Reference · Dhikr

SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar:
meaning, virtues and how to count.

SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar are the three phrases at the centre of Islamic dhikr. Together they form the Tasbih Fatima — the 33-33-34 sequence said after every salah. This guide covers what each phrase means, what the hadith says about their rewards, and how to carry them through the day.

SubhanAllah — Glory be to Allah

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ SubhanAllah

The word SubhanAllah comes from the root سبح (s-b-h) — to be free, pure, exalted. Saying SubhanAllah declares that Allah is completely free from any imperfection, deficiency, or likeness to creation. It is an act of glorification.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Two phrases are beloved to the Most Merciful, light on the tongue, and heavy on the scale: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil-'Adhim." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

He also said: "Whoever says SubhanAllah 100 times in a day, his sins are wiped away even if they are like the foam of the sea." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Alhamdulillah — All praise is for Allah

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ Alhamdulillah

The word hamd means praise that is coupled with love and gratitude — it is more than just thanks. Saying Alhamdulillah acknowledges that all good in existence flows from Allah, and that He alone is worthy of praise for it.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "SubhanAllah fills half the scale, and Alhamdulillah fills it." (Sahih Muslim)

Alhamdulillah is the opening of Surah al-Fatihah, which Muslims recite a minimum of 17 times a day in salah. It is the response to a sneeze, the first word at iftar, and the phrase of the people of Jannah: "Their last call will be: Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-'alamin." (Quran 10:10)

Allahu Akbar — Allah is the Greatest

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ Allahu Akbar

Akbar is the comparative/superlative form of kabir (great). Allahu Akbar means Allah is greater than everything — greater than any worry, fear, hope, or love that competes for your heart. It is the takbir that opens every salah, marking the transition from the world to the presence of Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The most beloved words to Allah are four: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar. It does not matter which you start with." (Sahih Muslim)

Together: the Tasbih Fatima

These three phrases combine in the most famous post-salah dhikr sequence — Tasbih Fatima:

How to count them throughout the day

These three phrases are not only for after salah. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged them at any time — walking, waiting, before sleep. A simple daily practice:

• After each of the 5 daily prayers: 33-33-34 (Tasbih Fatima)
• In the morning: SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi × 100
• Before sleep: SubhanAllah × 33, Alhamdulillah × 33, Allahu Akbar × 34
• Any idle moment: Rotate freely between the three

A digital tasbih counter makes this effortless — tap once per repetition, and the app handles the tracking, target and reset.

Further reading

• Tasbih Fatima: the 33-33-34 dhikr explained
• Dhikr after salah: the full sunnah routine
• 30 authentic dhikr phrases with meaning
• What is a digital tasbih counter?