Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem Meaning, Hadith and Arabic
“Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” is a sacred dua recited while bowing (ruku) in prayer. This zikr declares Allah’s freedom from all imperfections and affirms His Supremacy and Highness.
Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem in Arabic
The Arabic text is:
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ
Transliteration: Subhana Rabbiyal-’Adheem
Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem Meaning in English
Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem means Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great. It means glorifying the One Who possesses ultimate greatness. The meaning of al-‘Azeem (the Most Great) is the One Who is possessed of ultimate greatness.
When saying “Subhan Allah” (Glory be to Allah), you declare Allah’s transcendence above any imperfections or faults.
“Al-‘Azim” (the Most Great) signifies the ultimate greatness that belongs exclusively to Allah.
According to Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin, bowing (ruku) is a physical expression of glorification, while reciting “Subhana Rabbiy al-‘Azim” (Glory be to my Lord the Most Great) is a verbal declaration of Allah’s greatness.
To fully glorify Allah, one must also engage their heart with presence of mind.
In ruku, focus on the meaning of the Tasbeeh, acknowledging Allah’s purity and perfection.
Maintain a straight back and gaze between your feet, humbling yourself before Allah, the sole worthy recipient of worship.
Recognize Allah’s limitless greatness, beyond human comprehension or description, surpassing all creation’s collective efforts to grasp His majesty.
READ ALSO: Subbuhun Quddusun Rabbul-Mala’ikati War-ruh Meaning & Arabic
Text of the Hadeeth
On the authority of Hudhaifah (رضي الله عنه), who said: I performed prayer with the Prophet (ﷺ) one night and he (ﷺ) opened his recitation with (the chapter entitled) al-Baqarah [The second chapter of the Qur’an].
I said (to myself): perhaps he (ﷺ) will bow in Rukoo’ after one hundred (verses); then, he continued, so I said (to myself): perhaps, he will perform the whole prayer with it (i.e. Soorah al-Baqarah). Then, he (ﷺ) continued, so I said: Perhaps he will perform one Rak’ah with it (i.e. Soorah al-Baqarah).
Then, he (ﷺ) began to recite (the chapter entitled) an-Nisa [The forth chapter of the Qur’an], so he read it (in its entirety). Then, he (ﷺ) began to recite (the chapter entitled) Ali Imran [The third chapter of the Qur’an], so he read it (in its entirety).
And he was reciting it Mutarassilan (leisurely). Whenever he came across a verse containing Tasbeeh, he would declare Allah to be free from Imperfections (i.e. saying: SubhanAllah); and whenever he came across a request, he would make that request (from Allah); and whenever he came across something to seek refuge from, he would seek refuge (with Allah) from it.
After all of this he (ﷺ) bowed in Rukoo’ and began saying: ‘Subhana Rabbiyal-Adheem’ [I declare my Rabb, the Supreme, to be free from all imperfections]. So, his bowing in Rukoo’ was similar (in length) to his standing in Qiyam.
Then, he (ﷺ) said: ‘Sami’Allahu li-man Hamidah(u)’ [Allah responds to one who praises Him]. Then, he stood for a long standing, nearly as long as his bowing in Rukoo’.
Then, he (ﷺ) prostrated in Sajdah and said: ‘Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la’ [I declare my Rabb, the Most High, to be free from all imperfections]. So, his prostration in Sajdah was nearly as long as his standing in Qiyam.
[Reported by Imam Muslim in his ‘Saheeh’ (collection of Hadeeth), no. 772]
Hadith #2
It was narrated that Hudhaifah said: “I prayed with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he bowed and said when bowing: ‘Subhana Rabbial-azim (Glory be to my Lord Almighty).’ And when prostrating: ‘Subhana Rabbial-‘Ala (Glory be to my Lord Most High).’”
Source: Sunan an-Nasa’i 1046
Hadith #3
Hudhaifah narrated that: he performed Salat with the Prophet, and that while he was bowing he would say: (Subhana Rabbiyal Azim); “Glorious is my Lord the Magnificent” and while prostrating: (Subhana Rabbiyal A’la) ‘Glorious is my Lord the Most High.’
And he would not recite an Ayah mentioning mercy, except that he would stop and ask (for mercy), and he would not recite an Ayah mentioning punishment, except that he would stop and seek refuge (with Allah from it).
Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 262
This Hadith establishes the Islamic guideline for reciting “Subhāna Rabbiyal-Adheem” (I declare my Rabb, the Supreme, to be free from all imperfections) during bowing (Rukoo’).
Ibn ul-Qayyim (رحمه الله) explained that while in a state of humility and submission, one should acknowledge Allah’s greatness and majesty, emphasizing His supremacy and perfection.
The most excellent phrase to utter in Rukoo’ is indeed “Subhana Rabbiyal-Adheem”, as it is a command from Allah, relayed through the Prophet (ﷺ), to glorify Him with these specific words.
This phrase is a declaration of Allah’s freedom from imperfections, as stated in Surah al-Waqi’ah, Verse 74: “Then, glorify (with praises) the Name of your Lord, the Supreme.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed reciting this phrase during bowing, emphasizing its significance in this specific position. [Kitab as-Salah, by Ibn ul-Qayyim (Rahimahullah), pg. 176]
Benefits
- Acknowledges Allah’s perfection and supremacy
- Expresses humility and submission
- Pleases Allah and earns rewards
- Strengthens faith and devotion
Reciting this dua in ruku is a powerful way to connect with Allah, affirm His greatness, and cultivate a deeper sense of humility and gratitude.
