Glory be to God; Praise be to God; there is no god but God; and God is most great." A version has, "The words dearest to God are four: Glory be to God; Praise be to God; there is no god but God; and God is most great. It does not matter which you say first." Muslim transmitted it.
Exegesis of the Four Beloved Phrases
The four phrases mentioned—Subḥān Allāh (Glory be to God), al-Ḥamdu lillāh (Praise be to God), Lā ilāha illā Allāh (There is no god but God), and Allāhu Akbar (God is most great)—constitute the foundation of Islamic remembrance (dhikr) and represent the purest expressions of divine glorification.
Spiritual Significance of Each Phrase
"Subḥān Allāh" declares God's absolute transcendence above all imperfections, affirming His complete perfection beyond human comprehension.
"Al-Ḥamdu lillāh" acknowledges that all praise ultimately belongs to God alone, recognizing His boundless blessings and perfect attributes.
"Lā ilāha illā Allāh" constitutes the fundamental declaration of Islamic monotheism (tawḥīd), negating all false deities and affirming God's exclusive right to worship.
"Allāhu Akbar" proclaims God's absolute greatness above all creation, affirming His supremacy in essence, attributes, and dominion.
Scholarly Commentary on the Narration
The permissibility of reciting these phrases in any sequence demonstrates the flexibility and mercy inherent in Islamic worship, accommodating various states of the believer's heart while maintaining the spiritual reward.
Imam al-Nawawī comments that these four phrases encompass the core meanings of divine praise, glorification, monotheism, and magnification—thus containing the essence of all remembrance.
Ibn Ḥajar al-ʿAsqalānī notes that their collective excellence stems from their comprehensive nature, addressing all aspects of God's perfection and humanity's relationship with the Divine.
Practical Implementation
The scholars recommend frequent recitation of these phrases throughout the day, particularly after prescribed prayers, during morning and evening remembrances, and in moments of gratitude or difficulty.
The collective recitation of these phrases serves as spiritual protection, increases divine reward, purifies the heart from spiritual diseases, and strengthens one's connection with the Creator.