Subhanallah

the meaning of SubhanAllah

What is the meaning of SubhanAllah?

While there is no exact definition or translation in English, the term Subhanallah — also known as Subhan Allah — can be translated to mean, among other things, both “God is perfect” and “Glory to God.” It is often used when praising God or exclaiming in awe at His attributes, bounties, or creation. It can also be used as a phrase of simple exclamation — for example, “Wow!” By saying “Subhanallah,” Muslims glorify Allah above any imperfection or deficiency; they declare his transcendence.​​[1]

There is no exact definition and translation of SubhanAllah in the English language. As for Allahu Akbar, it means that ‘Allah is Great’ and Alhamdulillah means, ‘All praise is due to Allah’.

Regarding the meaning of SubhanAllah; some have translated this phrase as ‘May Allah be exalted’ or ‘Allah is exalted’. However, the real meaning of SubhanAllah is ‘May Allah be raised’, ‘May Allah be free of what they attribute to Him’, and ‘May Allah be free of any deficiency’, especially the deficiencies that the disbelievers attribute to Allah.[2] This is the context in which SubhanAllah has been mentioned throughout the Qur’an. For example, Allah says:

“But they have attributed to Allah partners — the jinn, while He has created them — and have fabricated for Him sons and daughters without knowledge. Subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He and high above) what they describe.” Surah Al-An`am, 6:100

“Subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He and high above) what they say by great sublimity.” Surah Al-Isra’, 17:43

“Allah has not taken any son, nor has there ever been with Him any deity. [If there had been], then each deity would have taken what it created, and some of them would have sought to overcome others. SubhanAllah (exalted is Allah above) what they describe [concerning Him].”

Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:91

“Or have they a deity other than Allah? SubhanAllah (exalted is Allah above) whatever they associate with Him.” Surah At-Tur, 52:43

*** sources ***

[1] : https://www.thoughtco.com/islamic-phrases-subhanallah-2004290

[2] : http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/question/meaning-of-subhanallah/

Allah knows best.