The most beloved speech to Allah are four: subhān Allah (glory be Allah), al-hamdulillāh (praise be to Allah), la ilāha illa Allah (there is no god but Allah), and Allāhu akbar (Allah is the Most Great), and it does not matter which one of them you start with
Authenticعن سَمُرَة بن جندبٍ رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «أَحَبُّ الْكَلَامِ إِلَى اللهِ أَرْبَعٌ: سُبْحَانَ اللهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلهِ، وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ، وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا يَضُرُّكَ بِأَيِّهِنَّ بَدَأْتَ».
Samurah ibn Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The most beloved speech to Allah are four: subhān Allah (glory be Allah), al-hamdulillāh (praise be to Allah), la ilāha illa Allah (there is no god but Allah), and Allāhu akbar (Allah is the Most Great), and it does not matter which one of them you start with."
Explanation
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informs that the most beloved speech to Allah Almighty are four: Subhān Allah: It is exalting Allah Almighty far above any imperfection. Al-hamdulillāh: It is ascribing complete perfection to Allah, along with loving and extolling Him. La ilāha illa Allah: It means none is worthy of being worshiped except Allah. Allāhu akbar: It means He is more Sublime, Greater, and more Powerful than everything. For obtaining the merit and reward of these words, it is not required to utter them in order.
Benefits
- The Hadīth shows the ease of the Shariah, as one may start with any of these words.
Source · Narrated by Muslim
From the Hadith Encyclopedia (hadeethenc.com).