhikr, and taught that it holds immense reward.
- Together with Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar, it forms part of the Tasbih Fatimah - a dhikr recommended before sleep.
Examples of SubhanAllah
- Amazement: “Look at the stars tonight, SubhanAllah.”
- Reflecting on Nature: “The mountains are so majestic, SubhanAllah.”
- During Dhikr: Repeating SubhanAllah after salah as remembrance.
- When Surprised: “SubhanAllah! I didn’t expect that.”
- In Prayer: Recited in ruku‘ (bowing) and sujood (prostration).
References in Qur'an & Hadith
Surah Al-Isra (17:1) – Quran.com/17/1
"Glory be to the One Who took His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque.”
Surah As-Saffat (37:180) – Quran.com/37/180
"Glorified be your Lord, the Lord of Honour, above what they describe.”
Sahih Muslim 2726a – Sunnah.com
The Prophet ﷺ said: “I recited four phrases three times after I left you. If they were to be weighed against what you have said this morning, they would outweigh them: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinata ‘arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi (Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him, by the number of His creation, by His pleasure, by the weight of His Throne, and by the ink of His words).”
Sahih Muslim 2727a – Sunnah.com
The Prophet ﷺ said to Fatimah (RA) and Ali (RA): “Shall I not direct you to something better than what you asked? When you go to bed, say SubhanAllah thirty-three times, Alhamdulillah thirty-three times, and Allahu Akbar thirty-four times. This is better for you than a servant.”
FAQs for SubhanAllah
What does SubhanAllah mean?
SubhanAllah means Glory be to Allah or Exalted is Allah above all imperfections.
When should Muslims say SubhanAllah?
Muslims say SubhanAllah when they are amazed, reflecting on nature, or in prayer, and also as part of daily dhikr.
How many times should SubhanAllah be recited?
After each obligatory prayer, it is Sunnah to say SubhanAllah 33 times, along with Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allahu Akbar 34 times.
Is SubhanAllah mentioned in the Qur’an?
Yes, the word “SubhanAllah” and similar phrases appear many times, such as in Surah Al-Isra (17:1) and Surah As-Saffat (37:180).
What is the reward of saying SubhanAllah?
According to hadith in Sahih Muslim 2726, saying “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil-Azim” is beloved to Allah and very heavy in reward on the Day of Judgment.
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