In Islam, the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) is a simple yet powerful act of worship. One of the most beautiful and frequently used words in dhikr is “SubhanAllah”, which means “Glory be to Allah.” It is short, easy to say, and full of reward — a word that brings peace to the heart and blessings to daily life.
In this blog, we’ll explore what SubhanAllah means, when to say it, the benefits of repeating it often, and how to build a deeper connection with Allah through this simple phrase.
What Does SubhanAllah Mean?
“SubhanAllah” comes from the Arabic root word “s-b-h”, which refers to declaring Allah as free from any imperfection or fault. When we say SubhanAllah, we are acknowledging that Allah is pure, perfect, and beyond any weakness or limitation.
It’s a way of glorifying Him, reflecting on His greatness, and humbling ourselves in His presence.
SubhanAllah in the Quran and Sunnah
The importance of saying SubhanAllah is clearly mentioned in both the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
“So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate to Him.”
— (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:98)
And the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Two words are light on the tongue, heavy in the balance, and beloved to the Most Merciful: SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllah al-‘Azim.”
— (Bukhari & Muslim)
These words are easy to say, yet their reward is huge in the sight of Allah.
When to Say SubhanAllah
You can say SubhanAllah at any time, but here are a few recommended moments:
- After Salah – 33 times, as part of the Tasbih (SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar)
- When admiring something beautiful – like nature, the sky, or a kind act
- When you witness something amazing – to glorify Allah’s power
- During moments of reflection or silence – to fill your heart with remembrance
- As part of morning and evening adhkar (remembrances)
There is no fixed time or place — you can say it while walking, driving, cooking, or relaxing. It brings barakah (blessing) into any moment.
Benefits of Saying SubhanAllah
1. Earns Great Reward
The Prophet ﷺ told us that saying SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi 100 times a day wipes away sins — even if they are as much as the foam of the sea.
2. Brings Peace and Calmness
Saying SubhanAllah regularly helps reduce stress and brings a sense of spiritual calmness. It reminds us that Allah is in control.
3. Connects You with Allah
The more you remember Allah, the more your heart becomes attached to Him. SubhanAllah helps you stay spiritually focused throughout the day.
4. Increases Gratitude
When you glorify Allah, you naturally reflect on His blessings — the air you breathe, your family, your safety — and your heart becomes more thankful.
Teaching Kids to Say SubhanAllah
Helping children build the habit of saying SubhanAllah can plant seeds of faith in their hearts. You can:
- Use tasbih beads with colors to make it fun
- Encourage them to say it when they see a flower, bird, or sky
- Reward them when they say it daily
- Explain its meaning in a way they can understand — “It means we’re saying Allah is perfect.”
A Tasbih That Covers Everything
One of the most beloved dhikr routines is what the Prophet ﷺ taught his daughter Fatimah (RA):
“Say SubhanAllah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 34 times before sleeping.”
This simple tasbih not only brings reward but helps calm the mind and body before sleep.
Conclusion
SubhanAllah is more than a word — it’s a way to live mindfully, gratefully, and spiritually aware. In a world full of distractions, this simple dhikr helps center your heart and mind on what truly matters: your relationship with Allah.
Try saying SubhanAllah regularly — when you’re walking, cooking, sitting in traffic, or feeling anxious. It takes less than a second to say, but the rewards are timeless.
Glorify Allah, purify your soul — one SubhanAllah at a time.