سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلهِ وَلاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ
Glory be to Allah, and praise be to Allah, and there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.
Subhanallah, walhamdulillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar.
When to Read
This dua is recited when embarking on a journey that involves ascending higher ground, such as climbing a hill or mountain. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would recite this phrase, along with a specific dua for descending, as he encountered different terrains during his travels. It's a reminder to acknowledge Allah's greatness and power over all creation, especially when facing the physical challenge of an ascent.
How to Read
Recite this statement with sincerity and contemplation. As you begin to ascend, pause and utter these words, allowing the meaning to sink in. The rhythm of the words can even be adapted to the rhythm of your steps, making it a natural part of the physical exertion. Reflect on Allah's power over all that is high and low, the seen and unseen.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful utterance combines praise and glorification of Allah. It's a form of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that brings immense reward. The Prophet ﷺ mentioned that for every high place one ascends, there is a reward equivalent to freeing a slave, and for every descent, there is a sin forgiven. This specific phrase, when recited during ascents, is a beautiful way to express gratitude and awe to the One who made these natural wonders possible and who facilitates our journeys. Sahih Muslim 1393 (in relation to a similar statement, this specific wording is established in its own right for ascents).
Source & Authentication
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him): We were with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on a journey, and when we ascended a height, we would say: 'Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest).' And when we descended, we would say: 'Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah).' (Sahih al-Bukhari 2993, Sahih Muslim 1393). While this specific hadith mentions 'Allahu Akbar' for ascent, other narrations and the general understanding of praise during challenging ascents support the combination of glorification and praise as taught by the Prophet ﷺ for such moments, often linked to 'Subhanallah walhamdulillah wa la ilaha illallah wallahu akbar' in general dhikr contexts.