Surah Al-Hijr — Verse 98

Key Words and Their Meanings:

• Sabbih (سَبِّحْ): Glorify and declare Allah free from every imperfection, deficiency, or anything that does not befit His majesty.
• Bi-hamdi Rabbika (بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ): With the praise of your Lord — combining glorification with thankful praise and acknowledgment of His perfect attributes.
• As-Sājidīn (السَّاجِدِينَ): Those who prostrate — meaning those who pray and worship Allah with humility and devotion.

Explanation of the Verse:

When the weight of the world presses upon your chest, and the words of those who reject the truth sting your heart, Allah — in His infinite mercy — gives you the most powerful remedy. He instructs His beloved Prophet ﷺ, and through him, every believer: turn to your Lord in glorification and praise. Say: "Subhan Allah" (Glory be to Allah) and "Alhamdulillah" (All praise is due to Allah). Let your tongue be moist with His remembrance, and let your heart find rest in His perfection.

Then He adds: "And be among those who prostrate." This is a call to prayer — the intimate connection between the servant and his Creator. In prostration, you place your forehead on the ground before Allah, humbling yourself completely, and in that moment of utter submission, you are closest to Him. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The closest a servant comes to his Lord is while he is prostrating" (Muslim).

This verse teaches us that the cure for anxiety, grief, and distress is not in escaping or complaining, but in turning to Allah through glorification, praise, and prayer. When you glorify Allah, you remind yourself of His greatness — and your problems shrink in comparison. When you praise Him, you focus on His countless blessings — and gratitude fills your heart. When you prostrate, you surrender your worries to the One who controls everything.

A Call to Action:

Dear believer, whenever you feel troubled, do not let despair take hold. Raise your hands, glorify your Lord, and rush to your prayer mat. Let every prostration be a release of your burdens and a renewal of your trust in Allah. For He who created the heavens and the earth is fully capable of removing your worries and granting you peace beyond measure. This is the path of the prophets and the righteous — a path of serenity, strength, and unwavering faith. Walk it, and you will find your heart at ease.