سبحانه وتعالى
subhanahu wa ta'ala
The abbreviation swt stands for the Arabic phrase used by Muslims to show reverence to God, سبحانه وتعالى (subhanahu wa ta'ala).
The phrase سبحانه وتعالى is a formulaic expression of reverence used immediately following the mention of God (Allah) in both written and spoken Arabic. In English-language Islamic texts, the abbreviation swt is commonly used to represent this full Arabic phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The first part of the phrase, سبحانه, contains the suffix -hu, which is a third-person masculine singular pronoun meaning 'Him', referring back to God.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -hu in subhanahu functions as a third-person masculine singular pronoun meaning 'Him', which refers back to God.
How do you pronounce it?
subhanahu wa ta'ala
Did you know?
- The word سبحانه shares a root with the Arabic word for 'swimming' or 'floating', evoking the idea of gliding through a state of purity or perfection.
- The phrase is often abbreviated as ﷻ in printed Arabic calligraphy, using a single specialized ligature that combines the letters of the words to represent the entire expression.
- While سبحانه وتعالى is used for God, Muslims use a different specific phrase, صلى الله عليه وسلم, when mentioning the Prophet Muhammad to avoid confusion in levels of reverence.
Examples in context
- ربي يعطيك الصحةMay God give you good health
- الله سبحانه وتعالى هو الخالق.Allāhu subḥānahu wa-taʿālā huwa al-khāliq.God, glory be to Him and Exalted, is the Creator.
- نحن نعبد الله سبحانه وتعالى.Naḥnu naʿbudu Allāha subḥānahu wa-taʿālā.We worship God, glory be to Him and Exalted.
Example conversation
Ziad and Nour are discussing their faith at home.
- زياد Ziadهل تؤمنين بقدرة الله سبحانه وتعالى؟Hal tu'minīna bi-qudrati Allāhi subḥānahu wa-taʿālā?Do you believe in the power of God, glory be to Him and Exalted?
- نور Nourنعم، هو القادر على كل شيء.Naʿam, huwa al-qādiru ʿalā kulli shayʾ.Yes, He is capable of everything.
- زياد Ziadالحمد لله على كل حال.Al-ḥamdu lillāhi ʿalā kulli ḥāl.Praise be to God in every situation.
- نور Nourنعم، الله سبحانه وتعالى رحيم بنا.Naʿam, Allāhu subḥānahu wa-taʿālā raḥīmun binā.Yes, God, glory be to Him and Exalted, is merciful to us.
