55 / The True Meaning of “There Is No Might or Power except through Allah”

We have already discussed the merit of saying, “There is no might or power except through Allah”—that magnificent phrase, so rich in sublime meanings and profound implications. Numerous hadiths attest to the honor and greatness of this phrase. The Prophet (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) informed us that it is one of the gates of Paradise, one of the treasures beneath the Throne, one of the plantings of Paradise, and one of the enduring righteous deeds of which a servant should amass as much as possible. We have also seen the Prophet’s command to say frequently, “There is no might or power except through Allah.” All of this clearly demonstrates the immense merit and exalted status of this phrase. It is a magnificent and sublime phrase to which Muslims should give due attention, say frequently, and fill their time by repeating often, because of its immense merit with Allah, its abundant reward from Him, and the many blessings and manifold favors it brings in this world and the Hereafter.

One of the essential and emphatic duties in this regard is for every Muslim to understand what this phrase signifies and means, so that his remembrance of Allah through it is grounded in knowledge, understanding, and awareness of what he is saying. As for a Muslim repeating words whose meaning he does not understand, or expressions whose import he does not grasp, this has no effect and yields little benefit. Therefore, in this form of remembrance—and indeed in everything with which he remembers Allah—a Muslim must know the meaning of what he says and understand its import. Only then does remembrance bear fruit, achieve its intended benefit, and profit the one engaged in it. We have already cited the Prophet’s words to Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): “Shall I not direct you to a phrase from beneath the Throne—one drawn from