the non-Arabs, they come from different ancestors, whereas the descendants of Ishmael are the Arabs. Whoever therefore says, “There is no god but Allah alone, without partner; to Him belongs the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is capable of everything,” ten times is as though he had set free four human beings. This demonstrates the excellence of this remembrance.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) likewise said, “The words most beloved to Allah are: Subḥān Allāh wa bi-ḥamdih (Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him).” He has also stated, “Two phrases that are light on the tongue, heavy on the scales, and beloved to the All-Merciful: Subḥān Allāh wa bi-ḥamdih; Subḥān Allāh al-ʿAẓīm (Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him; Glory be to Allah the Magnificent).”

The report of Thawbān adds a specific detail: when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) concluded his prayer he would say “Astaghfirullāh” three times—“Astaghfirullāh, Astaghfirullāh, Astaghfirullāh”—and then, “Allāhumma anta’s-salām wa minka’s-salām, tabārakta yā dhā’l-jalāl wa’l-ikrām.” A person seeks forgiveness after finishing the prayer because of the flaws and shortcomings that may have occurred in it. He then says, “Allāhumma anta’s-salām,” meaning, “O Allah, I appeal to You by this noble Name of Yours to preserve my prayer so that it may expiate sins and raise me in rank.” Allah is the One who grants success.

1416 – Al-Mughīrah ibn Shuʿbah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) finished the prayer and said the salām, he would say, “There is no god but Allah alone, without partner; to Him belongs the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is capable of everything. O Allah, none can withhold what You give, nor can anyone give what You withhold, and the fortune of the fortunate avails nothing against You.” Agreed upon.