We were with the Prophet (ﷺ) on a journey, and whenever we ascended a high place, we used to say, "Allahu Akbar." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Don't trouble yourselves too much! You are not calling a deaf or an absent person, but you are calling One Who Hears, Sees, and is very near." Then he came to me while I was saying in my heart, "La hawla wala quwwatta illa billah (There is neither might nor power but with Allah)." He said, to me, "O `Abdullah bin Qais! Say, 'La hawla wala quwwata illa billah (There is neither might nor power but with Allah), for it is one of the treasures of Paradise." Or said, "Shall I tell you of it?"
Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 7386
Contextual Analysis
This narration occurs during a journey with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), demonstrating how Islamic teachings permeate all aspects of life, including travel. The companions' practice of saying "Allahu Akbar" when ascending high places reflects their constant remembrance of Allah.
Correcting Devotional Practice
The Prophet's instruction "Don't trouble yourselves too much" teaches moderation in worship and corrects the misconception that loud or strenuous invocation is necessary. He emphasizes that Allah is neither deaf nor absent, but Al-Sami' (The All-Hearing) and Al-Baseer (The All-Seeing), who is perpetually near to His servants.
The Treasure of Paradise
When the Prophet specifically addressed Abdullah bin Qais about "La hawla wala quwwata illa billah," he revealed this phrase's extraordinary status as "one of the treasures of Paradise." This indicates its profound spiritual value and effectiveness in strengthening one's reliance on Allah alone.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that this hadith establishes several principles: the importance of moderate devotion, the omnipresence and attentiveness of Allah to His servants, and the superiority of certain invocations. The phrase "La hawla wala quwwata illa billah" acknowledges human incapacity and affirms that all power belongs exclusively to Allah, making it a comprehensive statement of Tawheed.