Saying Subḥān Allāh During a Qārī’s Recitation: Sunnah or Bidʿah?
Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Vol.1, p.118
The Question
The phrase “Subḥān Allāh” is for glorifying Allah, but nowadays it is commonly repeated during Qur’ān recitation or when listening to a preacher’s eloquence. Is there any proof from the Qur’ān, Ḥadīth, or the practice of the Salaf for saying Subḥān Allāh at such times?
The Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd:
Meaning and Usage of
◈ Without doubt, the phrase “Subḥān Allāh” is for declaring Allah’s transcendence above all deficiencies.
◈ However, in the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, this phrase was also used in contexts of amazement and wonder.
Example from the Sunnah
On one occasion, the Prophet ﷺ instructed a menstruating woman to tie a cloth under her waist.
- She asked how she should tie it.
- The Prophet ﷺ replied:
«سبحان الله! لِعَابِيهَا»
"Subḥān Allāh! Tie it with a cloth."
Then ʿĀ’ishah رضي الله عنها pulled the woman aside and showed her how to do it.
(
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Vol.1, Kitāb al-Ḥayḍ, p.45)Practice of the Prophet ﷺ and the Companions
◈ In the time of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions رضي الله عنهم, there was no practice of saying Subḥān Allāh as a form of admiration at Qur’ān recitation or at a preacher’s eloquent delivery.
◈ This practice is not found in the Qur’ān, Sunnah, or in the actions of the Salaf.
Ruling
◈ Using Subḥān Allāh as glorification of Allah is Sunnah.
◈ But using it as praise for a Qārī or a preacher during recitation or speeches is an innovation (Bidʿah).
◈ Muslims must avoid such innovated practices.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
