The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "(There are) two words which are dear to the Beneficent (Allah) and very light (easy) for the tongue (to say), but very heavy in weight in the balance. They are: ''Subhan Allah wa-bi hamdihi'' and ''Subhan Allah Al-`Azim."
(see Hadith 6682).
Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed)
Sahih al-Bukhari 7563
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "(There are) two words which are dear to the Beneficent (Allah) and very light (easy) for the tongue (to say), but very heavy in weight in the balance. They are: 'Subhan Allah wa-bi hamdihi' and 'Subhan Allah Al-`Azim.'"
Commentary on the Phrases
"Subhan Allah wa-bi hamdihi" means "Glory be to Allah and all praise is due to Him." This combines tasbih (declaring Allah's perfection) with hamd (praise), affirming His transcendence beyond all imperfections while acknowledging His perfect attributes.
"Subhan Allah Al-`Azim" means "Glory be to Allah, the Almighty." This specifically emphasizes Allah's attribute of greatness and majesty, declaring Him free from any deficiency befitting His magnificent nature.
Scholarly Insights
These phrases are described as "light on the tongue" because they are easy to pronounce and memorize, yet "heavy in the balance" because they carry immense spiritual weight and reward on the Day of Judgment.
The fact that these words are "dear to the Beneficent" indicates Allah's special love for these specific forms of remembrance, which combine multiple aspects of worship in concise expressions.
Scholars note that the ease of these phrases demonstrates Allah's mercy, allowing believers to attain great rewards through simple, frequent remembrance throughout daily activities.
Practical Application
Muslims are encouraged to recite these phrases frequently during daily activities - while walking, working, or during moments of waiting - transforming ordinary moments into worship.
The consistent repetition of these remembrances purifies the heart, increases faith, and serves as protection from sin and distraction.