You’ve probably heard this phrase dozens of times — in the masjid, after salah, maybe from a parent or teacher growing up. But if someone asked you right now what it actually means, word by word, you might pause. Most of us recite it without truly knowing what we’re saying. And that gap between the tongue and the heart is something worth closing.
This post breaks everything down for you — the full meaning, the word-by-word explanation, the authentic hadith behind it, and why the Prophet ﷺ described Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem as the most beloved dhikr to Allah. By the time you finish reading, you won’t just know how to say it — you’ll understand why it matters and feel the weight of every word.
Arabic Text, Transliteration and Translation
Let’s start with the full phrase exactly as it appears in the authentic narrations.
Arabic Text:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ
Transliteration:
Sub-haa-nal-laa-hi wa bi-ham-di-hi, Sub-haa-nal-laa-hil A-dheem
English Translation:
Glory be to Allah and all praise is for Him. Glory be to Allah, the Most Great.
Urdu Translation:
اللہ پاک ہے اور تمام تعریفیں اسی کے لیے ہیں۔ اللہ پاک ہے جو سب سے بڑا ہے۔
This phrase combines two of the most profound acts of worship in Islam — tasbih (glorification) and hamd (praise) — in a single breath. You’re not just reciting words. You’re making a complete declaration of Allah’s perfection and greatness at the same time.
Word-by-Word Deep Meaning
Most people recite this dhikr without truly understanding what each word carries. Let’s change that.
Subhan — Root: S-B-H
The Arabic root س-ب-ح carries the idea of swimming or flowing freely — away from all imperfection. When you say Subhan, you’re declaring that Allah is completely free from every flaw, weakness, or limitation. He is pure, perfect, and utterly beyond anything that could diminish His greatness. It’s one of the most powerful words in Arabic — a single word that says nothing negative can ever touch Allah.
Allah — The Name Above All Names
This is Ism-e-Azam — the greatest name. It doesn’t just mean “God.” In Arabic, Allah is a proper noun that refers exclusively to the one true God. It can’t be made plural and it can’t be made feminine. It stands alone, just as He does. When you say His name, you’re addressing the Creator of everything that exists.
Wa Bihamdihi — And With His Praise
Hamd in Arabic isn’t just praise. It’s praise rooted in deep love and full acknowledgment. When you say wa bihamdihi, you’re saying you glorify Allah because He deserves it — not out of obligation but out of sincere recognition of who He is. The ba (with) adds another layer: your glorification comes through His own praise. He taught you to praise Him and you return that praise back to Him.
Al-Azeem — The Most Great
From the root ع-ظ-م, Al-Azeem means immense, magnificent, supremely great. It appears in the Quran in Ayat al-Kursi and in Surah Al-Waqi’ah 56:74. This isn’t casually great the way we use that word today. It’s a greatness beyond all measurement and all comparison. When you say Subhanallahil Azeem, you’re affirming that the One you’re glorifying has a greatness with no ceiling.
Hadith References
Sahih Bukhari 6406 — Light on the Tongue, Heavy on the Scales
Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Two words are light on the tongue, heavy on the Scale, and beloved to Ar-Rahman: Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi, Subhanallahil Azeem.” — Sahih al-Bukhari 6406 | Grade: Sahih
This hadith appears in Sahih al-Bukhari — the most rigorously authenticated hadith collection in existence. What’s remarkable is the combination: beloved to Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful) and heavy on the Mizan on the Day of Judgement — yet light on your tongue right now. No other dhikr has quite this description in a single narration.
Sahih Bukhari 6405 — 100 Times Wipes Sins Like Sea Foam
Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) also narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever says Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi 100 times a day will have his sins forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea.” — Sahih al-Bukhari 6405 | Grade: Sahih
Think about that image. Foam on the ocean is countless and constant. Yet this single phrase, repeated 100 times, wipes all of it away. Scholars of Islam call this kaffarah — expiation of sins. And it’s available to you every single day.
Sahih Muslim 2694 — Most Loved Expression to Allah
Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet ﷺ was asked which words are most beloved to Allah. He ﷺ replied:
“The ones Allah chose for His angels: Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi.” — Sahih Muslim 2694 | Grade: Sahih
Allah chose this phrase for His angels — beings who never sin and exist in constant worship. And He made it available to you. Imam al-Nawawi included this narration in Riyad us-Saliheen and it also appears in related forms in Jami at-Tirmidhi.
Quranic Connection
This dimension of the dhikr is almost entirely missing from competing articles — and it’s one of the most important.
Surah Al-Waqi’ah 56:74
“So glorify the name of your Lord, the Most Great.” — Surah Al-Waqi’ah 56:74
The phrase Subhanallahil Azeem is essentially this Quranic instruction turned into living dhikr. Allah commands glorification of Al-Azeem and this phrase does exactly that. Many scholars note that reciting it is a direct fulfillment of this Quranic command.
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:32
“The angels said: Glory be to You — we have no knowledge except what You have taught us.” — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:32
The angels themselves said Subhanaka — the same root as our dhikr. This is tasbih in its purest form, coming from beings created purely for worship. When you recite Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem, you join a chorus that has existed since before humanity was created.
7 Proven Benefits of Reciting This Dhikr
1. Complete Forgiveness of Sinsmea
Sahih Bukhari 6405 establishes that saying this dhikr 100 times daily wipes away sins as vast as the foam of the sea. This is one of the clearest promises in hadith literature about the power of dhikr for spiritual purification and tazkiyah.
2. Heavy on the Scale of Deeds on Qiyamah
On the Day of Judgement, every deed is weighed on the Mizan. Most things feel heavy in effort yet light in reward. This dhikr flips that — it’s effortless to say but weighs enormously in Allah’s sight.
3. Beloved to Allah
Countless acts of worship are rewarded by Allah. But how many are described as beloved to Ar-Rahman by His own Prophet ﷺ? This dhikr carries that specific distinction.
4. Peace of Heart
Allah says in the Quran: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28). Regular dhikr brings sakina — tranquility — that no worldly distraction can replicate. It re-centers you completely.
5. Protection from Shaytan
Remembrance of Allah is the most direct shield against Shaytan’s whispers. When your tongue is occupied with tasbih, there’s less room for doubt and spiritual distraction to creep in.
6. Barakah in Rizq
Consistent glorification of Allah opens doors of barakah in your provision. It’s not a transactional formula — it’s the natural consequence of drawing closer to Allah, who then blesses every aspect of your life.
7. A Palm Tree Planted in Jannah
A narration in Jami at-Tirmidhi tells us that saying Subhanallah plants a tree in paradise for you. A phrase that combines tasbih with hamd and the attribute Al-Azeem carries an even greater reward according to the scholars. Every recitation builds something waiting for you.
When and How to Recite — Practical Guide
After Every Fardh Salah
Many Muslims recite Subhanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 33 times after prayer. You can add Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem as your closing dhikr. It takes less than 30 seconds and seals your prayer with one of the most beloved phrases to Allah.
Morning and Evening Adhkar
The morning and evening adhkar are a cornerstone of the daily Muslim routine. Add this dhikr to your wird after Fajr and before Maghrib. Consistency matters more than quantity — even 10 repetitions done with khushoo every morning is better than 100 done mindlessly.
Between Sunnah and Fardh of Fajr
The brief gap between the 2 Sunnah rak’ahs and the 2 Fardh of Fajr is a beautiful and underused time for quiet dhikr. Your mind is fresh and the world is still. Try 33 repetitions of this dhikr in that window.
While Doing Everyday Tasks
This is one of the greatest gifts of dhikr — it doesn’t require wudu. You can recite it while cooking, driving, walking, or doing laundry. Silent or verbal, both are valid. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged remembrance of Allah in all states.
The 100x Daily Challenge — Done in 3 Minutes
| Method | Time Needed | Notes |
| Tasbih beads (33 beads x 3 rounds) | 2 to 3 minutes | Most common method |
| Counting on finger joints (3 x 33) | 3 minutes | Sunnah method, no beads needed |
| Phone counter app | 2 minutes | Useful for beginners |
| 20 times after each of 5 daily prayers | 30 seconds per prayer | Easiest to sustain long-term |
Pick one method and stick with it for 7 days. You’ll be surprised how natural it becomes.
Pronunciation Guide and Common Mistakes
Getting this dhikr right matters — not just for correctness but for your own connection to what you’re saying.
Correct pronunciation:
Sub-haa-nal-laa-hi | wa | bi-ham-di-hi | Sub-haa-nal-laa-hil | A-dheem
Most common mistake — Azeem vs Adheem:
Many people say Azeem with a Z sound. However, the classical Arabic letter ظ in الْعَظِيمِ is technically pronounced Adheem — a heavier emphatic sound made with the tongue pressed toward the upper teeth. Most Arabic speakers today use Azeem and this is widely accepted. But if you’re learning Quranic Arabic or Tajweed, knowing the distinction is important.
Other common mistakes:
- Rushing the aa vowel — Subhaan should be elongated, not clipped as Subhan
- Dropping the wa — saying bihamdihi without the joining wa changes the grammatical structure
- Mispronouncing bihamdihi as bihamdillahi — the hi at the end is a pronoun meaning His, not the name Allah
How to Teach This Dhikr to Your Children
Make It Fun and Visual
Young children learn through association. Write the phrase on a colorful card and place it somewhere they see it daily — beside the dinner table, on their bedroom door, or near the bathroom mirror. Say it together after meals. Make it a small game where whoever remembers to say it first earns a reward. You’re not just teaching words. You’re building the habit of remembrance of Allah into their daily rhythm before the world gets loud.
Make It a Bedtime Dhikr Habit
The time just before sleep is golden for children’s learning. Their minds are calm and open. Lie beside them and say Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem together — slowly, clearly, with meaning. Tell them in simple words: this is the phrase Allah loves the most. When we say it, He is pleased with us. Children understand love. Frame dhikr in the language of love and they’ll carry it for life.
FAQs
What Does Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem Mean in English?
It means: Glory be to Allah and all praise is for Him. Glory be to Allah, the Most Great.
Why Is Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Beloved to Allah?
The Prophet ﷺ said Allah chose this phrase for His angels — making it the most loved dhikr.
How Many Times Should I Say Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Daily?
Recite it 100 times daily. The Prophet ﷺ promised it wipes sins away like foam of the sea.
Can I Recite Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Without Wudu?
Yes. Dhikr requires no wudu. You can say it anytime, anywhere, in any state of cleanliness.
What Is the Difference Between Subhanallah and Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi?
Subhanallah glorifies Allah alone. Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi adds praise and love — making it fuller and more complete.
When Is the Best Time to Recite Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem?
Best times are after fardh salah, during morning and evening adhkar, and throughout your daily routine.
Is Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem Mentioned in the Quran?
Not directly as a phrase, but Surah Al-Waqi’ah 56:74 commands glorifying Allah the Most Great.
Conclusion
You don’t need extra time, a special place, or even wudu. All you need is one sincere moment and two short sentences that Allah loves more than almost anything else you could say. Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem is light on your tongue but heavy on your scales — and that’s a deal you simply can’t afford to pass up.
Start today. Say it after your next salah. Say it while you’re making tea or sitting in traffic. The Prophet ﷺ gave us this phrase as a gift — a direct path to forgiveness, peace, and Allah’s love. Don’t just memorize the words. Understand them, feel them, and let them become the quiet rhythm underneath your everyday life.
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