37/ The Virtue of Glorifying Allah

The preceding discussion concerned the declaration of monotheism, “There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah”: its virtue, meaning, conditions, and other important matters relating to it. We now turn to the expression Subhān Allāh (Glory be to Allah). It is one of the four expressions that the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—described as the best and most beloved speech to Allah. He said: “The words most beloved to Allah are four: ‘Glory be to Allah,’ ‘All praise belongs to Allah,’ ‘There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah,’ and ‘Allah is the Greatest.’”1 We have already encountered a good number of the Prophet’s hadiths concerning the excellence of these expressions and their lofty rank and eminent standing.

The expression “Glory be to Allah,” being one of these four, is of immense significance. It is among the noblest forms of remembrance that draw one near to Allah and among the finest acts of worship that lead to Him. Numerous texts in the Quran and Sunnah explain its virtue, honor, and tremendous merit. Indeed, the reports concerning it are too numerous and varied to enumerate. Glorification is mentioned in the Quran more than eighty times, in various forms and styles. At times it occurs in the imperative, as in the words of Allah, Exalted is He: “O you who believe, remember Allah abundantly, and glorify Him morning and evening.”2 At other times it occurs in the past tense, as in His words, Exalted is He: “All that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth has glorified Allah, and He is the Almighty, the All-Wise.”3 At still other times it occurs in the present tense, as in His words, Exalted is He: “Allah is glorified by