The Attribute of Allah Al Hamd (Part 2)

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Source: Al-Asmaa’ Al-Husna was-Sifaat al-‘Ulaa by ‘Abdul-Haadi Wahbi

Al-Hamd is ascertained (assured) in the following positions (situations):

a – At the time of wearing clothes

Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that when the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) put on a new garment he would mention it by name, e.g.  turban or shirt, and then would say:

اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أنت كَسَوْتَنِيهِ أَسْأَلُكَ من خَيْرِهِ وَخَيْرِ مَا صُنِعَ لَهُ وَأَعُوذُ مِنْ شَرِّهِ وَشَرِّ مَا صُنِعَ لَهُ

Allaahumma laka Al-Hamdu anta Kasawtaneeh, as’aluka min khairihi wa khairi maa suni’a lahu wa ’aouthu min sharrihi wa sharri maa suni’a lahu

“O Allaah! Praise be to You! As You have clothed me with it, I ask You for its good and the good of that for which it was made, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of that for which it was made.”

[Authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh Abu Dawoud no. 4020 and graded Saheeh]

Mu’adh ibn Anas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “…If any of you puts on a garment and says:

 الحمد لله الذي كساني هذا الثوب ورزقنيه من غير حول مني ولا قوة

Al-Hamdulillaah allathi kasaanee haathath-thouba wa Razaqanihi min ghairi hawlin minni wa laa quwwatin

‘Praise be to Allaah Who has clothed me with this and provided me with it through no might and power on my part,’

 he will be forgiven his former sins.” [Authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh Abu Dawoud no. 4023 and graded Hasan]

b – At the time of eating and drinking

Abu Ayuub al-Ansaari (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that when the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to eat and drink, he would say:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَ وَسَقَى ،‏‏ وَسَوَّغَهُ ،‏ ‏وَجَعَلَ لَهُ مَخْرَجًا
Al-Hamdulillaah allathi at‘ama wa saqaa wa sawwaghahu wa ja’ala lahu makhraja

“Praise be to Allaah Who has fed us and given us drink, made it easy to swallow and made an exit for it.”

[Authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh Abu Dawoud no. 3851 and graded Saheeh]

Naufal ibn Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to drink in three breaths; mentioning the Name of Allaah in its beginning and praising Him at its end.” [Authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh Al-Jami’e no. 4956]

Abu Umamah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that when the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had finished eating, he used to say:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ كَثِيرًا طَيِّبًا مُبَارَكًا فِيهِ غَيْرَ مَكْفِيٍّ وَلَا مُوَدَّعٍ وَلَا مُسْتَغْنًى عَنْهُ رَبَّنَا

Al-Hamdulillaah katheeran tayyiban Mubaarakan feehi, ghaira Makfiyyin wa laa Muwadda’in wa laa Mustghnan ‘anhu Rabbana.

“All praises be to Allaah, Who has satisfied our needs and quenched our thirst. Our Lord, We cannot compensate nor deny Your Favor, nor can we leave it or dispense with it.” [Al-Bukhaari no. 5458]

Shaikhul-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (Rahimahullaah) said: “When a creature gives you a blessing (or favor), you are able to compensate him. And his blessings do not continue upon you; rather, you would leave it and he would cut it off from you and you can dispense with it. However, you can never compensate Allaah for His favors and if He bestows His favors upon you, He continues His favors upon you. Indeed, He who gives much or little (of wealth and contentment), Whom none can be content without even for a blink of an eye.” [Futia (legal opinion) in the form of Al-Hamd by Ibn Al-Qayyim]

‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Jubair narrated that a man who served the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) for eight years told him that he used to hear the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying when food was brought near him, “Bismillaah” and when he finished eating he would say:

اللَّهمَّ أطعَمتَ وأسقَيتَ وأغنَيتَ وأقنَيتَ وَهَديتَ ، وأحييتَ ، فلَك الحمدُ علَى ما أعطيتَ

Allaahumma at’amta wa asqaita wa aghnayta wa aqnayta wa hadayta wa ahyayta, fa lakal hamdu ‘alaa maa a’tayta.

“O Allaah, You have fed, given to drink, enriched and gave contentment, guided and brought to life, so praise be to You for what You have given.”  

[Reported by Ahmad no. 16159 and authenticated by Al-Albaani in Al-Silsilah As-Saheeha no. 71]

Mu’adh ibn Anas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “If anyone eats food and then says:

الحمد لله الذي أطعمني هذا الطعام ورزقنيه من غير حول مني ولا قوة

Al-Hamdulillaah allathi at ’amani haadhatta’aama wa razaqanihi min ghairi hawlin minni wa la quwwatin

‘Praise be to Allaah Who has fed me with this food and provided me with it through no might and power on my part,’

he will be forgiven his former sins.” [Abu Dawoud no. 4023 and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Hasan]

This is a confession of incapacity (helplessness), shortcoming and the inability of obtaining this food: rather, it is Allaah Who is providing His servants out of His Graciousness, and Allaah is the Owner of great Bounty.” [Al-‘Ilm Al-Hayyib]

c – At the time of seeing what pleases the person and what he dislikes 

It was narrated that ‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) said: “When the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saw something he liked, he would say:

الحمد لله الذي بنعمته تتم الصالحات

Al-Hamdulillaah allathi bi ni’matihi tatimmus-saalihaat

 ‘Praise be to Allaah by Whose Grace good deeds are completed.’

And if he saw something that he disliked, he would say:

الحمد لله علي كل حال

Al-Hamdulillaah ‘ala kulli haal

 ‘Praise is to Allaah in all circumstances.’”

[Ibn Majah no. 3803 and authenticated by Al-Albaani]

This Hadeeth indicates that the slave should praise Allaah (Ta’ala) in all situations; in the state of prosperity and adversity.

His statement, “Bi ni’matihi (by Whose Grace or blessing)” means the special grace which is seeing that which brings joy to the person, and seeing that one likes and pleases him is a blessing. Therefore, he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “By Whose Grace good deeds are completed” and this includes everything good of this world and the Hereafter.

However, when one sees something that he dislikes, he should say: “All praise is to Allaah in all circumstances” i.e. in adversity and prosperity, joy and sadness, poverty and richness, good health and sickness, and all states, actions, and times. In his first statement, he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) particularized Al-Hamd (the praise) for a specific thing and in the second statement he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) generalized it according to the situation.” [Al-‘Ilm al-Hayyib]

d – When waking up from sleep

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘aalyhi wa sallam) said: “When one of you gets up from sleep, let him say:

الحمد الله الذي عافاني في جسدي ورد علي روحي وأذن لي بذكره

Al-Hamdulillaahi allathi ‘aafaanee fee jasadee wa radda ‘alayya roohee wa ‘athina lee bithikrihi.

‘Praise be to Allaah Who gave strength to my body and returned my soul to me and permitted me to remember Him.’”

[Authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh Al-Jami’e no. 716]

Hudhaifah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “When the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) went to bed at night, he would put his hand under his cheek and then say:

اللهم باسمك أموت وأحيا

 Allaahumma bismika amutu wa ahya.

‘O Allaah, with Your Name I die and live.’

 and when he got up, he would say:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ

Al-Hamdulillaah allathi ahyaana ba’da maa amaatana wa ilaihi an-nushur.

‘All thanks and praises be to Allaah, Who has given us life after causing us to die (i.e. sleep); and unto Him is the Resurrection’”

[Al-Bukhaari no. 6314]

e – When seeing an afflicted person

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever sees an afflicted person, then says:

الحمد لله الذي عافانا مما ابتلاك به وفضلني على كثير ممن خلق تفضيلا
Al-Hamdulillaahi allathi ‘aafaana mimmabtalaaka bihi wa faddalani ‘ala kathirin mimman khalaqa tafdeela

‘All praise is due to Allaah Who saved me from that which He has afflicted you with and blessed me greatly over many of those whom He has created.’

he shall not be struck by that affliction.”

e – When seeing an afflicted person

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever sees an afflicted person, then says:

الحمد لله الذي عافانا مما ابتلاك به وفضلني على كثير ممن خلق تفضيلا
Al-Hamdulillaahi allathi ‘aafaana mimmabtalaaka bihi wa faddalani ‘ala kathirin mimman khalaqa tafdeela

‘All praise is due to Allaah Who saved me from that which He has afflicted you with and blessed me greatly over many of those whom He has created.’

he shall not be struck by that affliction.”

[At-Tirmidhi no. 3432 and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh]

f – When sneezing

Anas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When Allaah blew the soul in Adam and the soul reached his head, he (Adam) sneezed and he said:

الحمد لله رب العالمين

Al-Hamdulillaahi Rabbil ‘Alameen

 ‘All praise is due to Allaah the Lord of ‘Alameen (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).’

Allaah (Ta’ala) then said to him:

يرحمك الله
Yarhamuk Allaah

‘May Allaah show mercy to you.’”

[Authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh Mawaarid Adh-Dham’an no. 1746]

Mu’adh ibn Rifa’ah narrated that his father Rifa’ah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “I prayed behind Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). I sneezed and said:

الحمدلله حمداً كثيراً طيِّباً مُبارَكاً فيهِ مُبارَكاً عليه كما يحب ربُّنا ويرضى

‘Al-Hamdulillaah hamdan kathiran tayyiban mubaarakan fih, mubaarakan alaihi kama yuhibbu Rabbuna wa yarda (All praise is due to Allaah, many good blessed praises, blessings for Him as our Lord loves and is pleased with).’ When Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prayed and turned (after finishing) he said: ‘Who was the speaker during the Salaat?’ No one spoke. Then he said it a second time: ‘Who was the speaker during the Salaat?’ But no one spoke. Then he said it a third time: ‘Who was the speaker during the Salaat?’ So Rifa’ah ibn Rafi ibn ‘Afra said: ‘It was I, O Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).’ He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘What did you say?’ He said: ‘I said: Al-Hamdulillaah Hamdan kathiran tayyiban mubaarakan fih, mubaarkan alaihi kama yuhibbu Rabbuna wa yarda.’ The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘By the One in Whose Hand is my soul! I saw thirty-some angels competing over which of them would ascend with it.’” [At-Tirmidhi no. 404 and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Hasan]

g – In the morning and evening

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When one of you has reached the morning, let him say three times:

أَصْبَحْتُ أُثْنِيَ عَلَيْكَ حَمْدًا، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ 

Asbahtu Uthnee ‘alayka hamdan wa ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illa Allaah.

‘I have reached the morning while I praise You and testify that there is none who deserves to be worshipped except Allaah.’

And let him say the same words when he reaches the evening.” [An-Nasaa’i in ‘Amal al-yawm wallaylah and authenticated by Shaikh Al-Waadi’i in As-Saheeh Al-Musnad mimma laysa fis-Saheehain no. 1320]

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to a man: “How have you reached the morning O so-and-so?” The man said: “Ahmadu Allaah ‘ilayka (I praise Allaah to you), O Messenger of Allaah!” The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “This is what I wanted to hear from you.” [Reported by At-Tabarani no. 4377 and authenticated by Al-Albaani in As-Saheeha no. 2952 and graded Hasan]

Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr (Rahimahullaah) said: “In this Hadeeth is an indication and that is an acted Sunnah in asking a person about his state to praise Allaah. This is because the one who is asked about his state is never void of a blessing from Allaah; a hidden or apparent blessing, good health, diversion of a calamity, removal of a distress, relief from a grief, a provision that he is provided with, or a good that was bestowed upon him, whether he remembered that or forgot it. Therefore, whenever he is asked about his state, let him praise Allaah and due to Him is all the praise in all states, La ilaaha illa Huwa (none deserves to be worshipped except Him), the Most Great, the Most High.” [Al-Istidhkaar]

h – When rising from Ruku’ (bowing)

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that when the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) raised his head after bowing, he said:

ربَّنا لك الحمدُ، مِلْءَ السَّمواتِ والأرضِ، ومِلْءَ ما شِئتَ مِن شيءٍ بعدُ، أهلَ الثَّناءِ والمجدِ، أحقُّ ما قال العبدُ، وكلُّنا لك عبدٌ، اللهمَّ لا مانعَ لِما أعطَيتَ، ولا مُعطيَ لِما منَعتَ، ولا ينفَعُ ذا الجَدِّ منك الجَدُّ

“Our Lord, to You be the praise that would fill all the heavens and earth and all that pleases You besides (them). O, You Who are worthy of praise and glory, most worthy of what a servant says, and we are all Your servants. O Allaah, none can withhold what You give or give what You withhold, and riches cannot avail a wealthy person against You.” [Muslim no. 477]

His statement, “You are worthy of praise and glory,” means the servants are unable to praise Him as much as He deserves or enumerate the praises upon Him; rather, He is as He praised His Noble Self. [Majmoo’ Al-Fatawa by Ibn Taymiyah]

His statement “Most worthy of what a servant says” means Hamd-Allaah (praise of Allaah) is the most truthful statement which the slave says, and any statement is most truthful when it is its best and most obligatory upon the slave to say it. [Majmoo’ Al-Fatawa by Ibn Taymiyah]

“For Him is all the praise in all states” because He does not do except that which is good and benevolent which He deserves the praise for, even if the slaves do not know. [Ibid]

His statement “No one can withhold what You give or give what You withhold, and riches cannot avail a wealthy person against You” is a confession of His Oneness and that all the blessings are from Him only, and this includes the following matters:

First: He is singled out with giving and withholding. Therefore, no one is sought except Him and no one should be asked except Him.

Second: If He gives, no one is able to withhold it from the one to whom it is given and if He withholds, no one is able to give it to the one it is withheld from.

Third: Nothing avails Him and nothing helps against His punishment, and nothing brings one close to His majesty. The riches of the sons of Adam and their kingdom, position, status, good life, etc. will benefit them only if they use that in obedience to Him, preferring His pleasure.

i – After Takbeeratul-Ihraam

Ibn ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) reported: While we said prayer with the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), one among the people said:

الله أكبر كبيراً ، والحمد لله كثيراً ، وسبحان الله بكرة وأصيلاً

“Allaah is truly Great, praise be to Allaah in abundance. Glory be to Allaah in the morning and the evening.” The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Who uttered such and such word?” A person among the people said: “It is I, Messenger of Allaah (who has recited these words).” He said: “It (its utterance) surprised me, for the doors of the heavens were opened for it.” Ibn ‘Umar said: “I have not abandoned them (these words) since I heard the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying this.” [Muslim no. 601]

Anas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that a man came panting and entered the row of worshippers and said:

الحمد لله حمدا كثيرا طيبا مباركا فيه

“Praise be to Allaah, many good and blessed praises.”

 When the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) finished the prayer he said, “Who amongst you uttered these words?” The people remained silent. He [the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] again said: “Who amongst you uttered these words? He said nothing wrong.” Then a man said, “I came and had a difficulty in breathing, so I uttered them.” He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied, “I saw twelve angels racing one another as to who will take them up (to Allaah).” [Muslim no. 600]

The angels were racing one another to take these words to the Most High, the Most Great, because of their grandeur and magnificence (and great value).

j – At the time of Sahar (pre-Dawn)

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that when Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) set out on a journey in the morning, he used to say:

سمَّعَ سامعٌ بحمدالله وحُسنِ بلائِهِ علينا، ربَّنا صاحِبْنا وأفْضِل علينا، عائِذاً بالله من النار

“A listener listened to our praising Allaah (for) His goodly trial of us. Our Lord! Accompany us, guard us, and bestow upon us Your grace. I am a seeker of refuge in Allaah from the Fire.” [Muslim no. 2718]  

His statement “A listener listened” that a witness witnessed our praise for Allaah for His bounties and goodly trials.

His statement “His goodly trial of us” trial means His blessing. And Allaah tries His servants once with harm to show patience, and other times with joyful events to show gratitude. Accordingly, the afflictions and favors are all considered trials; to test people. However, the favors are of the greatest of the two trials, especially for those who are perfect. This is because the favors required to fulfil the rights of gratitude are most difficult, higher, and more virtuous than establishing the rights of patience. ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) turned to this meaning in his statement: “We were tested along with the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) by adversity, so we were patient, then we were tested after him with prosperity, but we were not patient.” [At-Tirmidhi no. 2464 and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh]

“His statement ‘Our Lord, accompany us’ means companionship with care and protection. He drew the attention by this statement to good reliance on Allaah (Ta’ala) and being satisfied only with Him and not any companion other than Him.” [Al-Muyassar fee Sharh Masabeeh As-Sunnah]

“His statement ‘Our Lord! Bestow upon us Your Grace’ i.e. do good to us. It signifies that in addition to what he mentioned of Allaah’s favor upon him- by His good trial to him- he is not independent of His graciousness; rather, he is in dire need of Him more than anyone among people. This is because as one’s dependency on Allaah is more thus his need of Him intensifies.” [Al-Muyassar fee Sharh Masabeeh As-Sunnah]

k – At Sunrise

‘Amr ibn ‘Absah as-Sulami (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When the sun rises high, nothing of Allaah’s creation remains except they glorify the praises of Allaah, excluding the devils and the evilest sons of Adam.” I asked about the evilest sons of Adam. He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “They are the worst of creation” or he said “worst creation of Allaah”.” [Al-Silsilah As-Saheeha no. 2224 and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Hasan]

In another narration by At-Tabarani, he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When the sun rises high, nothing of Allaah’s creation remains but glorifies Allaah’s praises, except the devils and the foolish (the unintelligent) among the sons of Adam.” [Saheeh Al-Jami’e no. 5599]

l – When losing an offspring

Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When a child of the slave (of Allaah) dies, Allaah says to the Angels: ‘Have you taken the fruits of his heart?’ They reply: ‘Yes.’ So He says: ‘What did My slave say?’ They reply: ‘He praised you and mentioned that to You is the return.’ So Allaah says: ‘Build a house in Paradise for My slave and name it The House of Praise.’” [At-Tirmidhi and authenticated by Al-Albaani no. 1021 and graded Hasan]

This is the state of the believer as the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: that Allaah says: “Verily, My believing slave is with Me in a state of every good. He praises Me while I am taking his soul from his sides (of body).” [Saheeh Al-Jami’e no. 1910] 

m – When riding a mount

‘Ali ibn Rabi’ah said: “I witnessed ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) having an animal brought to him to ride. When he placed his foot in the stirrup he said: ‘In the Name of Allaah’ (Bismillaah). Then, once he had ascended upon its back, he said: ‘All praise is due to Allaah’ (Al-Hamdulillaah). Then he said:

سبحان الذي سخَّر لنا هذا وما كنَّا له مقرنين، وإنَّا إلى ربنا لمنقلبون

‘Glory is to Him Who has subjected this to us and we were not able to do it. And surely, to our Lord we are returning.’ (Subhaan alladhi sakh-khara lana hadha wa maa kunna lahu muqrinin. Wa inna ilaa rabbina lamunqalibun).

Then he said: ‘All praise is due to Allaah’ (Al-Hamdulillaah) [three times] and ‘Allaah is the Greatest’ (Allaahu Akbar) [three times]. Then he said:

سبحانك إنِّي ظلمتُ نفسي فاغْفِر لي فإنَّهُ لا يغفر الذنوب إلاَّ أنت

‘Glory is to You, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me, for indeed none forgives sins except You,’ (Subhaanaka inni thalamtu nafsi fagh-firli fa innahu la yagh-firudh-dhunuba illa ant). Then he laughed. So, I said: ‘O Commander of the Believers! What caused you to laugh?’ He said: ‘I saw the Messenger of Allaah do as I did, then he laughed, so I said: ‘What causes you to laugh?’ He said: ‘Indeed your Lord is very pleased with His worshipper when he says: ‘O my Lord, forgive my sins, indeed no one other than You forgives sins.’” [Abu Dawoud no. 2602 and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh]

This indicates the great status of this Dua’a with Allaah.

n – After finishing the obligatory prayers

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) as saying: “If anyone extols Allaah after every prayer thirty-three times and praises Allaah thirty-three times and declares His greatness thirty-three times, ninety-nine times in all, and says to complete a hundred, ‘There is no god but Allaah, having no partner with Him, to Him belongs sovereignty and to Him all praise is due and He is omnipotent over everything,’ his sins will be forgiven even if these are as abundant as the foam of the sea.” [Muslim 597a]

Ka’ab ibn ‘Ujra (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) as saying: “There are certain exaltations, the repeaters of which or the performers of which after every prescribed prayer will never be caused disappointment: ‘Glory be to Allaah’ thirty-three times, ‘Praise be to Allaah’ thirty-three times and ‘Allaah is the Most Great’ thirty-four times.” [Muslim]

It was narrated that Zaid ibn Thabit (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “They were commanded to say the Tasbih thirty-three times following the prayer and to say Tahmid thirty-three times and to say the Takbir thirty-four times. Then a man from among the Ansaar was told in a dream, ‘Did the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) command you to say the Tasbih thirty-three times following the prayer and to say the Tahmid thirty-three times and to say the Takbir thirty-four times?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ ‘Instead of that, say each one twenty-five times and include the Tahlil among them.’ The next morning, he came to the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and told him about that and he said: ‘Do that.’” [An-Nasaa’i no. 1349 and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh]

Let the mindful reader contemplate the following narrations:

1. Salman (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “A man said:  الحمد لله كثيراً (All praise to Allaah profusely) so the angels could not write it for its greatness, and he (the angel) consulted his Lord regarding it. He was told: ‘Write it down as my slave said it:  كثيراً (profusely).’” [At-Tabarani and authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh At-Targheeb no. 1577]

• Abu Sa’eed and Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Verily Allaah has chosen four words from all speech:

 سبحان الله، والحمد لله، ولا إله إلا الله، والله أكبر

Subhaan-Allaah, wa Al-Hamdulillaah, wa Laa ilaaha illa Allaah, wa Allaahu Akbar

‘Glory be to Allaah and He is High above every imperfection, All praise and thanks are for Allaah alone, and there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah, and Allaah is Greater than everything.’”

Therefore, whoever says “Subhaan Allaah” twenty good deeds will be recorded for him and twenty sins will be removed from him. And whoever says “Allaahu-Akbar” will get the same. And whoever says “La ilaaha illa-Allaah” will get the same. And whoever says “Al-Hamdulillaah Rabbil-‘Alameen” (All praise and thanks are for Allaah alone, the Lord of all the world) from his heart, thirty good deeds will be recorded for him and thirty sins will be dropped from him.” [Reported by Al-Haakim and authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh Al-Jami’e no. 1718 and graded Saheeh]

The word “Al-Hamdulillaah” is a great and sublime word with abundant benefits, having great virtues and abundant rewards. Allaah has given of His graciousness and generosity this great estimate (valuation) for the person who utters this little statement, which one can say in all states and times without difficulty, or any effort or spending of wealth.

It was narrated that Abu Umamah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saw me moving my lips and he said to me: “What are you saying O Abu Umamah?” I said: “I am remembering Allaah, O Messenger of Allaah.” He said: “Shall I not tell you something better or greater than your Dhikr of night and day or day and night? You should say:

 الحمد لله عدَدَ ما خلق ، الحمد لله ملءَ ما خلق ، الحمد لله عدد ما في السماوات والأرض ، الحمد لله عدد ما أحصى كتابُه ، والحمد لله على ما أحصى كتابُه ، والحمد لله عدَدَ كل شيء ، والحمد لله ملءَ كل شيء

‘All praise is due to Allaah the number of what He has created. All praise be to Allaah filling what He has created. All praise be to Allaah the number of what is in the earth and heavens. All praise be to Allaah the number of what is written in His book. All praise be to Allaah for what is written in His Book. All praise be to Allaah the number of everything, all praise be to Allaah filling all things.’

And say ‘Subhaan-Allaah’ likewise. You learn them and teach them to those who come after you.” [Saheeh Al-Jami’e no. 2615]

Whoever looks considerably in this Dhikr will increase in hope of attaining great goodness and abundant reward, and the majestic gift and beautiful bounty.

“All praise and thanks are to Allaah, for giving the servants their interests and benefits more than what they ask for and higher than what they wish. He has given them all of what they asked for, we are unable to count the praises due to Him, rather He is as He praised Himself.” [Tayseer Al-Kareem] The greatest of Allaah’s favors that deserves to be praised and thanked for is the blessing of Islam. It is the true great blessing that He has bestowed upon His servants. Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Al-Maa’idah [5:3]:

الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا 

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) went to a circle (gathering) in the mosque and said: “What makes you sit here?” They said: “We are sitting here in order to remember Allaah.” He said: “I adjure you by Allaah (to tell me whether you are sitting here for this very purpose).” They said: “By Allaah we are sitting here for this very purpose.” Thereupon he said: “I have not demanded you to take an oath because of any allegation against you and none of my rank in the eye of Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is the narrator of so few Ahaadith as I am. The fact is that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) went out to a circle of his Companions and said: “What makes you sit?” They said: “We are sitting here in order to remember Allaah and to praise Him for He guided us to the path of Islam and He conferred favors upon us.” Thereupon he adjured by Allaah and asked if that was the only purpose of their sitting there. They said: “By Allaah we are not sitting here but for this very purpose.” Whereupon he [the Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] said: “I am not asking you to take an oath because of any allegation against you but for the fact that Gabriel came to me and informed me that Allaah, the Exalted and Glorious, was talking to the angels about your magnificence.” [Muslim no. 2701]

Those Companions were sitting praising Allaah by remembering His Attributes and blessings and overpraising Him for that, remembering the merits of Islam, confessing the great bounty of Allaah upon them for guiding them to it and conferring it upon them. [Miftaah Daarus-Sa’dah by Ibn Al-Qayyim]

“Whoever attained a share of the religion of Islam, then he has attained a great bounty (grace) and Allaah’s blessings have been magnified for him. He (the person) needs to give thanks for this blessing and ask Allaah to keep it continuous and keep him firm upon it till he dies. In this way, the favor and blessings of Allaah will be completed for him.” [Lataa’if al-Ma’arif by Ibn Rajab]

“All praise to Allaah Who has particularized us with this mercy and bestowed upon us this blessing and granted us these abundant virtues.” [Lataa’if Al-Ma’arif by Ibn Rajab p.180]

All praise to Allaah Who guided us to Islam and never would we have been guided were it not that Allaah guided us!

O Owner of Majesty and Honor, as You have guided us to Islam, we ask You to not remove it from us and make us die upon Islam. [Mawaarid Al-Amaan p.469]