Some poor people came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, "The wealthy people will get higher grades and will have permanent enjoyment and they pray like us and fast as we do. They have more money by which they perform the Hajj, and `Umra; fight and struggle in Allah's Cause and give in charity." The Prophet said, "Shall I not tell you a thing upon which if you acted you would catch up with those who have surpassed you? Nobody would overtake you and you would be better than the people amongst whom you live except those who would do the same. Say "Subhana l-lah", "Al hamdu li l-lah" and "Allahu Akbar" thirty three times each after every (compulsory) prayer." We differed and some of us said that we should say, "Subhan-al-lah" thirty three times and "Al hamdu li l-lah" thirty three times and "Allahu Akbar" thirty four times. I went to the Prophet (ﷺ) who said, "Say, "Subhan-al-lah" and "Al hamdu li l-lah" and "Allahu Akbar" all together [??], thirty three times."
Hadith Commentary: The Virtue of Dhikr After Prayer
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (843) addresses the concern of economically disadvantaged companions who felt they could not match the spiritual rewards of wealthy Muslims due to their limited capacity for additional acts of worship like Hajj, Umrah, and charity.
The Wisdom Behind This Teaching
The Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrated that spiritual excellence is not solely dependent on material wealth. Through this simple yet profound dhikr (remembrance of Allah), every Muslim - regardless of financial status - can attain high spiritual stations.
The prescribed phrases - Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is for Allah), and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) - encompass the fundamental aspects of tawhid: affirming Allah's perfection, expressing gratitude for His blessings, and acknowledging His supreme greatness.
Methodology and Implementation
The companions initially differed in counting methodology, with some suggesting 33-33-34 distribution. The Prophet clarified that all three phrases should be recited collectively thirty-three times each, totaling ninety-nine remembrances after every obligatory prayer.
This practice connects the formal prayer (salah) with continuous remembrance, maintaining the spiritual state achieved during prayer and carrying its blessings throughout one's daily activities.
Spiritual Benefits and Rewards
This dhikr serves as an equalizer in spiritual attainment, allowing those with limited means to compete with - and even surpass - the wealthy in divine reward. The Prophet guaranteed that consistent practice would enable believers to overtake others in goodness.
The repetition of these foundational remembrances purifies the heart, strengthens faith, and constantly reaffirms the believer's relationship with the Creator, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for divine connection and reward accumulation.