What are the four phrases of praise? These are the most beloved words a Muslim can say: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and La ilaha illa Allah. Listen to Sofia, learn what each one means, and say them along with her.
Common questions about the four phrases of praise and how to teach them to your child.
The four phrases are SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is for Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), and La ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah).
They are described in hadith as among the most beloved words to Allah, and they are the foundation of dhikr, the remembrance of Allah.
SubhanAllah means "Glory be to Allah." Muslims say it to praise Allah's perfection, often when they see something beautiful or amazing in creation, like the sky, the ocean, or the stars.
Alhamdulillah means "All praise is for Allah." Muslims say it to thank Allah for blessings of every kind, after eating, after sneezing, and whenever something good happens.
Allahu Akbar means "Allah is the Greatest." Muslims say it to remember that Allah is greater than everything, including any problem, fear, or worry. It is also said during the five daily prayers.
La ilaha illa Allah means "There is no god but Allah." It is the most important statement in Islam, declaring that Muslims worship Allah alone. It is the first part of the shahada, the Muslim declaration of faith.
Tie each phrase to a moment your child already lives. Say SubhanAllah together when you see something beautiful, Alhamdulillah after eating or when something good happens, and Allahu Akbar when facing something big or scary. La ilaha illa Allah can be a calm phrase to repeat at bedtime.
Said in their natural moments, the phrases become a gentle running thread of remembrance through your child's day rather than something to memorize.