A significant narration from Islamic tradition highlights a specific prayer which, when recited sincerely, generates continuous spiritual rewards. This guidance is attributed to Ummul Momineen Jouayriyah (may Allah be pleased with her), who received direct instruction from the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Table of Contents
The Prayer and Its Meaning
The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed Jouayriyah (ra.) to recite the following supplication:
Arabic:
سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ، عَدَدَ خَلْقِهِ، وَرِضَا نَفْسِهِ، وَزِنَةَ عَرْشِهِ، وَمِدَادَ كَلِمَاتِهِ
Pronunciation:
Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi, adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinata arshihi, wa midada kalimatih.
Meaning:
“I glorify and praise Allah according to the number of His creations, in accordance with His pleasure, by the weight of His Throne, and the extent of the ink of His words.”
This supplication encompasses vast dimensions of glorification: it acknowledges Allah’s perfection, the entirety of His creation, His divine pleasure, the immense weight of the Throne, and the boundless scope of His words. It is a comprehensive form of dhikr, linking personal devotion to universal measures of divine greatness.
Historical Context
Jouayriyah (ra.) narrated that one morning, the Prophet (peace be upon him) left her home while she remained engaged in her morning dhikr on her prayer mat. Hours passed—approximately a quarter of the day—during which she continued her recitations. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) returned, he found her still immersed in devotion.
He asked if she had remained in the same state since he left, and upon her affirmation, he remarked that the four words he had recited upon leaving had produced a reward equivalent to her ongoing remembrance since the morning. This illustrates the profound spiritual weight and continuous benefit of reciting this specific prayer.
Spiritual Significance
The narration highlights key aspects of devotion and dhikr:
Persistence in Worship: Continuous engagement in dhikr, even alongside daily activities, accrues ongoing spiritual reward.
Magnitude of Glorification: The prayer links individual remembrance to cosmic and divine scales, demonstrating that each word of praise resonates throughout creation.
Integration of Intention and Action: Even brief acts, if sincere and focused, can equal prolonged worship in spiritual value.
| Aspect | Significance |
|---|---|
| Glorification | Acknowledgment of Allah’s perfection and praise |
| Measurement | Corresponds to creation, divine pleasure, Throne, and Allah’s words |
| Timing | Morning dhikr produces continuous reward throughout the day |
| Effect | Short, sincere recitation can equal extended remembrance |
Conclusion
This narration emphasises mindful and deliberate remembrance of Allah. Regular recitation of this prayer strengthens spiritual consciousness and ensures continuous reward, highlighting Allah’s generosity and mercy. Incorporating it into daily practice allows believers to maintain a consistent and meaningful spiritual routine.
The story of Jouayriyah (ra.) and the Prophet (peace be upon him) provides a timeless lesson: consistent, sincere dhikr—even in small amounts—yields immeasurable, enduring spiritual benefit.