Who was the first to say “Subhāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā”?
In the realm of remembrance and glorification, the majesty and greatness of the Creator manifest, and words of sanctification echo throughout the universe. Among the most profound and exalted of these words is the phrase “Subhāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā” — Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.
This phrase carries within it the declaration that God is far above any imperfection and affirms His absolute transcendence and perfection beyond all description. Naturally, this raises the question:
Who was the first to say “Subhāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā”?
Seeking the answer leads us to the world of the angels — luminous beings created solely to worship and glorify God without ceasing. The Qur’an often refers to their constant praise and devotion:
“And to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or by compulsion, and their shadows as well, in the mornings and the evenings.”
(Al-A‘rāf, 15)
“They glorify Him night and day; they never tire.”
(Al-Anbiyā’, 20)
These verses show that glorification (tasbīḥ) is an inherent attribute of the angels.
The phrase “Subhāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā” is closely connected with sujūd (prostration) in prayer. During rukū‘ (bowing), Muslims say “Subhāna Rabbiyal-‘Aẓīm” (“Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great”), and in sujūd, they say “Subhāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā” (“Glory be to my Lord, the Most High”).
Prostration symbolizes utmost humility before God, and this particular glorification emphasizes His supreme exaltedness.
There is no explicit text in the Qur’an or authentic Hadith specifying who first uttered this phrase. However, since angels were created before humankind and are known to constantly glorify their Lord, it is most reasonable to conclude that the angels were among the first to say “Subhāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā” or similar praises exalting God’s transcendence.
Thus, while the exact first speaker is unknown, the most plausible answer is that it originated from the angels’ eternal glorification of their Creator.
For believers, following their example through frequent remembrance and glorification of Allah brings spiritual light, peace to the heart, and closeness to the Almighty — for tasbīḥ is life for the soul and illumination for the spirit.
