Hadith 1408
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "كلمتان خفيفتان على اللسان، ثقيلتان في الميزان، حبيبتان إلى الرحمن: سبحان الله وبحمده، سبحان الله العظيم" ((متفق عليه)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "There are two statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the Merciful: 'Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil-Azim [Glory be to Allah and His is the praise, (and) Allah, the Greatest is free from imperfection]'." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Two short phrases are easy to say yet weigh heavily in the Scales and are dear to Allah: glory be to Allah and praise be to Him, and glory be to Allah the Greatest. Small words can carry great reward.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1408 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 1
Hadith 1409
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعنه رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: لأن أقول: سبحان الله، والحمد لله، ولا إله إلا الله، والله أكبر، أحب إلي مما طلعت عليه الشمس” ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The uttering of the words: "Subhan-Allah (Allah is free from imperfection), Al-hamdu lillah (all praise is due to Allah), La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah) and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)' is dearer to me than anything over which the sun rises." [Muslim].
In plain words
Saying glory be to Allah, all praise to Allah, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is Greatest is described as dearer to him than everything the sun rises upon. These remembrances outweigh all worldly things.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1409 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 2
Hadith 1410
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "من قال لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك، وله الحمد، وهو على كل شيء قدير، في يوم مائة مرة كانت له عدل عشر رقاب وكتبت له مائة حسنة، ومحيت عنه مائة سيئة، وكانت له حرزًا من الشيطان يومه ذلك حتى يمسي، ولم يأتِ أحد بأفضل مما جاء به إلا رجل عمل أكثر منه" وقال: "من قال سبحان الله وبحمده، في يوم مائة مرة حطت عنه خطاياه وإن كانت مثل زبد البحر" ((متفق عليه)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who utters a hundred times in a day these words: 'La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'ala kulli sha'in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him; His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent),' he will have a reward equivalent to that for emancipating ten slaves, a hundred good deeds will be recorded to his credit, hundred of his sins will be blotted out from his scroll, and he will be safeguarded against the devil on that day till the evening; and no one will exceed him in doing more excellent good deeds except someone who has recited these words more often than him. And he who utters: 'Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise)' one hundred times a day, his sins will be obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the ocean." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Saying the declaration of Allah's oneness a hundred times in a day carries great reward, recorded good deeds, erased sins, and protection from the devil that day. And saying glory and praise to Allah a hundred times wipes away sins however many they are. These light phrases bring immense mercy.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1410 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 3
Hadith 1411
Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي أيوب الأنصاري رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "من قال لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد، وهو على كل شيء قدير، عشر مرات، كان كمن أعتق أربعة أنفس من ولد إسماعيل" ((متفق عليه)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "He who utters ten times: 'La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahulmulku wa lahulhamdu, wa Huwa 'ala kulli sha'in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent),' he will have a reward equal to that for freeing four slaves from the progeny of Prophet Isma'il." [Al- Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Saying the words of Allah's oneness ten times carries a great reward. Even a small, repeated remembrance is richly valued.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1411 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 4
Hadith 1412
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي ذر رضي الله عنه قال: قال لي رسول صلى الله عليه وسلم: "ألا أخبرك بأحب الكلام إلى الله؟ إن أحب الكلام إلى الله: سبحان الله وبحمده" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me, "Shall I tell you the expression that is most loved by Allah?" It is 'Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi' (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise)'." [Muslim].
In plain words
Asked for the phrase most loved by Allah, he gave: glory be to Allah and praise be to Him. A simple line, yet beloved to the One who made us.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1412 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 5
Hadith 1413
Abu Malik Al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي مالك الأشعري رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "الطهور شطر الإيمان، والحمد لله تملأ الميزان، وسبحان الله، والحمد لله تملآن -أو تملأ- ما بين السماوات والأرض" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Purity is half of iman (faith). ‘Al-hamdu lillah (all praise and gratitude belong to Allah)’ fills the scales, and ‘subhan-Allah (how far is Allah from every imperfection) and ‘Al-hamdulillah (all praise and gratitude belong to Allah)’ fill that which is between heaven and earth." [Muslim].
In plain words
Cleanliness is half of faith; saying all praise to Allah fills the Scales, and glory and praise to Allah fill the space between heaven and earth. It shows how heavy sincere praise weighs.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1413 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 6
Hadith 1414
Sa'd bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن سعد بن أبي وقاص رضي الله عنه قال: جاء أعرابي إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: علمني كلامًا أقوله. قال: "قل لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، الله أكبر كبيرا والحمد لله كثيرا وسبحان الله رب العالمين، ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله العزيز الحكيم” قال فهؤلاء لربي، فما لي؟ قال: "قل اللهم اغفر لي، وارحمني، واهدني، وارزقني" ((رواه مسلم)).
A bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said to him, "Teach me a few words to recite frequently." He (ﷺ) said, "Say: "La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu; Allahu Akbar kabiran, wal-hamdu lillahi kathiran, wa subhan-Allahi Rabbil-'alamin; wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahil-'Azizil-Hakim (there is no true god except Allah the One and He has no partner with Him; Allah is the Greatest and greatness is for Him. All praise is due to Him. Allah, the Rubb of the worlds is free from imperfection; there is no might and power but that of Allah, the All-Powerful and the All-Wise.)"' The bedouin said: "All of these for my Rubb. But what is for me?" Thereupon he (Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)) said, "You should say: 'Allahummaghfir li, warhamni, wahdini, warzuqni (O Allah! Grant me pardon, have mercy upon me, direct me to righteousness and provide me subsistence)'." [Muslim].
In plain words
A man asked for words to recite often. The Prophet taught him phrases glorifying and praising Allah, then added a personal supplication for forgiveness, mercy, guidance, and provision. We are taught both to praise Allah and to ask for our own needs.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1414 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 7
Hadith 1415
Thauban (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن ثوبان رضي الله عنه قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إذا انصرف من صلاته استغفر ثلاثا ، وقال : " اللهم أنت السلام ومنك السلام تباركت يا ذا الجلال والإكرام “ قيل للأوزاعي ، وهو أحد رواة الحديث : كيف الاستغفار ؟ قال : يقول : أستغفر الله أستغفر الله " ((رواه مسلم)).
Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) concluded his prayer, he would beg forgiveness from Allah thrice and then would recite: "Allahumma Antas- Salamu, wa minkas-salamu, tabarakta ya Dhal-Jalali wal-Ikram (O Allah, You are the Grantor of security, and security comes from You. You are Blessing, O You Who have majesty and nobility)!" (Imam) Al-Awza'i, one of the narrators of this Hadith, was asked: "How forgiveness is to be sought?" He answered: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say: 'Astaghfirullah! Astaghfirullah! (I beseech Allah for forgiveness, I beseech Allah for forgiveness)'." [Muslim].
In plain words
After prayer the Prophet would seek forgiveness three times, then say a short remembrance acknowledging Allah as the source of peace. It models how to close the prayer with humility.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1415 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 8
Hadith 1416
Al-Mughirah bin Shu'bah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن المغيرة بن شعبة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، كان إذا فرغ من الصلاة وسلم قال : "لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد، وهو على كل شيء قدير. اللهم لا مانع لما أعطيت، ولا معطي لما منعت، ولا ينفع ذا الجد منك الجد" ((متفق عليه)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say at the conclusion of prayer: "La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'ala kulli shai'in Qadir. Allahumma la mani'a lima a'tayta, wa la mu'tiya lima mana'ta, wa la yanfa'u dhal-jaddi, minkal-jaddu (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him, His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent. O Allah! None can deny that which You bestow and none can bestow that which You hold back; and the greatness of the great will be of no avail to them against You)." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
After prayer he would affirm Allah's oneness and power, then declare that none can withhold what Allah grants or grant what He withholds, and that status cannot help against Him. It plants trust in Allah's sole control.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1416 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 9
Hadith 1417
It has been reported that 'Abdullah bin Zubair (May Allah be pleased with them) used to recite after Taslim at the conclusion of every Salat (prayer):
وعن عبد الله ابن الزبير رضي الله عنهما أنه كان يقول دبر كل صلاة، حين يسلم: لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له ، له الملك وله الحمد ، وهو على كل شيء قدير . لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله ،لا إله إلا الله، ولا نعبد إلا إياه، له النعمة، وله الفضل وله الثناء الحسن. لا إله إلا الله مخلصين له الدين ولو كره الكافرون . قال ابن الزبير: وكان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، يهلل بهن دبر كل صلاة. ((رواه مسلم)).
"La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul- mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'ala kulli shai'in Qadir. La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah. La ilaha illallahu, wa la na'budu illa iyyahu, Lahun-ni'matu, wa lahul-fadlu, wa lahuth-thana'ul-hasan. La ilaha ilallahu, mukhlisina, lahud-dina, wa lau karihal-kafirun (there is no true god except Allah; He is One. To Him belongs the dominion and to Him is all praise, and He is Powerful over all things. There is no power and might except with (the help of) Allah. There is no God but Allah and we worship none except Him, to Him belongs the bounty and to Him belongs the grace, and to Him belongs all excellent praise; there is no deity but Allah. We reserve our devotion exclusively for Him though the disbelievers may detest it)." Ibn Az-Zubair said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to celebrate Allah's Greatness in those terms after every Salat (prayer). [Muslim].
In plain words
This records a remembrance said after the closing of every prayer, affirming Allah's oneness, that worship belongs to Him alone, and that all favor and praise are His. A way to keep devotion sincere after each prayer.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1417 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 10
Hadith 1418
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن فقراء المهاجرين أتوا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقالوا: "ذهب أهل الدثور بالدرجات العلى، والنعيم المقيم: يصلون كما نصلي، ويصومون كما نصوم، ولهم فضل من أموال: يحجون، ويعتمرون، ويجاهدون، ويتصدقون. فقال: "ألا أعلمكم شيئًا تدركون به من سبقكم، وتسبقون به من بعدكم، ولا يكون أحد أفضل منكم إلا من صنع مثل ما صنعتم؟ قالوا: بلى يا رسول الله، قال: "تسبحون، وتحمدون، وتكبرون، خلف كل صلاة ثلاثًا وثلاثين قال أبو صالح الراوي عن أبي هريرة، لما سئل عن كيفية ذكرهن، قال: يقول: سبحان الله، والحمد لله، والله أكبر، حتى يكون منهن كلهن ثلاثًا وثلاثين. ((متفق عليه)). وزاد مسلم في روايته: فرجع فقراء المهاجرين إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فقالوا: سمع إخواننا أهل الأموال بما فعلنا، وفعلوا مثله؟ فقال رسول الله: "ذلك فضل الله يؤتيه من يشاء". ((الدثور))جمع دثر- بفتح الدال و اسكان الثاء المثلثة- و هو: المال الكثير.
The poor Emigrants came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: "The wealthy have gone with the highest ranks and lasting bliss." He asked: "How is that?" They replied: "They offer Salat (prayer) as we offer it; they observe fast as we do; (and as they are wealthy) they perform Hajj and 'Umrah, and go for Jihad, and they spend in charity but we cannot, and they free the slaves but we are unable to do so." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Shall I not teach you something with which you may overtake those who surpassed you and with which you will surpass those who will come after you? None will excel you unless he who does which you do." They said: "Yes, please do, O Messenger of Allah" He (ﷺ) said, "You should recite: Tasbih (Allah is free from imperfection), Takbir (Allah is Greatest), Tahmid (Praise be to Allah) thirty-three times after each Salat." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Salih, the subnarrator of the Hadith said, when Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) was asked about the manner of reciting Tasbih, Tahmid and Takbir, he said, "Recite: "Subhan-Allah, wal-hamdulillah, wallahu Akbar', till all are recited thirty-three times.
In plain words
Poor Companions felt the wealthy outpaced them in rewards through charity they could not match. The Prophet taught them remembrance after each prayer that would let them keep pace. Worship is open to everyone, rich or poor.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1418 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 11
Hadith 1419
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعنه عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "من سبح الله في دبر كل صلاة ثلاثًا وثلاثين، وحمد الله ثلاثًا وثلاثين، وكبر الله ثلاثًا وثلاثين، وقال تمام المائة: لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد، وهو على كل شيء قدير، غفرت خطاياه وإن كانت مثل زبد البحر” ((رواه مسلم))
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who recites after every prayer: Subhan-Allah (Allah is free from imperfection) thirty-three times; Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) thirty-three times; Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest) thirty-three times; and completes the hundred with: La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'ala kulli shai'in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent), will have all his sins pardoned even if they may be as large as the foam on the surface of the sea." [Muslim].
In plain words
Saying glory be to Allah, praise be to Allah, and Allah is Greatest thirty-three times each after prayer, completing a hundred with the declaration of His oneness, brings forgiveness of sins however vast. A simple daily count with great mercy attached.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1419 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 12
Hadith 1420
Ka'b bin 'Ujrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن كعب بن عجرة رضي الله عنه عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "معقبات لا يخيب قائلهن -أو فاعلهن- دبر كل صلاة مكتوبة: ثلاثًا وثلاثين تسبيحة وثلاثًا وثلاثين تحميدة، وأربعًا وثلاثين تكبيرة" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "There are some words, the reciters of which will never be disappointed. These are: Tasbih [saying 'Subhan-Allah' (Allah is free from imperfection)], thirty-three times, Tahmid [saying 'Al-hamdu lillah' (praise be to Allah)] thirty-three times and Takbir [saying 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is Greatest)] thirty-four times; and these should be recited after the conclusion of every prescribed prayer." [Muslim]
In plain words
Those who recite these phrases after each obligatory prayer, glorifying and praising Allah and proclaiming His greatness, will not be let down. A reassuring, easy habit to hold onto.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1420 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 13
Hadith 1421
Sa'd bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن سعد بن أبي وقاص رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يتعوذ دبر الصلوات بهؤلاء الكلمات: "اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الجبن والبخل، وأعوذ بك من أن أرد إلى أرذل العمر وأعوذ بك من فتنة الدنيا، وأعوذ بك من فتنة القبر” ((رواه البخاري)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to seek (Allah's) protection after prayers in these words: "Alla-humma inni a'udhu bika minal-jubni wal- bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min an uradda ila ardhalil-'umur, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatid-dunya, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatil-qabr (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from cowardice, miserliness and from being sent back to a feeble age; and, seek refuge with You from the trials of this life and those of the grave)." [Al- Bukhari].
In plain words
After prayers the Prophet would seek refuge from cowardice, stinginess, frail old age, and the trials of life and the grave. It teaches us to ask Allah's protection from real human weaknesses and fears.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1421 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 14
Hadith 1422
Mu'adh (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن معاذ رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أخذ بيده وقال: "يا معاذ والله إني لأحبك" فقال: "أوصيك يا معاذ لا تدعن في دبر كل صلاة تقول: اللهم أعني على ذكرك، وشكرك، وحسن عبادتك". رواه أبو داود بإسناد صحيح.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) took hold of my hand and said, "O Mu'adh! By Allah I love you, so I advise you to never forget to recite after every prayer: "Allahumma a'inni ala dhikrika, wa shukrika, wa husni 'ibadatika (O Allah, help me remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner)." [Abu Dawud].
In plain words
Out of love, the Prophet urged Mu'adh never to skip a short supplication after every prayer asking Allah's help to remember Him, thank Him, and worship Him well. We are encouraged to ask for help in worship itself.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1422 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 15
Hadith 1423
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "إذا تشهد أحدكم فليستعذ بالله من أربع، يقول: اللهم إني أعوذ بك من عذاب جهنم، ومن عذاب القبر ومن فتنة المحيا والممات، ومن شر فتنة المسيح الدجال" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When anyone of you has done his Tashahhud during Salat (prayer), he should seek refuge in Allah against four things and say: "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'adhabi jahannam, wa min 'adhabil-qabr, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat, wa min sharri fitnatil-masihid-dajjal (O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the torment of Hell, from the torment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the mischief of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist)." [Muslim].
In plain words
After the Tashahhud one is taught to seek refuge from the punishment of Hell, the punishment of the grave, the trials of life and death, and the trial of the false messiah. A protective supplication placed within the prayer.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1423 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 16
Hadith 1424
'Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن علي رضي الله عنه قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا قام إلى الصلاة يكون من آخر ما يقول بين التشهد والتسليم: "اللهم اغفر لي ما قدمت وما أخرت، وما أسررت وما أعلنت، وما أسرفت، وما أنت أعلم به مني، أنت المقدم، وأنت المؤخر، لا إله إلا أنت" ((رواه مسلم)).
When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was in Salat (prayer), he used to supplicate towards the end of prayer after Tashahhud and before the concluding salutations: "Allahum-maghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akh-khartu, wa ma asrartu, wa ma a'lantu, wa ma asraftu, wa ma Anta a'lamu bihi minni. Antal-Muqqadimu, wa Antal-Mu'akh-khiru. La ilaha illa Anta (O Allah! Forgive my former and latter sins, which I have done secretly and those which I have done openly, and that I have wronged others, and those defaults of mine about which You have better knowledge than I have. You Alone can send whomever You will to Jannah, and You Alone can send whomever You will to Hell-fire. None has the right to be worshipped but You." [Muslim].
In plain words
Near the end of his prayer the Prophet would ask forgiveness for sins past and future, hidden and open, affirming Allah alone decides each soul's outcome. It models deep humility before Allah.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1424 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 17
Hadith 1425
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
وعن عائشة رضي الله عنه قالت: كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يكثر أن يقول في ركوعه وسجوده: سبحانك اللهم ربنا وبحمدك، اللهم اغفر لي" ((متفق عليه)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite frequently in his bowing and prostration: "Subhanak- Allahumma, Rabbana wa bihamdika. Allahum-maghfir li (O Allah! You are free from imperfection and I begin with praising You. Forgive my sins)." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
In bowing and prostrating, the Prophet often said a short phrase glorifying and praising Allah and asking forgiveness. It shows these postures as moments to praise and seek pardon.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1425 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 18
Hadith 1426
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
وعنها أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يقول في ركوعه وسجوده: "سبوح قدوس رب الملائكة والروح" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite in his bowing and prostration: "Subbuhun Quddusun, Rabbul-mala'ikati war-ruh [You are the Most Glorious. The Most Holy. You the Rubb of the angels and of Jibril [Muslim].
In plain words
In bowing and prostration he would declare Allah most glorious and holy, Lord of the angels and the Spirit. A brief, weighty remembrance for these humble postures.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1426 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 19
Hadith 1427
Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: " فأما الركوع فعظموا فيه الرب، وأما السجود فاجتهدوا في الدعاء، فقمن أن يستجاب لكم" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Glorify your Lord in Ruku' (bowing posture) and exert yourself in supplication in prostration. Thus your supplications are liable to be accepted." [Muslim].
In plain words
He taught us to glorify Allah while bowing and to strive in supplication while prostrating, since such prayers are more likely to be answered. Prostration is a prime moment to ask Allah.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1427 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 20
Hadith 1428
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "أقرب ما يكون العبد من ربه وهو ساجد، فأكثروا الدعاء" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "A slave becomes nearest to his Rubb when he is in prostration. So increase supplications while prostrating." [Muslim].
In plain words
A servant is nearest to their Lord while in prostration, so increase supplication then. The lowest posture of the body is the closest point to Allah.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1428 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 21
Hadith 1429
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يقول في سجوده: “اللهم اغفر لي ذنبي كله دقه وجله، وأوله وآخره، وعلانيته وسره" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say in his prostration: Allahum-maghfir li dhanbi kullahu: diqqahu wa jillahu, wa 'awwalahu wa akhirahu, wa alaniyatahu wa sirrahu (O Allah! Forgive all my sins, the small and the great, first and the last, the open and the secret)." [Muslim].
In plain words
In prostration the Prophet would ask Allah to forgive all his sins, small and great, first and last, open and secret. A complete plea for pardon, leaving nothing out.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1429 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 22
Hadith 1430
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
وعن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت: افتقدت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ذات ليلة فتحسست، فإذا هو راكع.-أو ساجد- يقول: "سبحانك وبحمدك لا إله إلا أنت" ، وفي رواية: فوقعت يدي على بطن قدميه، وهو في المسجد، وهما منصوبتان، وهو يقول: "اللهم إني أعوذ برضاك من سخطك، وبمعافاتك من عقوبتك، وأعوذ بك منك، لا أحصي ثناء عليك أنت كما أثنيت على نفسك" ((رواه مسلم)).
One night I missed the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) from his bed. I searched for him. When I found him he was in bowing or prostrating posture and was reciting: Subhanaka wa bi hamdika. La ilaha illa Anta (You are free from imperfection and I begin praising You. There is no true god except You)." Another narration is: My hand fell over his feet while he was in prostration with his feet erect. He was supplicating: "Allahumma inni a'udhu biridaka min sakhatika, wa bi-mu'afatika min 'uqubatika, wa a'udhu bika minka, la uhsi thana'an 'alaika, Anta kama athnaita 'ala Nafsika (O Allah! I seek protection against Your Wrath in Your Pleasure. I seek protection in Your Pardon against Your chastisement, I am not capable of enumerating praise of You. You are as You have lauded Yourself)."
In plain words
Asked how anyone could earn a thousand good deeds, he answered: by saying glory be to Allah a hundred times, which records that many good deeds or erases that many sins. Great gain from a simple recitation.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1430 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 23
Hadith 1431
Sa'd bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن سعد بن أبي وقاص رضي الله عنه قال: كنا عند رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: "أيعجز أحدكم أن يكسب في كل يوم ألف حسنة!" فسأله سائل من جلسائه: كيف يكسب ألف حسنة؟ قال: "يسبح مائة تسبيحة، فيكتب له ألف حسنة، أو يحط عنه ألف خطيئة" ((رواه مسلم)). قال الحميدي: كذا هو في كتاب مسلم : ((او يحط)) قال البرقاني: ورواه شعبة و ابو عوانة, و يحيى القطان, عن موسى الذي رواه مسلم من جهته فقالوا:((و يحط)) بغير الف.
We were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) when he asked, "Is anyone of you unable to earn a thousand good deeds?" One of those present asked: "How can one earn thousand good deeds in a day?" He (ﷺ) replied, "By saying: Subhan Allah a hundred times, then one thousand good deeds will be recorded for him or one thousand sins will be blotted out from his record." [Muslim].
In plain words
Each morning every joint of the body owes charity, and remembrance of Allah, encouraging good, and forbidding wrong all count, with the forenoon prayer sufficing for all of it. Even words of remembrance serve as charity for the body.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1431 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 24
Hadith 1432
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي ذر رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: “يصبح على كل سلامى من أحدكم صدقة: فكل تسبيحة صدقة، وكل تحميدة صدقة، وكل تهليلة صدقة، وكل تكبيرة صدقة، وأمر بالمعروف صدقة، ونهي عن المنكر صدقة، ويجزي من ذلك ركعتان يركعهما من الضحى" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Every morning charity is due from every joint bone of the body of every one of you. Every utterance of Allah's Glorification (i.e., Subhan-Allah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of praise of Him (i.e., Al-hamdu lillah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of profession of Faith (i.e., La ilaha illallah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His Greatness (i.e., Allahu Akbar) is an act of charity; and enjoining good is an act of charity and forbidding what is disreputable is an act of charity; and two Rak'ah prayer which one offers in the forenoon (Ad- Duha) will suffice for all this." [Muslim].
In plain words
From his apartment to the forenoon, a wife stayed in remembrance, and he taught her four short phrases of praise that, in reward, would outweigh all she had said. A few rich words can carry enormous weight.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1432 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 25
Hadith 1433
Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with her), the Mother of the Believers, reported:
وعن أم المؤمنيين جويرية بنت الحارث رضي الله عنها أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم خرج من عندها بكرة حين صلى الصبح وهي في مسجدها، ثم رجع بعد أن أضحي وهي جالسة، فقال: "مازلت على الحالة التي فارقت عليها؟" قالت: نعم، فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: "لقد كنت بعدك أربع كلمات ثلاث مرات، لو وزنت بما قلت منذ اليوم لوزنتهن: سبحان الله وبحمده عدد خلقه، ورضا نفسه، وزنة عرشه، ومداد كلماته" ((رواه مسلم)). وفي رواية له: سبحان الله عدد خلقه، سبحان الله رضا نفسه، سبحان الله زنة عرشه، سبحان الله مداد كلماته". وفي رواية الترمذي: ألا أعلمك كلمات تقولينها؟ سبحان الله عدد خلقه، سبحان الله عدد خلقه، سبحان الله عدد خلقه، سبحان الله رضا نفسه، سبحان الله رضا نفسه، سبحان الله رضا نفسه، سبحان الله زنة عرشه، سبحان الله زنة عرشه، سبحان الله زنة عرشه، سبحان الله مداد كلماته، سبحان الله مداد كلماته، سبحان الله مداد كلماته".
The Prophet (ﷺ) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Are you still in the same position as I left you." I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet said, "I recited four words three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, `adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinatah `arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi [Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the weight of His Throne and equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise)]." [Muslim].
In plain words
He compared the one who remembers their Lord to the living and the one who does not to the dead. Remembrance is what keeps the heart truly alive.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1433 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 26
Hadith 1434
Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي موسى الأشعري رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، قال: "مثل الذي يذكر ربه والذي لا يذكره، مثل الحي والميت" ((رواه البخاري)). ورواه مسلم فقال: "مثل البيت الذي يذكر الله فيه، والبيت الذي لا يذكر الله فيه، مثل الحي والميت".
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The similitude of one who remembers his Rubb and one who does not remember Him, is like that of the living and the dead." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Allah is as His servant expects of Him and is with the one who remembers Him; remember Him quietly and He remembers you, remember Him among others and He mentions you in a better gathering. Turning to Allah is always met by Him.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1434 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 27
Hadith 1435
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي هريرة، رضي الله عنه، أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، قال: "يقول الله تعالى: أنا عند ظن عبدي بي، وأنا معه إذا ذكرني، فإن ذكرني في نفسه، ذكرته في نفسي وإن ذكرني في ملإٍ ذكرته في ملإٍ خير منهم" ((متفق عليه)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah the Exalted says: 'I am as my slave expects me to be, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me inwardly, I will remember him inwardly, and if he remembers Me in an assembly, I will remember him in a better assembly (i.e., in the assembly of angels)." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Asked who the Mufarridun are, the ones who have gone ahead, he said they are the men and women who remember Allah abundantly. Frequent remembrance puts a person out in front.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1435 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 28
Hadith 1436
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "سبق المفردون" قالوا: وما المفردون يا رسول الله؟ قال: "الذاكرون الله كثيرًا والذكرات" ((رواه مسلم)). وروي : (( المفردون )) بتشديد الراء وتخفيفها والمشهور الذي قاله الجمهور : التشديد.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The Mufarridun have gone ahead." He was asked, "Who are the Mufarridun?" He (ﷺ) replied, "Those men and women who frequently celebrate the remembrance of Allah." [Muslim].
In plain words
The best remembrance of Allah, he said, is saying there is no god but Allah. The declaration of His oneness is the highest of words.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1436 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 29
Hadith 1437
Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن جابر رضي الله عنه قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: "أفضل الذكر: لا إله إلا الله" . رواه الترمذي وقال حديث حسن.
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "The best way to celebrate the remembrance of Allah is to say: La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah)." [At-Tirmidhi].
In plain words
Asked for one thing to cling to amid Islam's many teachings, he advised keeping the tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah. A simple, constant practice to anchor the whole faith.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1437 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 30
Hadith 1438
'Abdullah bin Busr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن عبد الله بن بشر رضي الله عنه أن رجلا قال: يا رسول الله، إن شرائع الإسلام قد كثرت علي، فأخبرني بشيء أتشبث به قال: "لا يزال لسانك رطبًا من ذكر الله" . رواه الترمذي وقال حديث حسن.
One of the Companions said, "O Messenger of Allah. There are many injunctions of Islam for me. So tell me something to which I may hold fast." He said, "Keep your tongue wet with the remembrance of Allah." [At-Tirmidhi].
In plain words
Saying glory be to Allah and praise be to Him plants a palm tree for the speaker in Paradise. Each remembrance is like seeding lasting good in the next life.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1438 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 31
Hadith 1439
Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن جابر رضي الله عنه، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "من قال: سبحان الله وبحمده، غرست له نخلة في الجنة" . رواه الترمذي وقال حديث حسن.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "For him who says: 'Subhan-Allahi wa bi hamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection, and I begin with praising Him, and to Him),' a palm-tree will be planted in Jannah." [At- Tirmidhi].
In plain words
He described remembrance of Allah as better than spending gold and silver and greater than other deeds, the purest action that raises a person in rank. Remembrance is presented as the finest of works.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1439 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 32
Hadith 1440
Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "لقيت إبراهيم صلى الله عليه وسلم ليلة أسري بي، فقال: يا محمد أقرئ أمتك مني السلام، وأخبرهم أن الجنة طيبة التربة، عذبة الماء، وأنها قيعان، وأن غراسها: سبحان الله، والحمد لله، ولا إله إلا الله، والله أكبر" . رواه الترمذي وقال حديث حسن.
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "I met Ibrahim (ﷺ) on the Night of Ascension (Al-Asra), and he said to me: 'O Muhammad, convey my greetings to your Ummah, and tell them that Jannah has a vast plain of pure soil and sweet water. It is a plain levelled land. The plants grow there by uttering: Subhan-Allah, Al-hamdu lillah, La ilaha illallah and Allahu Akbar (Allah is free from imperfection; praise be to Allah; there is no true god except Allah; and Allah is Greatest)." [At- Tirmidhi].
In plain words
He relayed Ibrahim's greeting to the community and the teaching that Paradise has open ground whose plants grow through the phrases of glorifying and praising Allah. Our remembrance now grows our share there.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1440 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 33
Hadith 1441
Abud-Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي الدرداء، رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "ألا أنبئكم بخير أعمالكم، وأزكاها عند مليككم، وأرفعها في درجاتكم، وخير لكم من إنفاق الذهب والفضة وخير لكم من أن تلقوا عدوكم فتضربوا أعناقهم، ويضربوا أعناقكم؟" قالوا: بلى، قال: "ذكر الله تعالى". رواه الترمذي وقال الحاكم أبو عبد الله إسناده صحيح.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Shall I not inform you of the best of your actions which are the purest to your Rubb, which exalt you to the high ranks, which are more efficacious than spending gold and silver (in charity), and better for you than you should encounter your enemies whom you will smite their necks and they will smite your necks?" They said, "Certainly." He (ﷺ) said, "Remembrance of Allah the Exalted." [At-Tirmidhi].
In plain words
A woman counted her glorifications on date stones; he offered her something easier and greater: phrases of glorifying Allah measured by the vast number of His creation. It shows remembrance can be immense without elaborate counting.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1441 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 34
Hadith 1442
Sa'd bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن سعد بن أبي وقاص رضي الله عنه أنه دخل مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم على امرأة وبين يديها نوى -أو حصى- تسبح به فقال: "أخبرك بما هو أيسر عليك من هذا - أو أفضل" فقال: "سبحان الله عدد ما خلق في السماء، وسبحان الله عدد ما خلق في الأرض، وسبحان الله عدد ما بين ذلك، وسبحان الله عدد ما هو خالق، والله أكبر مثل ذلك، والحمد لله مثل ذلك، ولا إله إلا الله مثل ذلك، ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله مثل ذلك". ((رواه الترمذي وقال: حديث حسن)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and I went to see a woman. She had date- stones or pebbles in front of her, and she was counting and reciting Tasbih. ['Subhan-Allah' (Allah is free from imperfection)]. He said, "Shall I not inform you of what is easier or better than this for you?" You should say: 'Subhan-Allahi 'adada ma khalaqa fis-sama', wa subhan-Allahi 'adada ma khalaqa fil-ardi, wa subhan-Allahi 'adada ma baina dhalika, wa subhan-Allahi 'adada ma Huwa Khaliqun, wallahu Akbaru mithla dhalika, wal-hamdu lillahi mithla dhalika, wa la ilaha illallahu mithla dhalika, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahi mithla dhalika (Subhan-Allah, equal to the number of what He created in the heaven; and Subhan-Allah, equal to the number of His creatures in the earth; and Subhan-Allah, equal to the number in between them; and Subhan-Allah equal to the number of those He will create).' Then say: 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is Greatest) in the same way. Then say: 'Al-hamdu lillah' (praise be to Allah) in the same way. Then say: 'La ilaha illallah' (there is no true god except Allah) in the same way. Then say: 'La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah' (there is no change of a condition nor power except by Allah) in the same manner." [At-Tirmidhi].
In plain words
He guided Abu Musa to a treasure of Paradise: saying there is no power or strength except by Allah. A short phrase of reliance, treasured in the next life.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1442 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 35
Hadith 1443
Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي موسى رضي الله عنه قال: قال لي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "ألا أدلك على كنز من كنوز الجنة ؟" فقلت: بلى يا رسول الله قال: "لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله" ((متفق عليه)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me, "Shall I not guide you to a treasure from the treasures of Jannah?" I said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah!" Thereupon he (ﷺ) said, "(Recite) 'La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah' (There is no change of a condition nor power except by Allah)." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
He pointed to a treasure of Paradise in the phrase there is no power or strength except by Allah. Surrendering all ability to Allah is a saying of great worth.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1443 In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 36