Alḥamdulillāh

All praise is due to Allah.

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ

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When is Alḥamdulillāh recited?

Alḥamdulillāh, meaning "All praise is due to Allah.", is cited in Sahih Muslim 596. Recited after each of the five daily prayers. A suggested count is 33 repetitions per sitting, counted on any tasbih or a plain hand count.

What is the source for Alḥamdulillāh?

The primary source is Sahih Muslim, reference 596. This dhikr is reviewed under Sibha's editorial policy before publication.

Review status: sourced, pending scholarly review. Last checked 2025-01-01. See editorial policy.

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What does Alḥamdulillāh mean?

Alḥamdulillāh comes from the root ḥ-m-d, meaning praise given willingly out of love and respect for the qualities of the one being praised. It is distinct from madḥ (praise that can be given even to something inanimate) and from shukr (thanks specifically for a favor received). Alḥamdulillāh praises Allah for who He is in His essence and attributes, and simultaneously for everything He does, whether it appears to the servant as a blessing or a trial. The definite article al- signifies that all praise, in its totality, belongs to Allah alone, since He is the source of every good. Surah al-Fātiḥah, recited in every unit of prayer, begins with Al-ḥamdu lillāhi Rabbil-ʿālamīn, establishing praise as the foundation of the believer's relationship with Allah before any request is made.

When should I recite Alḥamdulillāh?

Alḥamdulillāh is recited on 5 distinct occasions in the Sunnah, listed below, ranging from fixed moments after prayer to general daily remembrance. Each occasion is sourced from an authentic hadith rather than custom.

At the start and within every unit of salah, since Surah al-Fātiḥah is obligatory in every rakʿah.
After sneezing (Sahih al-Bukhari 6224).
Upon completing a meal (Sahih Muslim 2734).
After the five daily prayers, 33 times (Sahih Muslim 596).
Upon receiving good news or any blessing (Sunan Abi Dawud 4859).

What is the virtue of Alḥamdulillāh?

Sahih Muslim 223: "Purity is half of faith, Alḥamdulillāh fills the scale, and SubḥānAllāh and Alḥamdulillāh fill up what is between the heavens and the earth."

How many times should I say Alḥamdulillāh?

33 times after each obligatory prayer (Sahih Muslim 596). Encouraged at every moment of gratitude beyond that.

What are common misconceptions about Alḥamdulillāh?

2 misunderstandings come up most often about Alḥamdulillāh, mostly about when it applies or how it differs from similar phrases. Correcting them helps the dhikr keep its intended meaning rather than becoming a habit said on autopilot.

It is not only a polite response to "how are you." Its deeper station is a comprehensive statement of praise recited in hardship as well as ease.
It is not identical to shukr. Alḥamdulillāh praises Allah's inherent perfection as well as His actions in totality.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need wudu to say Alḥamdulillāh?

No. Wudu is preferred for dhikr but not required. You can recite from memory in any state of purity.

Can I count Alḥamdulillāh on a digital counter?

Yes. Set a target of 33 on any tap counter, including Sibha, and it will track the count for you.

Is Alḥamdulillāh the same in every school of thought?

The Arabic wording and the source hadith are the same across schools. Minor differences in recommended timing or count exist between some scholars.

What if I say Alḥamdulillāh more than 33 times?

There is no harm in saying it more. The suggested count is the minimum drawn from the Sunnah, not a ceiling.

Which other adhkar are related to Alḥamdulillāh?

4 other short adhkar in the library pair naturally with Alḥamdulillāh as part of a daily routine, each with its own source and suggested count.

Last verified 29 August 2026. How we source and cite.