Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem Meaning In English and Arabic Text

Subhana rabbiyal Azeem is an Arabic phrase that has significance in Salah (prayer) and is commonly used as a form of remembrance during ruku.

It is used as a declaration of the greatness of Allah and is often recited by Muslims during prayer.

In this blog, we will delve deeper into the meaning and importance of Subhana rabbiyal Azeem.

Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem Meaning In English

Subhana 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.

So when you say “Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah)”, what it means is: I declare You, O Lord, to be far above and free of any shortcoming or fault.

Subhana Rabbiyal A Azeem In Arabic

Here is how to write Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem in Arabic text.

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

The correct pronunciation is found in the following video

Hadith On Subhana Rabbiyal Al Azeem

1. Hadith

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

2. Hadith

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

When you say “Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah)”, what it means is: I declare You, O Lord, to be far above and free of any shortcoming or fault.

The meaning of al-‘Azim (the Most Great) is the One Who is possessed of ultimate greatness. The meaning of al-A‘la (the Most High) is the One Who is exalted in His Essence, and is exalted in His attributes.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

Bowing before Allah is glorifying Him by one’s actions, and saying “Subhana Rabbiy al-‘Azim (Glory be to my Lord the Most Great)” is glorifying Him by one’s words.

All that is left is for the worshipper to glorify Him in his heart, and this can only be attained with presence of mind. Hence in ruku‘, there is glorification of Allah in one’s words and actions, and also in one’s heart.” (Fatawa Nur ‘ala ad-Darb, 8/2)

Suggested reading: Subhana Rabbiyal Ala Meaning and Arabic text.

It is unlawful for one to recite the Qur’an during the bowing or prostration position. The bowing position is meant for glorification.

In Ruku, you should ensure that your back is straight and the gaze should fall between the feet.

When a person is in this posture fully, then he should recite the Tasbeeh pondering over its meaning.

Keep in mind the fact that you are bowing down before Allah who is pure and free of any fault. There is nobody or nothing else that is worthy of bowing down towards.

Allah Ta’ala Alone is the Greatest. Allah Ta’ala is Azeem, i.e. Allah Ta’ala is beyond our imagination, there is no limit to His Greatness.

The entire creation put together with all their technology and intellect will never ever be able to do justice in explaining His Majesty and Greatness.