The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "There are two expressions which are very easy for the tongue to say, but they are very heavy in the balance and are very dear to The Beneficent (Allah), and they are, 'Subhan Allah Al- `Azim and 'Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi.'"
Exegesis of the Hadith
This noble tradition from Sahih al-Bukhari (6406) illuminates the profound merit of two specific invocations that carry immense spiritual weight despite their verbal simplicity. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) emphasizes that these phrases are light upon the tongue yet heavy in the divine scales on the Day of Judgment.
Analysis of the First Expression
"Subhan Allah Al-'Azim" (Glory be to Allah, The Almighty) combines tasbih (declaring Allah's perfection) with recognition of His magnificent attribute of 'Azmah (Greatness). This dual acknowledgment affirms Allah's transcendence above all imperfections while simultaneously acknowledging His absolute majesty and grandeur.
Scholars note that mentioning Allah's name with His attribute of 'Azim elevates the invocation's spiritual value, as it connects the believer's heart simultaneously to Allah's perfection and His overwhelming greatness.
Analysis of the Second Expression
"Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi" (Glory be to Allah and all praise is for Him) represents a comprehensive form of worship that combines negation of imperfections with affirmation of perfection. The phrase negates any deficiency from Allah while affirming all praise belongs to Him exclusively.
This expression encompasses both tanzih (declaring Allah free from what doesn't befit Him) and ithbat (affirming what befits His perfection), making it a complete statement of divine glorification.
Spiritual Significance
The hadith highlights the profound wisdom that the weight of deeds in Allah's sight is not measured by their physical difficulty but by their sincerity and the truths they contain. These light phrases carry heavy reward because they encapsulate fundamental truths of Islamic theology.
The mention that these expressions are "very dear to The Beneficent" indicates Allah's special love for these specific forms of His remembrance, as they perfectly express the servant's recognition of His divine attributes.
Practical Implementation
The wise believer should incorporate these invocations frequently throughout the day - during prayer, while walking, during moments of waiting, and in all circumstances. Their ease of recitation makes them accessible to all believers regardless of their state or situation.
Regular recitation cultivates constant awareness of Allah's perfection and develops a heart that is continuously connected to its Creator through the simplest yet most profound means of remembrance.