سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ
Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praise is due to You. I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.
Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu al-la ilaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayka.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when reflecting on the wonders of Allah's creation, such as gazing at the night sky, observing the intricate design of a flower, or contemplating the vastness of the oceans. It serves as a beautiful way to begin any contemplation about Allah's majesty, acknowledging our limitations while seeking His guidance. Recite it before embarking on a journey to observe nature, or simply during moments of quiet reflection on Allah's power and wisdom manifested in the world around us.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart, focusing on the meaning of each word. Understand that by glorifying Allah and acknowledging His oneness, you are opening your heart to comprehend His signs. This utterance is often recited at the end of gatherings or lessons, but its profoundness makes it a perfect invocation to initiate the process of learning about Allah through His creation. Feel the awe and wonder as you speak these words, allowing them to connect you more deeply to the Creator.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication encapsulates the essence of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) and Tawbah (Repentance). By praising Allah and testifying to His uniqueness, we establish the foundation of our faith. Seeking forgiveness and turning to Him acknowledges our inherent shortcomings and reliance on His mercy. When used in the context of observing creation, it transforms passive observation into active contemplation, guiding the mind towards recognizing Allah's attributes like His immense power, knowledge, and artistry. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua as a way to purify oneself from any shortcomings in speech or action during gatherings, making it a comprehensive expression of submission and seeking divine acceptance.
Source & Authentication
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would remain silent between the Takbir and the recitation of the Quran. I said: O Messenger of Allah, may my father and mother be sacrificed for you! What do you say in the silence between the Takbir and the recitation? He said: I say: 'Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praise is due to You. I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.' **Arabic:** سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ **Translation:** 'Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu al-la ilaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayka.' — Sunan Abi Dawud 985