While we were with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) in a holy battle, we never went up a hill or reached its peak or went down a valley but raised our voices with Takbir. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came close to us and said, "O people! Don't exert yourselves, for you do not call a deaf or an absent one, but you call the All- Listener, the All-Seer." The Prophet (ﷺ) then said, "O `Abdullah bin Qais! Shall I teach you a sentence which is from the treasures of Paradise? ( It is): 'La haula wala quwata illa billah. (There is neither might nor power except with Allah).
Context and Occasion of Revelation
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 6610 in the Book of Divine Will (Al-Qadar) describes a military expedition where the Companions vigorously raised their voices in Takbir while ascending and descending terrain. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) gently corrected their approach, teaching them proper etiquette in supplication.
Correction of Spiritual Etiquette
The Prophet's instruction "Don't exert yourselves" indicates that loud shouting in worship is unnecessary when addressing Allah, who is neither deaf nor absent. This teaches moderation in voice during remembrance, as Allah hears even the whisper of the heart.
The phrase "you call the All-Listener, the All-Seer" emphasizes Allah's perfect attributes of hearing and seeing everything, eliminating any need for strenuous vocal effort in supplication.
The Treasure of Paradise
The declaration "La haula wala quwata illa billah" (There is neither might nor power except with Allah) is described as being from the treasures of Paradise, indicating its immense spiritual value and reward.
Scholars explain this phrase acknowledges complete dependence on Allah, recognizing that all ability to avoid disobedience and perform obedience comes solely from Divine enablement.
Integration with Divine Decree
This teaching profoundly connects to the chapter on Divine Will (Al-Qadar), as the phrase embodies submission to Allah's decree while simultaneously seeking His power to navigate life's challenges.
The Companions' initial energetic Takbir represented human effort, while the Prophet's correction directed them toward recognizing Divine power as the ultimate source of all strength and capability.