Of all the words a Muslim can speak, few carry as much weight as SubhanAllah. This simple phrase just four syllables can earn you 1,000 good deeds, erase 1,000 sins, plant trees in Paradise, and fill the scales on the Day of Judgment. Yet many Muslims say SubhanAllah without truly understanding its profound meaning and incredible rewards.
The Prophet Muhammad ๏ทบ said:
“Is anyone of you incapable of earning one thousand good deeds in a day?” Someone asked, “How can anyone earn a thousand good deeds?” He ๏ทบ said, “Glorify Allah (say Subhan Allah) one hundred times, for you will be credited with a thousand good deeds, or a thousand sins will be wiped away from you.”
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the deep meaning of Subhan Allah, the authentic hadith about its virtues, and practical ways to incorporate this powerful dhikr into your daily life.
What Does SubhanAllah Mean?
Subhan Allah (ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููููู) is an Arabic phrase that glorifies Allah ๏ทป by declaring His perfection and transcendence.
Breaking Down the Word
| Component | Arabic | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Subhan | ุณูุจูุญูุงูู | Glory, perfection, free from imperfection |
| Allah | ุงูููููู | The One True God |
Full meaning: “Glory be to Allah” or “Allah is perfect and free from any imperfection”
When you say Subhan Allah, you are declaring that:
- Allah ๏ทป is perfect in every way
- He is free from any deficiency or flaw
- He is far above what the disbelievers attribute to Him
- He is transcendent beyond human comprehension
SubhanAllah in the Quran
Allah ๏ทป uses this phrase throughout the Quran to emphasize His perfection:
“ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููุฐูู ุฃูุณูุฑูููฐ ุจูุนูุจูุฏููู ููููููุง”
“Glory be to the One Who took His servant on a night journeyโฆ” (Quran 17:1)“ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููููู ุนูู ููุง ููุตูููููู”
“Glory be to Allah above what they describe.” (Quran 23:91)
Every time you say Subhan Allah, you echo the words of the Quran itself.
The Incredible Virtues of SubhanAllah
The Prophet ๏ทบ described numerous rewards for those who say Subhan Allah regularly:
1. Earn 1,000 Good Deeds (or Erase 1,000 Sins)
“Glorify Allah (say Subhana Allah) one hundred times, for you will be credited with a thousand good deeds, or a thousand sins will be wiped away from you.”
The math: 100 Subhan Allah = 1,000 hasanat (good deeds)
That’s a 10x multiplier! In just 2-3 minutes of saying Subhan Allah, you earn rewards that would take hours of other worship.
2. Plant Trees in Paradise
“Whoever says ‘Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi’ (Glory and praise be to Allah), a palm tree is planted for him in Paradise.”
Imagine your garden in Jannah growing with every Subhan Allah you utter. The more you say it, the more beautiful your eternal home becomes.
3. Fill the Scales on Judgment Day
“Two words are light on the tongue, heavy on the scales, and beloved to the Most Merciful: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil-Azim.”
On the Day when every deed is weighed, Subhan Allah will tip your scales toward Paradise. These “light” words carry immense weight with Allah ๏ทป.
4. Better Than the Entire World
“To say Subhan Allah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar is more beloved to me than everything the sun rises upon.”
The Prophet ๏ทบ valued SubhanAllah more than all worldly possessions combined. What takes seconds to say is worth more than kingdoms.
5. Forgiveness of Sins Like Sea Foam
“Whoever says ‘Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi’ one hundred times in a day, his sins will be forgiven even if they were like the foam of the sea.”
No matter how many minor sins you’ve accumulated, 100 repetitions of Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi can wipe them away completely.
6. The Dhikr of All Creation
“The seven heavens and the earth and all that is in them glorify Him (say Subhan Allah), and there is nothing that does not glorify His praise, but you do not understand their glorification.”
(Quran 17:44)
When you say Subhan Allah, you join every atom in the universe in praising Allah ๏ทป. The mountains, the trees, the birds all creation makes tasbih.
SubhanAllah vs. SubhanAllahi wa Bihamdihi
You’ll often hear two versions of this dhikr. Both are authentic and carry immense reward:
SubhanAllah (ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููููู)
Meaning: Glory be to Allah
When to use:
- In the 33-count after salah
- When amazed by Allah’s creation
- As general dhikr throughout the day
SubhanAllahi wa Bihamdihi (ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููููู ููุจูุญูู ูุฏููู)
Meaning: Glory and praise be to Allah
When to use:
- Morning and evening adhkar (100 times)
- For the specific reward of sin forgiveness
- For planting trees in Paradise
SubhanAllahil-Azim (ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููููู ุงููุนูุธููู ู)
Meaning: Glory be to Allah, the Magnificent
When to use:
- Combined with “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi” for the “heavy on scales” reward
- As an enhanced form of tasbih
| Version | Arabic | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| SubhanAllah | ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููููู | 1,000 good deeds per 100 |
| SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi | ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููููู ููุจูุญูู ูุฏููู | Sins forgiven, trees in Jannah |
| SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil-Azim | ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููููู ููุจูุญูู ูุฏูููุ ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููููู ุงููุนูุธููู ู | Heavy on scales, beloved to Allah |
All forms of Subhan Allah are rewarding choose based on the specific virtue you’re seeking.
When to Say SubhanAllah
Subhan Allah fits naturally into many moments of your day:
1. After Every Salah (33 Times)
The Prophet ๏ทบ taught us to say Subhan Allah 33 times after each prayer as part of the dhikr after salah:
“Whoever glorifies Allah (says Subhan Allah) after every prayer thirty-three timesโฆ his sins will be forgiven even if they were like the foam of the sea.”
Use a tasbeeh counter to track your count accurately.
2. Morning and Evening (100 Times)
As part of your morning adhkar, say Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi 100 times:
“Whoever says ‘Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi’ one hundred times in the morning and one hundred times in the evening, no one will come on the Day of Resurrection with anything better than what he has done, except one who has said the same as him or more.”
3. When Witnessing Allah’s Creation
When you see something beautiful or amazing in nature, Subhan Allah is the natural response:
- A stunning sunset: Subhan Allah
- A newborn baby: Subhan Allah
- The stars at night: Subhan Allah
- Mountains and oceans: Subhan Allah
This is the dhikr of reflection (tafakkur), connecting creation to Creator.
4. When Surprised or Amazed
In everyday conversation, Muslims say Subhan Allah when:
- Hearing good news
- Witnessing something unexpected
- Expressing wonder or amazement
- Reacting to Allah’s blessings
5. During Ruku in Prayer
In the bowing position of salah, we say:
“ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุฑูุจูููู ุงููุนูุธููู ู”
“Subhan Allah Rabbiyal-Azim” (Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent)
This is obligatory according to some scholars, recommended according to others but all agree on its importance.
6. When Hearing Something Inappropriate
If someone says something wrong about Allah ๏ทป or His religion, saying SubhanAllah expresses your disagreement and glorifies Allah above such statements.
How to Make SubhanAllah a Daily Habit
Consistency transforms occasional dhikr into life-changing worship. Here’s how to build the Subhan Allah habit:
The 100-a-Day Challenge
Commit to saying Subhan Allah (or Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi) at least 100 times daily:
| Time | Count | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| After Fajr | 33 | Part of post-prayer dhikr |
| Morning adhkar | 100 | Sins forgiven, trees planted |
| After Dhuhr | 33 | Part of post-prayer dhikr |
| After Asr | 33 | Part of post-prayer dhikr |
| After Maghrib | 33 | Part of post-prayer dhikr |
| Evening adhkar | 100 | Protection until morning |
| After Isha | 33 | Part of post-prayer dhikr |
Daily total: 365+ Subhan Allah
That’s 3,650+ good deeds daily, just from Subhan Allah alone!
Use a Digital Counter
Tracking makes consistency easier. MyTasbih helps you:
- Count accurately without losing track
- Track daily totals and streaks
- Use Focus Mode for distraction-free dhikr
- Build the habit over 40 days
Set Reminders
Link Subhan Allah to existing habits:
- After each salah โ 33 Subhan Allah
- While waiting (in line, for appointments) โ Subhan Allah
- During commute โ Subhan Allah
- Before sleeping โ 100 Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi
Teach Your Family
Make Subhan Allah a family practice:
- Say it together after salah
- Point out Allah’s creation and say Subhan Allah together
- Compete in who can say it most (with good intention)
- Reward children for completing their daily count
SubhanAllah and Mental Peace
Beyond the spiritual rewards, Subhan Allah brings psychological benefits:
Shifts Focus from Problems to Allah
When anxiety strikes, repeating Subhan Allah redirects your mind from worries to Allah’s perfection. For more on this, read our guide on dhikr for anxiety.
Creates Gratitude Mindset
Saying Subhan Allah when witnessing blessings trains your brain to notice the good in life.
Provides Perspective
Glorifying Allah reminds you that He is in control, reducing the burden of trying to control everything yourself.
Calms the Nervous System
The rhythmic repetition of Subhan Allah activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones.
Subhan Allah in Different Situations
When Receiving Good News
Subhan Allah expresses gratitude and amazement:
“I got the job!” โ “Subhan Allah! Congratulations!”
When Seeing Something Beautiful
Witnessing a rainbow โ “Subhan Allah, look at Allah’s creation!”
When Hearing of Allah’s Blessings on Others
“They had a baby!” โ “Subhan Allah! May Allah bless them.”
When Correcting a Misconception
“Allah has a son” โ “Subhan Allah! He is far above that.”
When Overwhelmed by Life
Feeling stressed โ “Subhan Allah, Subhan Allah, Subhan Allahโฆ” (repeat until calm)
The Science of Repetitive Dhikr
Modern research supports what Muslims have practiced for 1,400 years:
Neurological Benefits
| Effect | How Subhan Allah Helps |
|---|---|
| Reduces cortisol | Repetition calms stress response |
| Increases focus | Single-pointed attention on dhikr |
| Improves mood | Releases endorphins through rhythmic practice |
| Enhances memory | Regular practice strengthens neural pathways |
The Power of 100 Repetitions
The Prophet ๏ทบ often prescribed dhikr in counts of 100. This isn’t arbitrary:
- 100 repetitions takes about 3-5 minutes
- Long enough to enter a meditative state
- Short enough to fit into any schedule
- Creates meaningful impact without overwhelm
Common Questions About Subhan Allah
Can I say SubhanAllah in English?
While saying “Glory be to Allah” is meaningful, the Arabic SubhanAllah carries the specific rewards mentioned in hadith. Learn the Arabic it’s only four syllables!
Does SubhanAllah count if I’m not focused?
The reward is greater with presence of heart, but even distracted dhikr has value. The Prophet ๏ทบ said the tongue should stay moist with Allah’s remembrance. Aim for focus, but don’t stop if your mind wanders.
Can I say SubhanAllah while doing other things?
Yes! SubhanAllah can be said while:
- Walking
- Driving (carefully)
- Doing housework
- Waiting in line
- Exercising
The key is that your tongue is remembering Allah even when your hands are busy.
Is there a maximum number of SubhanAllah?
No maximum! The more you say SubhanAllah, the more reward you earn. Some righteous predecessors would say it thousands of times daily.
What if I lose count?
If you lose count, estimate and continue. Using a tasbeeh counter prevents this problem. Don’t let counting anxiety stop your dhikr.
FAQs: SubhanAllah
What does SubhanAllah mean?
SubhanAllah (ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููููู) means “Glory be to Allah” or “Allah is perfect and free from any imperfection.” It’s a declaration of Allah’s ๏ทป transcendence and perfection, acknowledging that He is far above any deficiency or flaw.
How many good deeds do you get for saying Subhan Allah?
According to authentic hadith, saying Subhan Allah 100 times earns you 1,000 good deeds or erases 1,000 sins. That’s a 10x multiplier on your dhikr! (Sahih Muslim 2698)
When should I say SubhanAllah?
Say SubhanAllah after every salah (33 times), during morning and evening adhkar (100 times as SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi), when witnessing Allah’s creation, when amazed or surprised, and throughout the day as general dhikr. There’s no wrong time for SubhanAllah.
What’s the difference between SubhanAllah and SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi?
SubhanAllah means “Glory be to Allah.” SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi means “Glory and praise be to Allah.” Both are rewarding, but SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi has specific rewards like sins forgiven “like sea foam” and trees planted in Paradise.
Can Subhan Allah forgive sins?
Yes! The Prophet ๏ทบ said whoever says “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi” 100 times daily will have sins forgiven even if they were like the foam of the sea (Sahih al-Bukhari 6405). This applies to minor sins; major sins require specific repentance.
How do I count SubhanAllah accurately?
Use a digital tasbeeh counter for accurate tracking. You can also use physical prayer beads or count on your fingers. The Prophet ๏ทบ encouraged finger counting, saying the fingers will testify on the Day of Judgment.
Is SubhanAllah the same as tasbih?
Yes, SubhanAllah is the act of tasbih (glorification). When someone says “make tasbih,” they mean say SubhanAllah. The prayer beads used for counting are called “tasbih” or “misbaha” because they’re used for this purpose.
Start Your SubhanAllah Journey Today
The Prophet ๏ทบ asked: “Is anyone of you incapable of earning one thousand good deeds in a day?”
The answer is no anyone can earn these rewards. Subhan Allah is:
- Easy to say (4 syllables)
- Quick to complete (100 in 3 minutes)
- Massively rewarding (1,000 good deeds)
- Available anytime, anywhere
Your action plan:
- Right now: Say Subhan Allah 10 times
- After your next salah: Complete 33 Subhan Allah
- Tomorrow morning: Say SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi 100 times
- Track your progress: Use MyTasbih to build consistency
- Share this knowledge: Teach someone else about Subhan Allah’s virtues
Remember the Prophet’s ๏ทบ words:
“Two words are light on the tongue, heavy on the scales, and beloved to the Most Merciful: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil-Azim.”
Let your tongue never be dry from Subhan Allah. Let your scales be heavy on Judgment Day. Let your garden in Paradise grow with every glorification.
Subhan Allah. SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi. SubhanAllahil-Azim.
May Allah ๏ทป make us among those who glorify Him constantly, and may He accept our tasbih and grant us the rewards promised by His Messenger ๏ทบ. Ameen.