Surah Al-Waqi'ah — Verse 96

Word Meanings:

• Sabbih (سَبِّحْ): Declare the perfection and transcendence of Allah, glorifying Him and exalting Him above every deficiency, flaw, or imperfection.
• Bi-smi Rabbika (بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ): By the name of your Lord — meaning, glorify Him while mentioning His name, or glorify the name of your Lord Himself.
• Al-ʿAẓīm (الْعَظِيمِ): The Magnificent, the Supreme, the One whose greatness is beyond all measure and comparison.

Explanation of the Verse:

This concluding verse of Surah Al-Waqi'ah comes as a divine command to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and, through him, to all believers. After the surah has presented the three categories of people on the Day of Judgment — the foremost in faith, the companions of the right hand, and the companions of the left hand — and after it has affirmed the absolute truth of the resurrection, accountability, and recompense, Allah concludes with this powerful directive: "So glorify the name of your Lord, the Magnificent."

This command carries profound meanings. First, it is an instruction to turn away from the false claims and mockery of the disbelievers. When the opponents of truth deny the resurrection and ridicule the message, the believer is not to engage in futile arguments or despair. Instead, the believer is commanded to glorify Allah — to declare His perfection and transcendence above everything the wrongdoers and deniers attribute to Him. Allah is far above their falsehood, exalted in His power, wisdom, and justice.

Second, this verse directs the heart toward the greater purpose: to detach from the fleeting concerns of this worldly life and to focus on what truly matters — the worship of Allah, drawing near to Him, and preparing for the eternal life to come. The glorification of Allah is not merely a verbal utterance; it is a state of the heart that acknowledges His absolute greatness, submits to His will, and finds peace in His remembrance.

Third, the phrase "by the name of your Lord" teaches us that all acts of worship — prayer, supplication, remembrance — should begin with and be accompanied by the name of Allah. And describing Him as "the Magnificent" reminds us of the scale of His majesty: the One who created the heavens and the earth, who brings life and death, who will resurrect all of humanity for judgment. When we truly grasp the magnificence of our Lord, every worry of this world diminishes, and our hearts find rest in His remembrance.

A Call to the Reader:

Dear reader, this verse is a beautiful invitation for you to connect with your Creator. Whatever trials you face, whatever doubts whisper in your heart, whatever noise surrounds you — the answer is to glorify Allah. Say: "Subhana Rabbiyal-ʿAẓim" (Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent). Let these words cleanse your heart, elevate your soul, and remind you that nothing in this universe is greater than Allah. He is the One who holds everything in His hands, and to Him you will return. Make glorifying Him a constant habit — in your prayers, in your daily moments, in your times of joy and hardship. For in His remembrance, hearts find true tranquility, and through His glorification, you draw closer to the ultimate success: His pleasure and His eternal Paradise.