Riyad as-Salihin

Riyad as-Salihin 1417

The Excellence of the Remembrance of Allah
The Book of the Remembrance of Allah Search within the hadiths
Riyad as-Salihin 1417
Arabic hadith text
وعن عبد الله ابن الزبير رضي الله عنهما أنه كان يقول دبر كل صلاة، حين يسلم‏:‏ لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له ، له الملك وله الحمد ، وهو على كل شيء قدير ‏.‏ لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله ،لا إله إلا الله، ولا نعبد إلا إياه، له النعمة، وله الفضل وله الثناء الحسن‏.‏ لا إله إلا الله مخلصين له الدين ولو كره الكافرون ‏.‏ قال ابن الزبير‏:‏ وكان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، يهلل بهن دبر كل صلاة‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏
Translation
It has been reported that 'Abdullah bin Zubair (May Allah be pleased with them) used to recite after Taslim at the conclusion of every Salat (prayer)

"La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul- mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'ala kulli shai'in Qadir. La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah. La ilaha illallahu, wa la na'budu illa iyyahu, Lahun-ni'matu, wa lahul-fadlu, wa lahuth-thana'ul-hasan. La ilaha ilallahu, mukhlisina, lahud-dina, wa lau karihal-kafirun (there is no true god except Allah; He is One. To Him belongs the dominion and to Him is all praise, and He is Powerful over all things. There is no power and might except with (the help of) Allah. There is no God but Allah and we worship none except Him, to Him belongs the bounty and to Him belongs the grace, and to Him belongs all excellent praise; there is no deity but Allah. We reserve our devotion exclusively for Him though the disbelievers may detest it)." Ibn Az-Zubair said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to celebrate Allah's Greatness in those terms after every Salat (prayer).[Muslim].

Commentary

Overview & Central Theme

This profound supplication, taught by the Prophet ﷺ to Ibn Az-Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him), serves as a comprehensive seal for every obligatory prayer. It encapsulates the very essence of Tawhid—absolute monotheism—by affirming Allah's unique oneness, His sole dominion, His exclusive right to praise, and His infinite power over all things. The dhikr then ascends from theological affirmation to practical surrender, declaring the believer's utter dependence on Allah for all strength and might, and culminates in a declaration of sincere, exclusive devotion even in the face of disbelief. In the context of Riyad as-Salihin's chapter on remembrance, this hadith exemplifies the optimal way to conclude an act of worship, transforming the prayer's ending into a renewed covenant of faith and gratitude.

Context & Linguistic Insights

The hadith is reported by Muslim on the authority of Abdullah ibn Az-Zubair, who noted that the Prophet ﷺ would recite this specific dhikr after every prescribed prayer. The phrase "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" is a linguistic gem—the word "hawl" denotes the power to change or move from one state to another, while "quwwah" signifies strength and capability. Together, they affirm that no transformation, no effort, and no resistance to sin is possible except through Allah's assistance. The term "mukhlisina lahud-din" emphasizes ikhlas (sincerity), where the grammatical construction implies a continuous, habitual state of devotion, not a momentary act. The concluding clause "wa lau karihal-kafirun" (even if the disbelievers detest it) serves as a defiant proclamation of faith, reinforcing that the believer's worship is not contingent on societal approval but solely on divine command. Historically, this dhikr was taught during the Medinan period when the Muslim community faced constant opposition, making it a powerful statement of resilience and unwavering conviction.

Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits

  • The dhikr establishes a multi-layered affirmation of Tawhid: first, Allah's unity and sovereignty (rububiyyah); second, His exclusive right to worship (uluhiyyah); and third, the believer's sincerity in that worship (ikhlas).
  • Scholars derive that this dhikr is highly recommended (mustahab) after every obligatory prayer, and Imam An-Nawawi notes it contains the virtues of forgiveness of sins and immense reward, as each phrase is a distinct act of remembrance.
  • The phrase "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" is considered a treasure from the treasures of Paradise, as mentioned in other narrations, highlighting its immense spiritual weight and protective power against arrogance and self-reliance.
  • The declaration of devotion "even if the disbelievers detest it" teaches the principle of al-wala' wal-bara' (loyalty and disassociation for Allah's sake), affirming that faith is not compromised by external opposition.
"This dhikr combines the rights of Allah—His oneness, His dominion, His praise, His power, and His grace—and the rights of the servant—his absolute need for Allah's help and his sincere devotion. It is a complete summary of the purpose of creation." — Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, Jami' al-'Ulum wa'l-Hikam

Daily Life & Spiritual Application

For the contemporary Muslim, this dhikr offers a structured transition from the sacred space of prayer into the distractions of daily life. By reciting it after every fard prayer, one carries the spirit of worship into the marketplace, the workplace, and the home. It serves as a shield against despair and self-reliance—when facing challenges, the believer remembers that all power belongs to Allah. It also cultivates a defiant yet serene identity: in a world where Islamic values are often ridiculed, the believer affirms, "We worship none but Him, even if the disbelievers detest it." Practically, one should recite these words calmly, reflecting on each phrase's meaning, and use them as a moment to renew intention before re-engaging with worldly affairs. The dhikr also fosters gratitude (shukr) for Allah's bounties and grace, transforming the post-prayer moment into a time of profound spiritual nourishment and steadfastness.