Subhana Zil Jabarut Wal Malakuti Meaning and Arabic Text

“Subhana zil jabarut wal malakuti” is a sacred dua recited in the positions of bowing (ruku) and prostration (sujud) during prayer. This zikr declares Allah’s freedom from all imperfections and affirms His Supremacy, Sovereignty, Greatness, and Majesty.

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Subhana Zil Jabarut Wal Malakuti in Arabic

Here is the full dua in Arabic:

سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْجَبَرُوتِ، وَالْمَلَكُوتِ، وَالْكِبْرِيَاءِ، وَالْعَظَمَةِ

Transliteration

Subhana Dhil-Jabaroot, wal-Malakoot, wal-Kibriya’, wal-’Adhamah.

Subhana Zil Jabarut Wal Malakuti Meaning in English

Subhana zil jabarut wal malakut means O How Perfect You are, Owner of Absolute Power, Sovereignty, Greatness and Majesty.

Text of the Hadeeth

On the authority of ‘Awf ibn Malik al-Ashja’ee (رضي الله عنه), who said: I stood up to perform prayer with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) one night.

So, he stood up and recited Soorah al-Baqarah [The second chapter of the Qur’an], and he did not pass by any verse mentioning Rahmah (mercy) except that he paused and asked (for Allah’s mercy); nor did he pass by any verse mentioning ‘Adhab (punishment) except that he paused and sought refuge (in Allah, from His punishment).

Then, he (ﷺ) bowed the length of his standing in Qiyam, saying in his bowing: Subhana Dhil-Jabaroot wal-Malakoot wal-Kibriya’ wal-’Adhamah [O How Perfect You are, Owner of Absolute Power, Sovereignty, Greatness and Majesty]. Then, he prostrated the length of his standing.

Then, he said in his prostration the like of what he said in his bowing (i.e. Subhāna Dhil-Jabaroot wal-Malakoot wal-Kibriya’ wal-‘Adhamah). Then, he (ﷺ) stood up (in Qiyam) and recited Ali Imran [The third chapter of the Qur’an], then he recited one soorah (chapter) after another.
[Reported by Abu Dawood, no. 873 and an-Nasa’i, no. 1132. al-Albani (Rahimahullah) declared it to be Saheeh (authentic) in Saheeh Abu Dawood, no. 776]

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) declaration, “O How Perfect You are, Owner of Absolute Power and Sovereignty…” signifies that Allah is flawless and purified from all imperfections.

The terms “al-Jabaroot” (Absolute Power) and “al-Malakoot” (Sovereignty) encompass the same meanings as Allah’s names and characteristics, such as “al-Malik” (Sovereign, King) and “al-Jabbar” (Omnipotent, Almighty).

In Surah Ya-Seen, Verse 83, Allah affirms His perfection and sovereignty: “O How Perfect is He (and exalted above all that they associate with Him), in Whose Hands is the sovereignty over all things: and to Him you shall all be returned (on the Day of Resurrection).”

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) addition, “wal-Kibri’a’ wal ‘Adhamah” (Greatness and Majesty), attributes these two characteristics exclusively to Allah, emphasizing His unparalleled grandeur and majesty.

These characteristics are closely related and unique to Allah, the Exalted, and cannot be attributed to anyone else.

Benefits

Acknowledges Allah’s perfection and greatness
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 supremacy, and cultivate a deeper sense of humility and gratitude.