This hadith highlights the immense value of a simple act of remembrance of Allah (dhikr). The phrases, “Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan Allahil-Atheem”, are easy to say but carry extraordinary reward.
Arabic Text
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ – رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ – أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ:
كَلِمَتَانِ خَفِيفَتَانِ عَلَى اللِّسَانِ، ثَقِيلَتَانِ فِي الْمِيزَانِ، حَبِيبَتَانِ إِلَى الرَّحْمٰنِ: سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ، سُبْحَانَ اللهِ الْعَظِيمِ. (مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ)
Translation (meaning)
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Two phrases are light on the tongue, but heavy in the Scale, and beloved to the Most Merciful: ‘Glorified is Allah and praised is He, Glorified is Allah, the Most Great.” (Agreed upon by Bukhari and Muslim)
Brief Explanation
This hadith highlights the immense value of a simple act of remembrance of Allah (dhikr). The phrases, “Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan Allahil-Atheem”, are easy to say but carry extraordinary reward. This is a powerful demonstration of Allah’s immense mercy, where He rewards a minor effort with a great outcome. This concept is supported by the Quran: Surah Al-Ahzab (33:41): “O you who have believed, remember Allah with frequent remembrance.”
“Light on the tongue” They are short and easy to say, requiring no effort, yet they bring immense benefit.
“Heavy on the scale” On the Day of Judgment, people’s deeds will be weighed in a scale (al-Meezaan). These two simple statements will weigh heavily due to their sincerity and greatness.
Allah(SWT) says in Surah al-Aʿraaf (7:8–9):
“The weighing on that Day will be the truth. So those whose scales are heavy – it is they who will be successful.”
“Beloved to the Most Merciful” These words are not only rewarding but also beloved to Allah. This shows that Allah loves when His servants glorify Him with sincerity.
Allah(SWT) also says in Surah al-Ḥadeed (57:1):“Whatever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah, and He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” Since all of creation glorifies Allah, the believer joins this universal dhikr by saying these words.
Surah al-Israaʾ (17:44):“The seven heavens and the earth and all that is in them glorify Him. There is not a thing but glorifies His praise, but you do not understand their glorification.”This verse combines Subḥaanallaah (glorification) with biḥamdih (praise).
Surah al-Ḥajj (22:62):“That is because Allah is the Truth, and what they call upon besides Him is falsehood, and because Allah is the Most High, the Most Great (al-ʿAẓeem).”This confirms the greatness expressed in Subḥaanallaahil-ʿAẓeem.
Surah al-Baqarah (2:152):“So remember Me, and I will remember you. And be grateful to Me, and do not deny Me.”Dhikr is a way to earn Allah’s remembrance and mercy.
Other Hadiths Supporting this hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said:“Whoever says: Subḥaanallaahi wa biḥamdih 100 times a day, his sins will be forgiven, even if they were like the foam of the sea.”(Bukhari, Muslim).
The Prophet ﷺ said:“Whoever says: Subḥaanallaah, a tree will be planted for him in Paradise.”
(al-Tirmidhee) This shows that short words of remembrance have everlasting impact.
The Prophet ﷺ said:“The most beloved words to Allah are: Subḥaanallaah, al-ḥamdu lillaah, laa ilaaha illallaah, and Allaahu akbar.” (Muslim)
Lessons taken from this hadith
- True worship is not always difficult; a believer can earn great rewards with simple dhikr.
- These words will weigh heavily in the scale of deeds.
- Regular remembrance keeps the heart alive and connected to Allah.
- The hadith shows that Allah loves when His servants glorify Him.
- Everyone, young or old, rich or poor, educated or not, can say these words.
Conclusion
This hadith teaches us that two simple phrases Subḥaanallaahi wa biḥamdih and Subḥaanallaahil-ʿAẓeem are easy to say but carry massive weight in the Hereafter and are deeply beloved to Allah. They combine glorification, praise, and recognition of Allah’s greatness the very essence of worship. A believer should make these words part of their daily dhikr, in the morning, evening, and throughout the day.
Allah(SWT) knows best!