Subbuhun Quddusun Rabbul-Mala’ikati War-ruh Meaning & Arabic

“Subbuhun Quddusun” is a dua recited in the positions of bowing (ruku) and prostration (sujud) during prayer. This zikr declares Allah’s freedom from all imperfections and ffirms His Ruboobeeyah (Lordship) and Divine Authority.

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Subbuhun Quddusun in Arabic

The full dua is written in Arabic as:

سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ، رَبُّ الْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالرُّوحِ

Transliteration

Subboohun Quddoosun, Rabbul-Malā’ikati war-Rooh.

Subbuhun Quddusun Rabbul-Mala’ikati War-ruh Meaning in English

Subboohun Quddoosun means O How Perfect You are, Most Pure (free of any defects), Lord of the Angels and the Spirit.

Subboohun Quddoosun Rabbul-Malaaikati war- Rooh also translates as You are the Most Glorious, the Most Holy, the Lord of the angels and of the Rooh) that is, You are the Most Glorious and the Most Holy.

These are intense words to negate any imperfection. He, the Mighty and The most High – is the Most Glorious and the Most Holy, Lord of the angels, who are His army, the Mighty and Sublime; they are creatures that we do not see.

As for the Rooh, this is Jibreel and he is the best of the angels.

Text of The Hadith

On the authority of A’ishah (رضى الله عنها), who said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say – in his bowing and his prostration: O How Perfect You are, Most Pure (free of any defects), Lord of the Angels and the Spirit.
[Reported by Muslim 487, Abu Dawood 872]

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) declaration, “Subboohun Quddoosun” (O How Perfect You are, Most Pure), glorifies Allah and acknowledges His freedom from all defects and shortcomings.

This phrase highlights Allah’s uniqueness and perfection, emphasizing that no created being can resemble Him in any way exclusive to Him.

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) additional phrase, “Rabbul Mala’ikati war-Rooh” (Lord of the Angels and the Spirit), affirms Allah’s lordship over the angels, with a special mention of Jibreel (Alaihis-Salam), the Trustworthy Spirit.

Jibreel, the best and leader of the angels, was responsible for descending upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) with revelations, as stated in Surah Shu’ara’, Verses 192-195.

He is called “Rooh” (Spirit) because he brought life-giving guidance to the hearts through his revelations.

This dua showcases Allah’s perfection, lordship, and the vital role of Jibreel in delivering divine revelations, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and glorifying Allah’s unique attributes.

Benefits

Acknowledges Allah’s perfection and lordship
Expresses humility and submission
Pleases Allah and earns rewards
Strengthens faith and devotion

Reciting this dua in ruku and sujud is a powerful way to connect with Allah, affirm His divine authority, and cultivate a deeper sense of humility and gratitude.