38/ Among the Virtues of Glorifying Allah in the Sunnah

In the preceding discussion, I explained the virtue of glorifying Allah and its immense reward, and that it is among the finest transmitted forms of remembrance, the most beneficial prescribed acts of worship, and the noblest acts of obedience that Allah loves from His servants. I also cited a valuable selection of noble Quranic texts demonstrating this.

It is therefore fitting that we now consider some of the Prophetic texts concerning the virtue of glorifying Allah and demonstrating its tremendous importance and exalted status. The Sunnah abounds with texts demonstrating its great importance, noble standing, and the abundant reward awaiting those who engage in it, as well as the generous rewards, immense favors, and plentiful gifts Allah has prepared for them. These texts demonstrate this in numerous ways.

One of these is that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—informed us that glorifying Allah is among the finest words and those most beloved to Allah. We have already encountered the Prophet’s words—may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “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

It is authentically reported in Sahīh Muslim from Abu Dharr that the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—was asked, “Which words are best?” He replied, “Those Allah chose for His angels—or for His servants: ‘Glory and praise be to Allah.’”2

In another wording of the hadith, Abu Dharr said: The Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said, “Shall I not