Subhanaka Allahumma Wa Bihamdika – Meaning and variations

The dua Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuka is often recited at the beginning of prayer. It translates as, “Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise. Blessed is Your Name, and Exalted is Your Majesty.

The opening dua of salah, which begins with “Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika,” is mentioned in several hadiths. This dua should be recited immediately after making the Niyyah (intention) to begin prayer. So, right after saying the Takbeer by raising your hands and saying “Allahu Akbar,” you can recite this dua.

Meaning of “Subhanaka Allahumma Wa Bihamdika”

In English, this dua translates as:

“Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka wa ta’ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghayruka”

“Glorious You are O Allah, and with Your praise. Blessed is Your Name, and exalted is Your majesty, and none has the right to be worshipped but You.”

This supplication opens the prayer with deep reverence, acknowledging Allah’s grandeur, blessedness, and uniqueness.

Subhanaka Allahumma Wa Bihamdika Meaning and variations

The phrase “Subhanaka Allahumma“ (Glory be to You, O Allah) is often used by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to express humility, praise, and the seeking of forgiveness in various situations. Here are some related supplications:

Subhanaka Allahumma at the Start of Prayer
Narrated by Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to start his prayer by saying: “SubhanakaAllahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakas-muka, wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuka.”
Reference: Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 804.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Whoever sits in a gathering and indulges in useless talk and before getting up supplicates: ‘Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilaika (O Allah, You are free from every imperfection; praise be to You. I testify that there is no true god except You; I ask Your Pardon and turn to You in repentance),’ he will be forgiven for (the sins he may have intentionally or unintentionally committed) in that assembly.”

[At-Tirmidhi].

Dua in Ruku and Sujud
Narrated by Aishah:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say during bowing and prostration: “SubhanakaAllahumma, Rabbana wa bihamdik. Allahumma-ghfirli (Glory be to You O Allah, Our Lord, and praise. O Allah, forgive me,”
Reference: Sunan an-Nasa’i, Hadith 1123, graded Sahih by Darussalam.

Significance of “Subhanaka Allahumma” in Worship

The phrase “Subhanaka Allahumma” (Glory be to You, O Allah) is important in worship because it:

• Builds Gratitude for Allah’s Blessings.
• Praises Allah’s Perfection and Greatness.
• Reminds Us to Be Humble and Thankful.
• Encourages Us to Ask for Forgiveness.
• Helps Us Focus During Prayer.