The Excellence of the Remembrance of Allāh

The Excellence of the Remembrance of Allāh

By Imam An-Nawawi

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-‘ālamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam is His Messenger.

Allāh, the Exalted, says:

• "And the remembering (praising) of (you by) Allāh (in front of the angels) is greater indeed [than your remembering (praising) of Allāh in prayers]'' (Al-Ankabut, 29:45)
• "Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you.'' (Al-Baqarah,2:152)
• "And remember your Rabb by your tongue and within yourself, humbly and with fear and without loudness in words, in the mornings and in the afternoons, and be not of those who are neglectful.'' (7:205)
• "And remember Allāh much, that you may be successful.'' (Al-Jumaah, 62:10)
• "Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allāh in Islam) men and women... (up to)... And the men and the women who remember Allāh much with their hearts and tongues. Allāh has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e., Jannah).'' (Al-Ahzāb, 33:35)
• "O you who believe! Remember Allāh with much remembrance. And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon [the early morning (Fajr) and ‘Asr prayers].'' (Al-Ahzāb, 33:41,42)

1408. Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "There are two statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the Merciful: ‘Subhan-Allāhi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allāhil-Azim [Glory is to Allāh and to Him is the praise, Glory is to Allāh, the Greatest, devoid of imperfection)'.''

[This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In another narration Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) also reported: Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “He who recites in the morning and in the evening the statement: ‘Subhān-Allāhi wa bihamdihi, Subhān-Allāhil-‘Adzīm (Glory is to Allāh and to Him is the Praise, Glory is to Allāh, the Greatest Devoid of imperfection)’ one hundred times, will not be surpassed on the Day of Resurrection by anyone with better deeds than one who utters the same words or utters more of these words.” [Muslim]

Commentary: This Hadith affirms that man's actions carry weight. On the Day of Judgement, his actions will be cast into the Balance. At that time Allāh will endow these actions with weight, or according to some scholars, those records which register man's actions will be weighed. This is quite possible for the reason that Almighty Allāh is Capable of weighing things without even their physical form. This discussion apart, when actions will be cast into the Balance, the formula mentioned in the Hadith, the utterance of which is very easy, will prove weighty. Every Muslim should make it a practice to repeat them frequently.

 1409. Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "The uttering of the words: "Subhān-Allāh (Allāh is free from imperfection), Al-hamdu lillāh (all praise is due to Allāh), Lā ilāha illallāh (there is no true god except Allāh) and Allāhu Akbar (Allāh is the Greatest)' is dearer to me than anything over which the sun rises.''

[This is recorded by Muslim]

Commentary:  This Hadith highlights the fact that the formulas which mention the Praise and Glory of Allāh, His Majesty and Oneness are liked by the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) more than anything in the world, because this is one of the virtues which will survive and will be rewarded, while the world and all that it has will perish.

1410. Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "He who utters a hundred times in a day these words: ‘Lā ilāha illallāhu, wahdahu la sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shay iñ Qadir (there is no true god except Allāh. He is One and He has no partner with Him; His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent),' he will have a reward equivalent to that for emancipating ten slaves, a hundred good deeds will be recorded to his credit, hundred of his sins will be blotted out from his scroll, and he will be safeguarded against the devil on that day till the evening; and no one will exceed him in doing more excellent good deeds except someone who has recited these words more often than him.

And he who utters: ‘Subhan-Allāhi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allāhil-Azim [Glory is to Allāh and to Him is the praise, Glory is to Allāh, the Greatest, devoid of imperfection)'.one hundred times a day, his sins will be obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the ocean.''

[This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary:  Here sins mean minor sins and those which do not relate to the rights of people. This point has already been elaborated in the preceding Ahadith.

1411. Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: "He who utters ten times: ‘Lā ilāha illallāhu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahulmulku wa lahul hamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shay’iñ Qadir (there is no true god except Allāh. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent),' he will have a reward equal to that for freeing four slaves from the progeny of Prophet Isma’il.''

[This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary: "Slaves from the progeny of Isma’il'' is a simile for very precious slaves. That is, it has the same reward to which the emancipation of four very precious slaves is eligible.

 1412. Abu Dharr (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said to me, "Shall I tell you the expression that is most loved by Allāh?'' It is ‘Subhan-Allāhi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allāhil-Azim [Glory is to Allāh and to Him is the praise, Glory is to Allāh, the Greatest, devoid of imperfection)'.''

[This is recorded by Muslim]

1413. Abu Malik Al-Ash’ari (radhiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Wudhu' is half of Solat, and the expression: ‘Subhān-Allāh (Allāh is free from imperfection)' fills the Balance, and the expression: ‘Al-hamdu lillāh (Praise be to Allāh)' fills the space between the heavens and the earth.''

[This is recorded by Muslim]

Commentary:  "Tuhur’’ is purification or Wudu', while "Tahur’’ is water or something which is used for purification. According to some scholars, ‘Faith'' means Solah. This is also the sense in which it has been used in the Qur'an: "And Allāh would never make your Faith to be lost (i.e., your prayers).'' [2:143]. Thus when Solat is the Faith, the purification is a prerequisite for Solat. Solat is not valid without purification. Some scholars are of the opinion that Faith here means Faith in general, as the Shāri’ah defines it: To sincerely accept and believe in all that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wa sallam) came with, i.e., sincere acceptance of Allāh and His Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi way sallam).

"Purification is half of the Faith'' means the acceptance that purification is the most important article of Faith. It is like the saying of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) that "Hajj is ‘Arafah'', which means that ‘Arafat (the place where the pilgrims stay on the 9th day of Dzulhijjah) is the most important element of the Hajj. Thus, this Hadith stresses the importance and merits of purification and offers an inducement for it. It also mentions the eminence of the invocations mentioned in the Hadith by saying that if they are given a form, they will fill the space between the heavens and the earth. In other words, it is a description of the infinite vastness of the Mercy and Grace of Allāh.

 1414. Sa’ad bin Abu Waqqas (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: A bedouin came to the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) and said to him, "Teach me a few words to recite frequently.'' He (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, "Say: "Lā ilāha illallāhu wahdahu lā sharika lahu; Allāhu Akbar kabirañ, wal-hamdu lillāhi kathiran, wa subhān-Allāhi Rabbil-’alamin; wa lā hawlā wa la quwwata illābillāhil-’Azizil-Hakīm (there is no true god except Allāh the One and He has no partner with Him; Allāh is the Greatest and greatness is for Him. All praise is due to Him. Allāh, the Rabb of the worlds is free from imperfection; there is no might and power but that of Allāh, the All-Powerful and the All-Wise.)''' The bedouin said: "All of these for my Rabb. But what is for me?'' Thereupon he (Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "You should say: ‘Allāhummaghfir li, warhamni, wahdini, warzuqni (O Allāh! Grant me pardon, have mercy upon me, direct me to righteousness and provide me subsistence)'.''

[This is recorded by Muslim]

1415. Thawban (radhiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) concluded his solat, Rasūlullāh would beg forgiveness from Allāh thrice and then would recite: "Allāhumma Antas-Salamu, wa minkas-salāmu, tabarakta ya Dzal-Jalali wal-Ikram (O Allāh, You are the Grantor of security, and security comes from You. You are Blessing, O You Who have majesty and nobility)!'' (Imam) Al-Awza’ie, one of the narrators of this Hadith, was asked: "How forgiveness is to be sought?'' He answered: "The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) used to say: ‘Astaghfirullāh! Astaghfirullāh! (I beseech Allāh for forgiveness, I beseech Allāh for forgiveness)'.''

[This is recorded by Muslim]

1416. Al-Mughirah bin Shu’bah (radiallāhu‘anhu) reported: Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to say at the conclusion of solat: "Lāilāha illallāhu wahdahu lā sharīka lahu, lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shay'iñ Qadīr. Allāhumma la mani ‘a lima a'tayta, wa la mu’ tiya lima mana’ta, wa la yañfa’u dzal-jaddi, minkal-jadd. (There is no true god except Allāh. He is One and He has no partner with Him, His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent. O Allāh! None can deny that which You bestow and none can bestow that which You hold back; and the greatness of the great will be of no avail to them against You).''

[This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary: "Al-Jaddu’’ means good luck and richness. That is, good fortune and prosperity will not be of any avail before Allāh. What will really benefit a person before Him are Faith and virtuous deeds. The prayer quoted in this Hadith makes a special mention of His Oneness.

1417. It has been reported that ‘Abdullah bin Zubair (radiyallāhu’anhu) used to recite after Taslim at the conclusion of every Solāh: "Lā ilāha illallāhu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shay’iñ Qadir. Lā hawlā walā quwwata illa billāh. La ilaha illallāhu, wa la na’budu illā iyyāh, Lahun-ni’matu, wa lahul-fadlu, wa lahuth-thana'ul-hasan. Lā ilāha ilallāhu, mukhlisina, lahud-dina, wa lau karihal-kāfirun (There is no true god except Allāh; 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) Allāh. There is no God but Allāh 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 Allāh. We reserve our devotion exclusively for Him though the disbelievers may detest it).'' Ibn Az-Zubair said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) used to celebrate Allāh's Greatness in those terms after every Solāh.

[This is recorded by Muslim]

Commentary:  The invocation mentioned in this Hadith is ordained by the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) and was his practice. To recite Shahādah repeatedly after Solāh and to offer benediction and salutations to the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) collectively is a self-invented formula and is not consonant with the practice of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam).It is, therefore, a heresy and will have no merit. Every Muslim has to follow only the preachings and practice of the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam).

 1418. Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The poor Emigrants came to the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) and said: "The wealthy have gone with the highest ranks and lasting bliss.'' He asked: "How is that?'' They replied: "They offer Solāh as we offer it; they observe fast as we do; (and as they are wealthy) they perform Hajj and ‘Umrah, and go for Jihad, and they spend in charity but we cannot, and they free the slaves but we are unable to do so.'' The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "Shall I not teach you something with which you may overtake those who surpassed you and with which you will surpass those who will come after you? None will excel you unless he who does which you do.'' They said: "Yes, please do, O Messenger of Allāh'' He (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "You should recite: Tasbih “Subhān-Allāh (Allāh is free from imperfection)”, Takbir “Allāhu Akbar' (Allāh is Greatest)”, Tahmid “Al-hamdulillāh (Praise be to Allāh)” thirty-three times after each Solat.''

[This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Salih, the subnarrator of the Hadith said, when Abu Hurairah (radhiyallāhu‘anhu) was asked about the manner of reciting Tasbih, Tahmid and Takbir, he said, "Recite: "Subhān-Allāh, wal-hamdulillāh, wallāhu Akbar', till all are recited thirty-three times.

Commentary:  This Hadith has already been mentioned, but with a slightly different wording with reference to Sahih Muslim. The elaboration made by Abu Salih apparently seems to indicate that all the three words should be recited in combination while other religious scholars have shown preference for reciting them separately. The purpose is, however, attained in either way. There does arise one question here: Should one recite each of these words thirty-three times or in all for thirty-three times? The wording of the Hadith does not make this clear. Other Ahadith, (which will follow soon) make it clear that each of these words is to be recited for thirty-three times. This is how their aggregate will come to ninety-nine. The Hadith that follows makes this point clear.

1419. Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "He who recites after every prayer: Subhān-Allāh (Allāh is free from imperfection) thirty-three times; Al-hamdu lillāh (Praise be to Allāh) thirty-three times; Allāhu Akbar (Allāh is Greatest) thirty-three times; and completes the hundred with: Lā ilāha illAllāhu, wahdahu lā sharīka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘alā kulli shay iñ Qadīr (There is no true god except Allāh. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent); will have all his sins pardoned even if they may be as large as the foam on the surface of the sea.''

[This is recorded by Muslim]

1420. Ka’ab bin ‘Ujrah (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, "There are some words, the reciters of which will never be disappointed. These are: Tasbih [saying ‘Subhan-Allāh' (Allāh is free from imperfection)], thirty-three times, Tahmid [saying ‘Al-hamdu lillah' (praise be to Allāh)] thirty-three times and Takbir [saying ‘Allāhu Akbar' (Allāh is Greatest)] thirty-four times; and these should be recited after the conclusion of every prescribed prayer.''

[This is recorded by Muslim]

Commentary:  "Muaqqibat’’ means the words of Praise and Glorification of Allāh which are recited after Salat. This Hadith says that the words "Allāhu Akbar'' should be recited thirty-four times.

Ibn Mas’ud (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrated that Allāh's Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “I met Ibrāhīm (‘alaihissalam) on the Night of Isra’ and Al- Mi’raj [i.e., The Night of Ascension]. He said: ‘Convey my greetings to your nation, O Muhammad, and tell them that Jannah has a vast plain of pure soil and sweet water. It is a plain levelled land, treeless plain and the seeds are: ‘Subhān Allāh (Glory be to Allāh)’, ‘Al-Hamdulillāh (All praise is due to Allāh), ‘Lā Ilāha illallāh (There is none worthy of worship but Allāh)’; and ‘Allāhu Akbar (Allāh is the Greatest).’”

[At-Tirmidzi in his takhrij, At-Tirmidzi says:  “Then say: ‘Lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh (There is no change of a condition nor power except by Allāh) in the same manner.'']

[This is recorded by At-Tirmidzi (3462): Hasan Gharib]

Abu Musa (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrated: Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said to me, “Shall I not guide you to a treasure from the treasures of Jannah?” I said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allāh!”' Thereupon he (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “(Recite) ‘Lā hawla wa lā quwwata illa billāh’ (There is no change of a condition nor power except by Allāh).'' [This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "The uttering of the words: "Subhān-Allāh (Allāh is free from imperfection), Al-hamdu lillāh (all praise is due to Allāh), Lā ilaha illallāh (There is no true god except Allāh) and Allāhu Akbar (Allāh is the Greatest)' is dearer to me than anything over which the sun rises.''

[This is recorded by Muslim]

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "He who recites in the morning and in the evening the statement: “Subhān-Allāhi wa bihamdihi, Subhān-Allāhil-Azim”(Glory is to Allāh and to Him is the praise, Glory is to Allāh, the Greatest devoid of imperfection)” one hundred times, will not be surpassed on the Day of Resurrection by anyone with better deeds than one who utters the same words or utters more of these words.''

[This is recorded by Muslim]

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “He who utters a hundred times in a day [another narration: morning and in the evening] these words: ‘Lā ilāha illallāhu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamd, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shay iñ Qadīr’ (There is no true god except Allāh. He is One and He has no partner with Him; His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent.); He will have a reward equivalent to that for emancipating ten slaves, a hundred good deeds will be recorded to his credit, hundred of his sins will be blotted out from his scroll, and he will be safeguarded against the devil on that day till the evening; and no one will exceed him in doing more excellent good deeds except someone who has recited these words more often than him.  And he who utters: ‘Subhān-Allāhi Wa bihamdihi, Subhān-Allāhil-‘Adzīm (Glory is to Allāh and to Him is the praise, Glory is to Allāh, the Greatest devoid of imperfection)’ one hundred times a day, his sins will be obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the ocean.'' [Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (radiyallāhu‘anha) reported, the Mother of the Believers: Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing Solah Fajar. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Are you still in the same position as I left you.'' I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "I recited four words three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhānallāhi wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinata ‘arshihi, wa midada kalimatih. [Allāh is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the weight of His Throne and equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise)].''[This is recorded by Muslim]. The recitation of the words is highly meritorious and rewarding because they are full of Praise and Glorification of Allāh. The two later Dzikir appropriate for Dhuha and After ‘Asar.

1421. Sa’ad bin Abu Waqqas (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) used to seek (Allāh's) protection after prayers in these words: "Alla-humma inni a’udhu bika minal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa a ‘udhu bika min an uradda ila ardhalil- ‘umur, wa a ‘udzu bika min fitnatid-dunya, wa a ‘udhu bika min fitnatil-qabr (O Allāh, I seek refuge with You from cowardice, miserliness and from being sent back to a feeble age; and, seek refuge with You from the trials of this life and those of the grave).''

[Al-Bukhari]

Commentary:  Some religious scholars are of the opinion that it is better to observe reciting this Du’a after concluding prayers, and that it is better to combine both. Some scholars say that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) used to recite this Du’a just before Taslim, while he used to recite the Du’a mentioned earlier after Taslim.

1422. Mu’adz (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) took hold of my hand and said, "O Mu’adz! By Allāh I love you, so I advise you to never forget to recite after every prayer: "Allāhumma a ‘inni ala dzikrika, wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibadatika (O Allāh, help me remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner).''

[This is recorded by Abu Dawud].

Commentary: This Hadith stresses the fact that one should seek the Help of Allāh for His remembrance, thanksgiving and worship, because one cannot do anything without His Help and Support. It also shows the superiority of Mu’adz (radiyallāhu‘anhu) and the Prophet's love for him.

1423. Abu Hurairah (radhiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "When anyone of you has done his Tashahhud during Solat, he should seek refuge in Allāh against four things and say: "Allāhumma inni a’udzu bika min ‘adzābi jahannam, wa min ‘adzābil-qabr, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamāt, wa min sharri fitnatil-masihid-dajjal (O Allāh! I seek refuge in You from the torment of Hell, from the torment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the mischief of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist).''

[This is recorded by Muslim]

Commentary:  "Trials of life'' means ordeals which one has to face in life and which can harm his Faith and body.”The trials of death'' means the troubles which one has to face before death. "Masih'' means Mumsuh-ul-’Ain, one who is squint. Ad-Dajjal (deceiver, impostor) refers to that man with a squint who will appear before the Day of Judgement. This is why he is called Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal. He will make claim of godhood and in order to test the Faith of people, Allāh will get some supernatural works done from him. The pious ones would, however, recognize him and will save themselves from his trap. This will be a great trial indeed and one must seek refuge with Allāh from it.

1424. ‘Ali Ibn Abu Talib (radhiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: When the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) was in Solat, Rasulullah (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) used to supplicate towards the end of prayer after Tashahhud and before the concluding salutations (Taslim): "Allāhum-maghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akh-khartu, wa ma asrartu, wa ma a’lantu, wa ma asraftu, wa ma Anta a’lamu bihi minni. Antal-Muqqadimu, wa Antal-Mu'akh-khiru. Lā ilāha illa Anta (O Allāh! Forgive my former and latter sins, which I have done secretly and those which I have done openly, and that I have wronged others, and those defaults of mine about which You have better knowledge than I have. You Alone can send whomever You will to Jannah, and You Alone can send whomever You will to Hell-fire. None has the right to be worshipped but You.''

[Muslim].

1425. ‘Aishah (radhiyallāhu’anha) reported: The Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) used to recite frequently in his ruku’ and sujud: "Subhanak-Allāhumma, Rabbana wa bihamdika. Allāhum-maghfir li (How perfection is Thou, O Allāh! Our Lord and the Praised are indeed for Thou. O Allāh! Forgive me), [This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

1426. ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) used to recite in his ruku’ and sujud: "Subbuhun Quddusun, Rabbul-mala'ikati war-ruh (You are the Most Glorious. The Most Holy. You the Rabb of the angels and of Jibril)

[This is recorded by Muslim].

Commentary:  "Subbuh’’ and "Qudus'' are two attributive Names of Allāh which denote His Perfect Purity and Uniqueness.”Ar-Ruh'' means Jibril (Gabriel). Although he, too, comes in the category of angels but his special mention is made here to emphasize his majesty and honour. In short, the recitation of the prayers mentioned in this Hadith is in keeping with the practice of the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam).

 1427. Ibn ‘Abbas (radhiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) said: "Glorify your Lord in Ruku’ (bowing posture) and exert yourself in supplication in prostration. Thus your supplications are liable to be accepted.''

[This is recorded by Muslim].

 1428. Abu Hurairah (radhiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, "A slave becomes nearest to his Rabb when he is in Sujud. So increase supplications while Sajdah.''

[This is recorded by Muslim].

Commentary:  Both the Ahadith mentioned above, evidently show that there is greater possibility of acceptance of an invocation which is made in prostration. Therefore, one must do it in the voulntary Solat.

1429. Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wa sallam) used to say in his prostration: Allāhum-maghfir li dzanbi kullahu: diqqahu wa jillahu, wa ‘awwalahu wa akhirahu, wa alaniyatahu wa sirrahu (O Allāh! Forgive all my sins, the small and the great, first and the last, the open and the secret).''

[This is recorded by Muslim].

Commentary:  Although the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) was innocent and free of sins, he used to pray for the forgiveness of his shortcomings out of his gratitude to Allāh's Might and Majesty. Thus, this Hadith has a great lesson for us. In spite of being innocent, he was always fearful of the Wrath of Allāh, while we, despite being embodiments of sins, are fearless of Allāh.

1430. ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) reported: One night I missed the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) from his bed. I searched for him. When I found him he was in bowing or prostrating posture and was reciting: "Subhānak-Allāhumma, Rabbana wa bihamdika. Allāhum-maghfir li (O Allāh! You are free from imperfection and I begin with praising You. Forgive my sins).''

Another narration is: My hand fell over his feet while he was in prostration with his feet erect. He was supplicating: "Allāhumma inni a ‘udzu biridaka min sakhatika, wa bi-mu ‘afatika min ‘uqubatika, wa a ‘udzu bika minka, la uhsi thana'an  alaika, Anta kama athnaita ‘ala Nafsika (O Allāh! I seek protection against Your Wrath in Your Pleasure. I seek protection in Your Pardon against Your chastisement, I am not capable of enumerating praise of You. You are as You have lauded Yourself).''

 1431. Sa’ad bin Abu Waqqas (radhiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: We were with the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) when he asked, "Is anyone of you unable to earn a thousand good deeds?'' One of those present asked: "How can one earn thousand good deeds in a day?'' He (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wa sallam) replied, "By saying: Subhan Allāh a  hundred times, then one thousand good deeds will be recorded for him or one thousand sins will be blotted out from his record.''

[This is recorded by Muslim].

Commentary: One thousand good deeds in return for saying the word "Subhan-Allāh'' is a minimum reward under the promise that says  i.e., ten-fold reward would be given for each good deed. The words "Au yuhattu''  is open to disagreement among the religious scholars. Some of them have mentioned it with "Au'' which means one gets one thousand good deeds or a thousand sins are forgiven; while others have mentioned this Hadith with the word "Wa yuhattu'', that is, one is given a thousand virtues and a similar number of sins are pardoned.

1432. Abu Dharr (radhiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Every morning charity is due from every joint bone of the body of every one of you. Every utterance of Allāh's Glorification (i.e., Subhān-Allāh) is an act of charity, and every utterance of praise of Him (i.e., Al-hamdu lillah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of profession of Faith (i.e., Lā ilāha illAllāh) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His Greatness (i.e., Allāhu Akbar) is an act of charity; and enjoining good is an act of charity and forbidding what is disreputable is an act of charity; and two Raka’ah solah which one offers in the forenoon (Ad-Duha) will suffice for all this.''

[This is recorded by Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith has already been mentioned. See Hadith No. 118. It brings into prominence the distinction of the two Raka’ah of Ad-Duha as it is a means to express one's gratitude to Allāh for 360 joints in one's body. Similarly, the Praise and Glorification of Allāh, the declaration of His Oneness, enjoining good and forbidding vices are all Sadaqah of man's body.

1433. Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (radiyallāhu’anha) reported, the Mother of the Believers: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wa sallam) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, "Are you still in the same position as I left you.'' I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "I recited four words three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allāhi wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinatah ‘arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi [Allāh is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the weight of His Throne and equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise)].''

[Muslim].

Commentary: The recitation of the words quoted in this Hadith is highly meritorious and rewarding because they are full of Praise and Glorification of Allāh.

 1434. Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, "The similitude of one who remembers his Rabb and one who does not remember Him, is like that of the living and the dead.''

[This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:  Lack of remembrance of Allāh is akin to death. When a person dies, he is unable to do anything. Similarly, a person who does not remember Allāh goes so far from Him that he cannot do anything which can benefit him.

 1435. Abu Hurairah (radhiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "Allāh the Exalted says: ‘I am as my slave expects me to be, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me inwardly, I will remember him inwardly, and if he remembers Me in an assembly, I will remember him in a better assembly (i.e., in the assembly of angels).''

[This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:  "I am as my slave expects me to be'' means that one should have the conviction that He accepts repentance, grants pardon, relieves people of their tensions and emancipates them from their troubles. Along with this conviction one should do good deeds which please Allāh and avoid such deeds which have been prohibited by Him. With this conduct, one should hope for the best from Allāh. This approach is similar to that of a cultivator who ploughs his land, sows the seed, waters it, takes every possible care of it and then cherishes hope for a good crop. It can also be linked to the endeavours of a person who intends to become a scholar, or a physician or an engineer. The first and foremost requirement to pursue his ambition is to study the books through which he can gain the required knowledge. For every work one intends to do, one has to first make a foundation and then acquire the means essential for it. It is only then that one can hope to achieve one's aim.

Similar is the case of associating good hopes with Allāh. Unless a person does not furnish the foundation of Faith and good deeds for it, it will be unwise to associate good hopes with Allāh. A slave who rather than serving his master runs away or annoys him and still hopes that his master being so kind will not take him to task for his excesses would be called stupid by the people. The same is true of Allāh, who is certainly the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful and Forgiving. But for whom is He so? The answer is for His faithful and obedient slaves and not for those who are followers of Satan. For Satan and his followers, Allāh's Decision is that: "I will fill Hell with you (Iblis) and those of them (mankind) that follow you, together.'' (38:85).

 1436. Abu Hurairah (radhiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "The Mufarridun have gone ahead.'' He was asked, "Who are the Mufarridun?'' He (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) replied, "Those men and women who frequently celebrate the remembrance of Allāh.''

[This is recorded by Muslim].

Commentary:  This Hadith highlights the following two points: First, the eminence of plentiful remembrance of Allāh. People who have this quality will be ahead of others in reward on the Day of Judgement. Second, people who remember Allāh and are obedient to Him, be they men or women, will be rewarded equally. In the matter of reward no distinction will be made on the basis of their gender.

1437. Jabir bin Abdullah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) saying, "The best way to celebrate the remembrance of Allāh is to say: Lā ilāha illallāh (there is no true god except Allāh).''

[This is recorded by At-Tirmidzi].

Commentary:  Since the Shahadah is the basis of Islam, its repetition in abundance has the greatest eminence. Some religious scholars regard only Lā ilāha illAllāh as eminent, while others hold that the second part of it (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allāh) is also included in it. Thus, in their opinion both these parts of the Shahadah should be recited together.

1438. ‘Abdullah bin Busr (radhiyallāhu’anhu) reported: One of the Companions said, "O Messenger of Allāh. There are many injunctions of Islam for me. So tell me something to which I may hold fast.'' He said, "Keep your tongue wet with the remembrance of Allāh.''

[At-Tirmidzi].

Commentary:  Shari‘ie is the plural of Shari’ah, Shari’ah is in the sense of Mashru’ah, that is the Divine injunctions. These Divine injunctions are of various kinds, i.e., some of them are obligatory, some desirable and some voluntary. The obligatory ones are compulsory and their compliance is indispensable. What is termed as Mustahabbat (desirables) are also highly important for gaining the Pleasure of Allāh? Similarly, voluntary acts are a means of getting close to Allāh. Ordinary people are sometimes puzzled by the abundance of the latter and want to adhere to the first two that is obligations and what comes in the category of desirables. A desire to this effect is mentioned in this Hadith. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wa sallam) answered the query in this matter by saying to the inquirer, "Keep your tongue wet with the remembrance of Allāh.'' Keeping the tongue wet with the remembrance of Allāh here means its abundant recitation. In other words, one should make the remembrance of Allāh a permanent feature. If one is not able to do many voulntary good works, which some people find difficult, the remembrance of Allāh will make up the deficiency in that regard.

1439. Jabir bin ‘Abdullah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "For him who says: ‘Subhan-Allāhi wa bi hamdihi (Allāh is free from imperfection, and I begin with praising Him, and to Him),' a palm-tree will be planted in Jannah.''

[This is recorded by At-Tirmidzi]

Commentary: Jannah is so vast that we cannot even imagine its vastness. The planting of trees in return for the Praise and Glorification of Allāh is, therefore, neither something difficult nor surprising. So, there should not be any hesitation in accepting it as a fact. Some people take it is as a metaphor for a plentiful reward.

 1440. ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “I met Ibrāhīm (‘alayhissalam) on the Night of Ascension (Isra’ and Al- Mi’raj), and he said to me: ‘O Muhammad, conveys my greetings to your Ummah, and tell them that Jannah has a vast plain of pure soil and sweet water. It is a plain levelled land, treeless plain and the seeds are: Subhān-Allāh, Al-hamdu lillāh, Lā ilāha illallāh and Allāhu Akbar (Allāh is free from imperfection; Praise be to Allāh; There is no true god except Allāh; and Allāh is Greatest).'' [At-Tirmidzi in his takhrij says: “Then say: ‘Lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh (there is no change of a condition nor power except by Allāh) in the same manner’.”]

[At-Tirmidzi (3462)].

[At-Tirmidzi].

Commentary: Qi’an is the plural of Qa’ which means plain levelled land that does not have any tree. Trees grow on the plain land of Jannah in return for remembrance and Glorification of Allāh. The more one remembers Allāh, the greater is the number of trees which grow on the piece of land that will be awarded to him.

1441. Abu Darda (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Shall I not inform you of the best of your actions which are the purest to your Rabb, which exalt you to the high ranks, which are more efficacious than spending gold and silver (in charity), and better for you than you should encounter your enemies whom you will smite their necks and they will smite your necks?'' They said, "Certainly.'' Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Remembrance of Allāh the Exalted.''

[This is recorded by At-Tirmidzi].

Commentary:  This Hadith also tells us about the eminence of remembrance of Allāh, as the basis of every good deed is remembrance of Allāh and expression of one's devotion and obedience to Him. Without these two, even the greatest virtue is useless and is of no value. Thus, we must always bear it in mind that remembrance of Allāh is superior to everything else.

 1442. Sa’ad bin Abu Waqqas (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) and I went to see a woman. She had date-stones or pebbles in front of her, and she was counting and reciting Tasbih. [‘Subhan-Allāh' (Allāh is free from imperfection)]. He said, "Shall I not inform you of what is easier or better than this for you?'' You should say: ‘Subhan-Allāhi ‘adada ma khalaqa fis-sama', wa subhan-Allāhi ‘adada ma khalaqa fil-ardi, wa subhan-Allāhi ‘adada ma baina dhalika, wa subhan-Allāhi ‘adada ma Huwa Khaliqun, wallāhu Akbaru mithla dhalika, wal-hamdu lillahi mithla dhalika, wa la ilaha illallāhu mithla dhalika, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahi mithla dhalika (Subhan-Allāh, equal to the number of what He created in the heaven; and Subhan-Allāh, equal to the number of His creatures in the earth; and Subhan-Allāh, equal to the number in between them; and Subhan-Allāh equal to the number of those He will create).' Then say: ‘Allāhu Akbar' (Allāh is Greatest) in the same way. Then say: ‘Al-hamdu lillah' (praise be to Allāh) in the same way. Then say: ‘La ilaha illAllāh' (there is no true god except Allāh) in the same way. Then say: ‘La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah' (there is no change of a condition nor power except by Allāh) in the same manner.''

[This is recorded by At-Tirmidzi].

 1443. Abu Musa (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said to me, "Shall I not guide you to a treasure from the treasures of Jannah?'' I said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allāh!'' Thereupon he (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "(Recite) ‘Lā hawla wa lā quwwata illa billāh’ (There is no change of a condition nor power except by Allāh).''

[This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: In this Hadith the invocation "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah'' has been regarded a treasure of Jannah or one of the most precious stores of Jannah. The reason for its high eminence seems to be that through it, one makes a confession of his utter weakness and helplessness and attributes all power and authority to Allāh, and this is very much liked by Allāh. This statement is an outright admission that man has no power and if he can prevent himself from any mischief or do any good deed, it is only by the Will of Allāh and His Permission.

And Allāh Almighty knows best.

[Via Wponline.Org, The Excellence of the Remembrance of Allāh, Chapter 244, Riyad-Us-Saliheen

Compiled, By Al-Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya bin Sharaf An-Nawawi Ad-Dimashqi]