Why Say Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar 33 Times?
The Power and Benefits of Dhikr: Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar, Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) is one of the most powerful acts of worship that a Muslim can perform. It is a means of connecting with Allah, a way of seeking His blessings, forgiveness, and guidance. Among the many forms of dhikr, three phrases stand out due to their extensive rewards and immense spiritual benefits: Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar.
These phrases, although short and simple, carry profound meanings and are considered light on the tongue but heavy on the scale of good deeds. They serve as reminders of Allah’s perfection, majesty, and sovereignty, and when recited regularly, they bring a person closer to Allah and raise their rank in the Hereafter.
The Significance of Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar
Subhanallah (سُبْØَانَ ٱللَّÙ‡ِ): "Allah is free from imperfection"
- This phrase glorifies Allah by declaring that He is free from any form of imperfection. It acknowledges that Allah is above and beyond any deficiencies or flaws, which are attributes associated with human beings or created beings. Reciting Subhanallah helps to purify one’s heart from any misconceptions or distortions about the Creator, reminding the believer of Allah’s transcendence.
Alhamdulillah (ٱلْØَÙ…ْدُ Ù„ِÙ„َّÙ‡ِ): "All praise is due to Allah"
- By saying Alhamdulillah, a person expresses gratitude and acknowledges that all praise belongs to Allah alone. It is a reminder that everything in existence, from the smallest detail to the grandest event, happens by the will of Allah. This phrase is a way to show thankfulness for the countless blessings Allah has bestowed upon us, including life, health, sustenance, and guidance.
Allahu Akbar (ٱللَّÙ‡ُ Ø£َÙƒْبَرُ): "Allah is the Greatest"
- This phrase signifies the greatness and supremacy of Allah. Allahu Akbar is a declaration of Allah’s sovereignty over all things, a reminder that no matter what challenges or difficulties a person may face, Allah’s power is far greater than any obstacle. It is a phrase that instills humility in the believer, reminding them that all human accomplishments and powers are insignificant in comparison to Allah's greatness.
Together, these three phrases encapsulate key aspects of a Muslim’s faith: the perfection of Allah, His deserving of all praise, and His ultimate supremacy. When recited frequently, they help a person cultivate a heart that is mindful of Allah, continuously aware of His presence, and constantly seeking His blessings.
The Rewards and Virtues of Dhikr
The rewards of dhikr are immense and are mentioned throughout the Qur'an and Hadith. In the famous Hadith from Jami At-Tirmidhi (Hadith 3375), the Prophet Muhammad (ï·º) was asked by a man who felt overwhelmed by the acts of worship required of him. The man requested to be given something simple that he could do regularly. The Prophet (ï·º) replied, “Let not your tongue cease to be moist with the remembrance of Allah.” This highlights the simplicity and power of dhikr; it requires no special tools or circumstances, only a sincere heart and a constant remembrance of Allah.
In Surah Ahzab, Ayah 41, Allah commands the believers to remember Him frequently: “O You who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance.” This command underscores the importance of making dhikr a regular part of one’s life. Allah has promised immense rewards for those who remember Him often. In the Qur’an, Allah says: “Those who believe and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (13:28). This verse reflects the peace and tranquility that comes from engaging in dhikr, offering solace to the heart and clarity to the mind.
The benefits of dhikr extend far beyond the immediate effects on the heart and soul. In the Hadith of Riyad As-Salihin (Book 16, Hadith 12), the Prophet Muhammad (ï·º) mentioned that reciting Subhanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 33 times after prayer would lead to the forgiveness of a person’s sins, even if they were as numerous as the foam on the surface of the sea. This serves as a reminder of Allah’s infinite mercy and forgiveness, and the immense reward that comes from consistent remembrance.
The Practice of Dhikr
One of the most significant aspects of dhikr is the way in which it can be integrated into daily life. In Sahih Muslim, it is narrated by Abu Hurairah (ra) that the Prophet (ï·º) said: “He who recites after every prayer: Subhan-Allah (Allah is free from imperfection) thirty-three times; Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) thirty-three times; Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest) thirty-three times; and completes the hundred with: La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent), will have all his sins pardoned even if they may be as large as the foam on the surface of the sea.” (Muslim).
This practice of reciting Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar after prayer is simple and can be done immediately after completing the obligatory prayers. The key to its effectiveness is consistency, and this small act of remembrance can be a means of purifying one’s soul, seeking forgiveness for past sins, and earning countless rewards.
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (ï·º) also taught the importance of remembering Allah before going to sleep. In a hadith narrated by Sahih Bukhari (3113), the Prophet (ï·º) recommended that a person should recite Allahu Akbar 34 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Subhanallah 33 times before sleeping. This practice not only brings peace to the heart but also serves as a reminder of the greatness of Allah as one enters the state of rest.
Dhikr and its Emotional Impact
Understanding the meanings of the words Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar is crucial for their emotional and spiritual impact. For non-native Arabic speakers, it is essential to learn the meanings of these phrases and reflect on them as they are recited. When one sincerely understands the words being spoken, the dhikr becomes more than just a ritual—it becomes a heartfelt dialogue with Allah. It brings a sense of peace and satisfaction, knowing that one is acknowledging the greatness of the Creator and expressing gratitude for His countless blessings.
Dhikr also helps the believer stay grounded and humble. It serves as a constant reminder that no matter what one’s position is in this world—whether rich or poor, healthy or ill—Allah is greater than everything. It reinforces the belief that everything in this world is temporary, and that Allah’s will is supreme. This perspective helps to reduce anxiety, stress, and worldly attachment, bringing the heart closer to Allah.
The Connection Between Dhikr and Allah’s Mercy
In Sahih Al-Bukhari (Hadith 7405), Allah promises: “I am just as My slave thinks I am. And I am with him if he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.”
This powerful Hadith illustrates the closeness between Allah and His servant through remembrance. The more a person engages in dhikr, the more they draw nearer to Allah, and in return, Allah’s mercy and blessings come closer to them. Dhikr is thus not just a way of praising Allah, but also a means of inviting His mercy and support into one’s life.
The Timeless Importance of Dhikr
Dhikr is a simple yet profound act of worship that has far-reaching benefits. It elevates the believer’s status in the eyes of Allah, purifies the heart, and strengthens the connection between the servant and the Creator. By reciting Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar with sincerity and understanding, a Muslim can earn immense rewards, seek forgiveness for past sins, and find inner peace in the face of life’s challenges.
Incorporating dhikr into daily life, especially in moments of prayer and before sleep, helps to keep the believer’s heart aligned with Allah. It serves as a constant reminder of the greatness of Allah, the importance of gratitude, and the ultimate purpose of life: to worship and remember the Creator. By embracing the practice of dhikr, we can strengthen our faith, draw closer to Allah, and attain the ultimate reward in the Hereafter.