Among the most powerful phrases a Muslim can carry on their tongue every single day, very few match the weight and beauty of Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem Astaghfirullah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) personally highlighted these words in multiple authentic hadiths, calling them light on the tongue yet immeasurably heavy on the Scales of deeds.
This phrase brings together three pillars: glorification of Allah (Tasbih), praise of Allah (Tahmid), and seeking His forgiveness (Istighfar). Together, they form one of the most complete forms of dhikr a believer can recite — morning, evening, after prayer, or at any quiet moment of the day.
What makes it even more special is that the full phrase Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem Astaghfirullah is short enough to say in under ten seconds, yet carries rewards that span sins as vast as the foam of the sea.
The Full Phrase in Arabic
Below is the complete Arabic text with diacritical marks (tashkeel) for accurate recitation:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ، سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ، أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ
Without Tashkeel:
سبحان الله وبحمده، سبحان الله العظيم، أستغفر الله
Meaning in English
“Glory be to Allah and all praise is to Him. Glory be to Allah, the Most Great. I seek forgiveness from Allah.”
Transliteration (Roman English)
Subhānallāhi wa biḥamdih, Subhānallāhil-‘Aẓīm, Astaghfirullāh
Written in a more common everyday format:
Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi, Subhanallahil Azeem, Astaghfirullah
Hindi Transliteration
सुब्हानल्लाहि व बिहम्दिही, सुब्हानल्लाहिल अज़ीम, अस्तग़फिरुल्लाह
Meaning in Hindi
“अल्लाह पाक है और सब तारीफ़ें उसी के लिए हैं। अल्लाह पाक है, वो सबसे बड़ा है। मैं अल्लाह से माफ़ी माँगता/माँगती हूँ।”
Word-by-Word Meaning
Understanding each part of Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem brings this phrase to life:
| Arabic | Roman | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| سُبْحَانَ | Subhāna | Glory be to / Far removed is |
| اللَّهِ | Allāhi | Allah |
| وَبِحَمْدِهِ | wa biḥamdih | and all praise is to Him |
| سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ | Subhānallāhi | Glory be to Allah |
| الْعَظِيمِ | al-‘Aẓīm | the Most Great / the Magnificent |
| أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ | Astaghfirullāh | I seek forgiveness from Allah |
What This Phrase Actually Means – A Deeper Look
The phrase Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi is a declaration that Allah is completely free from any imperfection, weakness, or partner. The word Subhana comes from the Arabic root meaning “to be far above” — it is a declaration that Allah is above anything unworthy of His majesty.
The addition of wa bihamdihi means we are not simply declaring His glory in silence — we are praising Him with full acknowledgment that everything good comes from Him, and He alone deserves all thanks.
Subhanallahil Azeem adds another dimension: it recognizes Allah’s absolute greatness and magnificence. Al-Azeem is one of the beautiful names of Allah, meaning the Most Great — the One whose greatness is beyond any human capacity to fully comprehend.
Astaghfirullah completes the circle. After glorifying and praising Allah, the believer humbly turns to Him in repentance, acknowledging their own shortcomings and asking for His mercy.
Together, this is not just a phrase — it is an entire conversation between the servant and his Creator, compressed into a few powerful words.
The Hadiths Behind This Dhikr
Hadith 1 — Light on the Tongue, Heavy on the Scales
Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“There are two statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the Merciful: Subhān-Allāhi wa biḥamdih, Subhān-Allāhil-‘Aẓīm.”
(Riyad as-Salihin 1408 — Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This is one of the most well-known hadiths in all of Islamic literature, and it highlights Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem by name. The Prophet (ﷺ) called it beloved to Ar-Rahman — the Most Merciful. These words cost nothing in energy yet return rewards so heavy they tip the Scales of deeds on the Day of Judgement.
Hadith 2 — Sins Forgiven Like the Foam of the Sea
Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever says Subhān Allāh wa biḥamdih one hundred times a day will be forgiven all his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6405)
This hadith demonstrates the immense power of Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi. No matter the volume of sins accumulated — and the Prophet (ﷺ) used the sea’s foam as a metaphor for an almost uncountable amount — repeating this phrase one hundred times in a day becomes a means of complete forgiveness.
Hadith 3 — The Most Beloved Words to Allah
Abu Dharr (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) was asked: “Which words are the best?” He replied:
“Those that Allah has chosen for His angels: Subhānallāhi wa biḥamdih.”
(Sahih Muslim 6818)
Allah chose these very words for His angels. That alone is enough to understand the status of this phrase.
Hadith 4 — Reciting Before Fajr for Ease in Rizq
A Companion came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and complained of hardship and poverty. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Do you not remember the tasbih of the angels and the tasbih of creation through which provisions are given? Recite Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi, Subhanallahil ‘Azimi wa bihamdihi, Astaghfirullah one hundred times before the Fard of Fajr.”
(Recorded in Kitabud Da’awat of Imam Mustaghfiri)
This narration connects the complete phrase Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem Astaghfirullah to ease in sustenance, making it particularly meaningful for those going through financial difficulty or stress. The time mentioned is specifically after the Fajr Adhan and before the Fard prayer — a brief, blessed window at the start of each day.
When to Recite Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem Astaghfirullah
This dhikr can be recited at any time of the day or night — there is no restriction. However, there are specific moments where its impact is even greater:
After Every Fard Prayer
Many scholars and righteous predecessors would make this phrase part of their regular post-salah adhkar.
Before Fajr Sunnah or After Fajr Adhan
Based on the hadith of Imam Mustaghfiri, reciting this 100 times in the time between the Fajr Adhan and the Fard prayer is highly recommended — especially for those seeking relief in rizq.
In the Morning and Evening
Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi appears in the morning and evening adhkar as recorded in Sahih Muslim. Beginning and ending the day with the glorification of Allah sets a spiritual tone for every moment in between.
During Free Moments
Walking, commuting, waiting — any quiet moment can become an act of worship by moving the tongue with this phrase. The Prophet (ﷺ) valued consistency over quantity, so a small amount done regularly is better than a large amount done rarely.
During Times of Difficulty or Sadness
The remembrance of Allah is a mercy in itself. The Quran says: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28)
How to Recite This Dhikr
There is no fixed ritual required. Wudu is not obligatory for dhikr, though it is preferable. Here is a simple method:
- Sit in a calm position, or remain in any comfortable posture.
- Begin with the intention to glorify and praise Allah and seek His forgiveness.
- Recite slowly, giving each word its proper weight:
- Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi — pause briefly, feel the meaning.
- Subhanallahil Azeem — acknowledge His greatness in your heart.
- Astaghfirullah — turn your heart toward repentance and ask with humility.
- Use a tasbih (prayer beads) or count on your fingers to complete 100 repetitions.
- For daily consistency, the time before Fajr Fard is especially recommended.
There is no specific body posture required, and it can be said aloud or silently. The Prophet (ﷺ) advised consistency — make it a fixed habit and it becomes one of the most powerful practices of your day.
Benefits of Reciting Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem Astaghfirullah
Sins Are Wiped Away
Reciting Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi 100 times a day wipes away all sins, even if they were as vast as the foam of the sea. (Sahih al-Bukhari 6405)
Deeds Become Heavy on the Scales
The Prophet (ﷺ) confirmed that Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem carries tremendous weight on the Scales of deeds on the Day of Judgement.
Beloved to Allah, the Most Merciful
This dhikr is described as “dear to the Merciful” (Riyad as-Salihin 1408) — making it one of the most loved acts of worship in the sight of Allah.
Ease in Sustenance
Reciting this tasbih 100 times before the Fard of Fajr is connected to ease in rizq and relief from financial hardship. (Kitabud Da’awat of Imam Mustaghfiri)
Heart Finds Peace and Tranquility
Regular repetition of this dhikr brings inner calm and relief from anxiety, as the remembrance of Allah is a cure for restlessness of the heart.
A Connection to the Angels
These are the very words Allah selected for His angels, so reciting them connects the believer to the constant worship that fills the heavens.
A Tree Planted in Jannah
Each recitation of Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi plants a tree in Paradise that the believer will find waiting in the Hereafter.
The Spiritual Structure of This Dhikr
What makes Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem Astaghfirullah unique is how it covers three fundamental acts of the heart in one breath:
Tasbih (Glorification): Declaring Allah free from all imperfection — Subhana
Tahmid (Praise): Acknowledging that all praise belongs to Allah alone — wa bihamdihi
Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness): Turning toward Allah in repentance — Astaghfirullah
This triple combination makes it a comprehensive act of worship. Most adhkar focus on one or two of these pillars. This phrase covers all three, which is one reason scholars have highlighted its value throughout Islamic history.
Difference Between Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi and Subhanallahil Azeem
Many Muslims are familiar with Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi as a standalone phrase. The addition of Subhanallahil Azeem elevates it further by introducing the name Al-Azeem — the Most Great.
Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi = “Glory be to Allah and all praise is His.”
Subhanallahil Azeem = “Glory be to Allah, the Most Great.”
Together, the phrase is the one the Prophet (ﷺ) singled out as beloved to Ar-Rahman and heavy on the Scales — making the combined form more complete than either half alone.
Conclusion
Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem Astaghfirullah is one of the most complete and rewarding phrases in all of Islamic worship. In just a few syllables, it covers glorification, praise, and repentance — the three acts that define a servant’s relationship with his Creator.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did not just mention these words once. They appear across multiple books of hadith — Bukhari, Muslim, Riyad as-Salihin — each time with a promise attached: forgiveness of sins, weight on the Scales, love from the Most Merciful, and ease in sustenance.
Making Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem Astaghfirullah a daily habit requires almost no time, no equipment, and no specific location. It only requires sincerity, consistency, and the will to remember Allah — and in return, the rewards are beyond what any human tongue can fully describe.
May Allah make this dhikr easy for every believer and accept it as a means of purification, closeness, and mercy. Ameen.
? FAQs About Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem Astaghfirullah
Q1. What is the meaning of Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem?
It means: “Glory be to Allah and all praise is to Him. Glory be to Allah, the Most Great.” The full phrase with Astaghfirullah adds: “I seek forgiveness from Allah.”
Q2. Is this dhikr mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim?
Yes. The core phrase Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem is confirmed in both Sahih al-Bukhari (6406) and Sahih Muslim (2694), as well as Riyad as-Salihin (1408).
Q3. How many times should it be recited?
The most widely mentioned number in hadiths is 100 times. However, it can be recited any number of times. Even a few repetitions carry great reward.
Q4. What is the best time to recite Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem Astaghfirullah?
Any time of day or night is acceptable. The time before the Fard of Fajr is mentioned in connection with ease in rizq. Morning and evening are also excellent times based on the broader adhkar routine of the Prophet (ﷺ).
Q5. Does this dhikr require wudu?
No. Dhikr can be performed without wudu. However, being in a state of purity adds to the quality of worship.
Q6. Can this be recited after salah?
Yes. Many scholars include Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi within the post-salah adhkar. Adding Subhanallahil Azeem and Astaghfirullah alongside it is a beautiful practice.
Q7. What is the connection between Astaghfirullah and Subhanallahil Azeem?
After glorifying and praising Allah, Astaghfirullah serves as an act of humble acknowledgment — recognizing that despite His greatness and perfection, we as His servants fall short. Seeking forgiveness after tasbih is a Sunnah that completes the act of remembrance.
Q8. Can women recite this during their period?
Yes. Dhikr, tasbih, and istighfar are all permitted during menstruation. There is no restriction on remembering Allah through these words at any time.
Written by: Ahmad Raza
Credentials: Islamic Studies Content Writer
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