The phrase La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah, often referred to as Hawqala, is a profound Islamic remembrance that signifies complete reliance on Allah for all matters. It translates to “There is no power and no strength except with Allah,” reflecting the belief that all changes in life and the ability to act or resist come solely from Allah’s will.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of frequently reciting this phrase, teaching that it is one of the treasures of Paradise. It signifies submission, entrusting one’s affairs to Allah, and recognizing one’s helplessness without His aid.
The benefits of reciting La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah are numerous. It is considered a gateway to Paradise, erases sins, and offers protection and guidance. The phrase is particularly encouraged during moments of worship, such as in response to the call to prayer, after finishing prayers, when leaving the house, and before sleeping.
La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah significance is often misunderstood, as it is meant for seeking Allah’s help and not solely during times of distress or calamity. Through the frequent recitation of Hawqala, believers strengthen their connection to Allah and acknowledge their dependence on His divine support.
Let’s Discuss them in more details:
La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah Hadith
Among these remembrances that the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, used to frequently recite on many occasions and command his companions to do so is Hawqala ( La hawla wala quwwata illa billah). This statement conveys profound meanings that instill faith into the heart, reinforce certitude in Allah, and strengthen the bond of submission of the Muslims with their Lord, the Mighty and Sublime.
Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet ( peace and blessings be upon him) said: Be frequent in saying La hawla wala quwwata illa billah. For verily, it is a treasure from the treasures of Paradise.
And Abu Dhar also reported: (My close friend( the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him) has instructed me to do seven things: to love the needy and acquaint them, to consider those who are inferior to me, and not to consider those who are superior to me, to maintain the bonds of kinship even if they severe their ties with me, not to beg anything from anyone, to say the truth even if it is harsh, not to fear the blame of any blamer for the sake of Allah, and to be frequent on saying La hawla wala quwwata illa billah as it a treasure from under the Throne), narrated by Ahmad.
The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, used to enjoin each other to say La hawla wala quwwata illa billah. Amer bin Saad, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that he said: I met Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, may Allah be pleased with him, and he said: Should I not order you to do what the Messenger of Allah commanded me to do? To be frequent on saying there is no might or power except with God, for it is among the treasures of Paradise.) Classed as hasan by Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani in Al-Matalib Al-A’aliah (4/43).
La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah Meaning:
La hawla wala quwwata illa billah means that there is no transformation from one condition to another, and that the servant does not have the power to do any matter except with Allah’s help and assistance.
Abdullah bin Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, said: “There is no power for us to worship Allah except by Allah, and we have no power to abandon a sin except by Allah.” Narrated by Ibn Abi Hatim.
There is no power in repelling evil, and there is no power in achieving good except by Allah. To give up strength and power except in Allah, there is no movement or power except by the will of Allah. This expresses complete reliance on Allah whom He Almighty loves is also a meaning of La hawla wala quwwata illa billah, It is also an acknowledgment of your poverty and your need for your Lord in all your circumstances.
La hawla wala quwwata illa billah conveys surrender, entrustment, and self-denial of power and strength except In Allah, and it is tantamount to acknowledging one’s helplessness and seeking Allah’s help. Didn’t you see that we were commanded to say it when we hear the muezzin say: come to prayer, come to success? Why? Because we ask Allah to help us against ourselves and our devil to go to prayer.
Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him, said: Should I not tell you a word from under the Throne which was part of the treasure of paradise, it is: “There is no might and no power except in Allah.” Allah the Almighty says, “My servant has resigned and submitted himself to me.”
La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah Benefits:
The phrase La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah is a treasure of Paradise, offering immense spiritual benefits. It earns divine forgiveness, plants trees in Paradise, and serves as a gateway to it. This powerful supplication fosters reliance on Allah, affirms His Oneness, provides protection, and strengthens faith. Regular recitation connects believers to countless blessings and Allah’s divine assistance.
There are several benefits and rewards for those who frequent the Hawqalah, among these rewards are the following:
1. It Is One of Paradise’s Beauties
It was narrated that Hazim bin Harmalah said: “I passed by the Prophet (saas) and he said to me: ‘O Hazim, say often: “La hawla wala quwwata illa billah (there is no power and no strength except with Allah),” for it is one of the treasures of Paradise.'”
The treasure: As Al-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, said: It is a reward that is stored in Paradise, and it is a precious reward just as the treasure is the most precious of your money.
2. You’ll Be Rewarded A Tree In Paradise Every Time You Say It
It was narrated from Abu Ayyoub al-Ansari that: the Prophet Muhammad, May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, said: I met Abraham on the night I was taken up to heaven, and he said, “Who is with you Jibreel” This is Muhammad, Jibreel replied.
Abraham, May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, said: (O Muhammad, order your nation to make a frequent practice of planting Paradise, for that paradise has good soil and wide land). What are the plants of Paradise, the Prophet asked. (La hawla wala quwwata illa billah (there is no power and no strength except with Allah).
3. It Is One of The Gates of Paradise
On the authority of Muadh bin Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, said: (Shall I not direct you to one of the gates of Paradise)? He said: What is it? He said:(La hawla wala quwwata illa billah (there is no power and no strength except with Allah).
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described “La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah” as one of the treasures of Paradise. The word “treasure” here indicates something of immense value, reserved as a reward for believers. It implies that this phrase holds extraordinary significance in the sight of Allah due to its profound meaning and spiritual weight.
By uttering this phrase, believers demonstrate submission to Allah and recognition of their need for His assistance in all aspects of life. This acknowledgment, which lies at the heart of Islamic teachings, connects a person with divine blessings and rewards that surpass worldly gains, ultimately granting them treasures in the eternal Hereafter.
4. It Forgives Your Sins
There are some dhikr with the (La hawla wala quwwata illa billah (there is no power and no strength except with Allah) in it. If a person says them, his sins will be forgiven.
Abdullah bin Amr narrated that :
the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “there is not anyone upon the earth who says: ‘None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest, and there is no might nor power except by Allah, (Lā ilāha illallāh, wa Allāhu akbar, wa La hawla wala quwwata illa billah ) except that his sins shall be pardoned, even if they were like the foam of the sea.”
On the authority of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, in a chain of transmission traceable to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, (Whoever says: There is no god but Allah, and Allah is great, there is no god but Allah alone, there is no god but Allah, and he has no partner, there is no god but Allah, His is the dominion and His is the praise, there is no god but Allah, And there is no might or power except with Allah)
counting them five on his fingers, then he said: Whoever says them in a day, or in a night, or in a month, and then dies on that day, or that night, or that month, his sin will be forgiven) Narrated by An-Nasa’i.
5. An Expression of Seeking Allah’s Help
The phrase “La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah” is a declaration of seeking help from Allah, acknowledging that strength and power belong only to Him. When a believer faces life’s challenges, this statement becomes a reminder that relying on Allah ensures guidance and support in resolving difficulties.
The act of seeking Allah’s assistance is a central part of worship and devotion. It aligns with the powerful message of Surah Al-Fatihah: “You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.” By saying this phrase, a person strengthens their bond with Allah and gains confidence in His divine assistance for their affairs.
6. Affirmation of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)
Saying “La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah” is an affirmation of all three categories of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah). Firstly, it reflects Tawheed Al-Rububiyyah, acknowledging Allah as the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Controller of the universe. Secondly, it encompasses Tawheed Al-Asma Wa Al-Sifat, recognizing Allah’s perfect and unique attributes, such as His power and might.
Lastly, it affirms Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah, which emphasizes worshiping Allah alone. By uttering this statement, a believer recognizes Allah’s sovereignty over all affairs and admits that no one else deserves worship or reliance. It serves as a profound reminder of the core belief in Islamic monotheism.
7. Encourages Reliance and Trust in Allah
The phrase encourages believers to fully rely on Allah, surrendering all affairs to Him. It reminds them that they are powerless without Allah’s help and that true success comes from entrusting their lives to Him. This reliance leads to inner peace, as it frees a person from worrying about things beyond their control.
Through this phrase, believers exhibit humility and a sense of dependence on their Creator. It fosters a mindset where they actively seek Allah’s guidance while maintaining faith in His wisdom, leading to a balanced approach of striving while trusting in divine outcomes.
8. Brings Divine Assistance
Responding with “La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah” during the Adhan (call to prayer) when the muezzin says “Hayya ‘ala al-Salah” and “Hayya ‘ala al-Falah” is a practice recommended by the Prophet ﷺ. This response invokes Allah’s assistance for performing prayer and achieving success.
The statement signifies that attending prayer and attaining prosperity are only possible through Allah’s help and permission. This reminder strengthens the believer’s awareness of their dependence on Allah, increasing their sincerity and focus during worship.
9. Confirmation of Truth by Allah
One of the unique virtues of “La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah” is that Allah affirms the truthfulness of the believer who utters it. According to a hadith, Allah responds by saying, “My servant has spoken the truth; there is no power or might except through Me.”
This divine confirmation signifies a special acknowledgment from Allah. When a person sincerely utters this phrase, they are recognized as truthful by their Creator, fostering a sense of closeness to Allah and boosting their faith.
10. Provides Protection When Leaving Home
Reciting “La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah” alongside “Bismillah” and expressing trust in Allah before leaving the house brings divine protection. The Prophet ﷺ taught that those who say this supplication are sufficed, guided, and protected from harm throughout their journey.
This practice wards off the influence of devils, as mentioned in a narration where one devil tells another, “How can you harm a person who has been guided, sufficed, and protected?” By adopting this habit, believers safeguard themselves from misguidance and difficulties.
11. Part of the Righteous Deeds That Remain (Al-Baqiyat Al-Salihat)
The phrase “La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah” is among the Baqiyat Al-Salihat (the righteous deeds that remain) mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46). These are acts of worship that hold everlasting rewards and are beloved to Allah.
Numerous narrations highlight that phrases like Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, and La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah are among the best forms of remembrance. Consistently uttering these words earns a believer immense spiritual rewards that endure beyond their worldly life.
When Is La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah (Hawqala) Preferred to Be Said?
For the great value of saying (there is no might and no power except with Allah ) and the abundance of its reward, the Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, urged us to increase its saying on several occasions, either alone or combined with other dhikr. The most important of which are:
1. During The Adhan And Iqamah of A Prayer
In a long hadith, the Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, commanded us to say as the muezzin says, except for the (come to prayer, come to success). Instead we shall say: (La hawla wala quwwata illa billah i.e., there is no power and no strength except with Allah). Reflect how should the Muslim says it four times during the Adhan and twice during the iqaamah, that equates to thirty times in one day!!
It is a request for help in worship to Allah , and that is why Imam Malik did not give fatwas until he said: There is no might or power except with Allah (Sharh al-Sunnah by al-Baghawi 1/301).
Sufyan al-Thawri said: I entered upon Jaafar bin Muhammad while he was in his mosque, and he said: What brought you, O Sufyan? He said: I said: to seek knowledge. He said: “O Sufyan, if a blessing appears on you, have taqwa in Allah, and if your sustenance slows down, ask for Allah’s forgiveness, and if a matter baffels you, then say: La hawla wala quwwata illa billah i.e., there is no power and no strength except with Allah)Then he said, O Sufyan: Three and what valuable three. Narrated by al-Bayhaqi in Shu’ab al-Iman.
2. After Every Prayer
It has been reported that ‘Abdullah bin Zubair (May Allah be pleased with them) used to recite after Taslim at the conclusion of every Salat (prayer):
“La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul- mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in Qadir. La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah. La ilaha illallahu, wa la na’budu illa iyyahu, Lahun-ni’matu, wa lahul-fadlu, wa lahuth-thana’ul-hasan. La ilaha ilallahu, mukhlisina, lahud-dina, wa lau karihal-kafirun (there is no true god except Allah; He is One. To Him belongs the dominion and to Him is all praise, and He is Powerful over all things.
There is no power and might except with (the help of) Allah. There is no God but Allah and we worship none except Him, to Him belongs the bounty and to Him belongs the grace, and to Him belongs all excellent praise; there is no deity but Allah. We reserve our devotion exclusively for Him though the disbelievers may detest it).” Ibn Az-Zubair said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to celebrate Allah’s Greatness in those terms after every Salat (prayer).
3. Upon Leaving The House
Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Whoever says (upon leaving his house): ‘Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘alallah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah [I begin with the Name of Allah; I trust in Allah; there is no altering of conditions but by the Power of Allah],’ it will be said to him: ‘You are guided, defended and protected.’ The devil will go far away from him”.
Saying Hawqala when leaving the house is a protection from evils as you giving up your power and strength and seek Allah’s help.
4. When Sleeping
That is why the Prophet , may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, urged us to say it when we go to our bed so that our sins may be forgiven, as Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, said: if anyone says when going to bed: There is no god but Allah alone, who has no partner, his is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things.
There is no power and no strength except with Allah,Glorified is Allah,and The praise is for Allah, and There is none worthy of worship but Allah, and Allah is the Most Great, Allah atones for their sins even if they were like sea foam.
5. It Can Be Read Instead of Al-Fatiha (For the one who does not know the Quran)
It was narrated that Ibn Abi Awfa said:
“A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: ‘I cannot learn anything of the Quran; teach me something that I can say instead of reciting the Quran.’ He said: ‘Say: SubhanAllah, wal-hamdulilah, wa la illaha ill-Allah, wa Allahu Akbar, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa Billahil-aliy al-azim (Glory be to Allah, praise be to Allah, there is none worthy of worship except Allah, Allah is Most Great, and there is no power and no strength except with Allah the Exalted and Magnificent ).'”
Misuses of La hawla wala quwwata illa billah
Therefore, (La hawla wala quwwata illa billah i.e., there is no power and no strength except with Allah) is not a phrase said when faced with disaster (such as the phrase, “Innā Lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rajiʿūn i.e., Verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return.”).
Rather, it is to be said with the aim of seeking the help of Allah. In addition, some people say it out of fear, not patience, and trust in Allah, and this is a mistake.
Don’t you see that when someone hears his friend saying La hawla wala quwwata illa billah, he asks him concernedly: Are you okay? Is there anything wrong? What is the calamity that has occurred? This is because he used to hear it from those who suffer from calamities; For this reason, people did not often say La hawla wala quwwata illa billah in their public lives, because they did not understand its meaning and significance, but rather used it to express calamities.
Most people, if a calamity inflicts them or hear about a calamity, do not say Innā Lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rajiʿūn i.e., Verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return.”), but rather hasten to say: “La hawla wala quwwata illa billah i.e., there is no power and no strength except with Allah), and this is wrong. The use of the Hawqalah is only in general matters, a mere general zikr, as in seeking the help of Allah Almighty to perform worship, such as prayer when We hear “come to prayer, come to success”.
Importance of Remembrance Allah
Remembrance of Allah has a very high status in the religion, and it is one of the most honorable, best, and easiest of acts of worship. It does not require purity or spending money, but rather moving the tongue and contemplating into the heart.
Stories From The Sunnah About La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah
Hawqalah is a Dua that includes glorifying Allah and entrusting the affairs with him. There’s a story of a desert Arab came to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and said, “Teach me a word that I can say. ” The Prophet told him to say: There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Who has no partner, Allah is the Great, the Most Great, and praise is to Allah in abundance, glory is to Allah, Lord of the worlds. There is no power and no might but by Allah the Mighty, the Wise.
He said, “That is for my Lord, but what about me?” The Prophet (ﷺ) told him to say: O Allah forgive me, and have mercy on me and guide me, and provide for me.
Sa’d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and I went to see a woman. She had date- stones or pebbles in front of her, and she was counting and reciting Tasbih. [‘Subhan-Allah’ (Allah is free from imperfection)]. He said, “Shall I not inform you of what is easier or better than this for you?”
You should say: ‘Subhan-Allahi ‘adada ma khalaqa fis-sama’, wa subhan-Allahi ‘adada ma khalaqa fil-ardi, wa subhan-Allahi ‘adada ma baina dhalika, wa subhan-Allahi ‘adada ma Huwa Khaliqun, wallahu Akbaru mithla dhalika, wal-hamdu lillahi mithla dhalika, wa la ilaha illallahu mithla dhalika, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahi mithla dhalika
meaning: (Subhan-Allah, equal to the number of what He created in the heaven; and Subhan-Allah, equal to the number of His creatures in the earth; and Subhan-Allah, equal to the number in between them; and Subhan-Allah equal to the number of those He will create).’
Then say: ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is Greatest) in the same way. Then say: ‘Al-hamdu lillah’ (praise be to Allah) in the same way. Then say: ‘La ilaha illallah’ (there is no true god except Allah) in the same way. Then say: ‘La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah’ (there is no change of a condition nor power except by Allah) in the same manner.”
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FAQ
(Q&A of Lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh)
How many times Hawqala is preferred to be said?
Why is it called Hawqala?
Conclusion:
La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah, known as Hawqala, holds immense spiritual value in Islam, symbolizing the believer’s complete reliance on Allah for strength and guidance. Translating to “There is no power and no strength except with Allah,” it serves as a reminder of human limitations and the divine power that governs all aspects of life.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the significance of La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah, calling it a treasure from Paradise. Reciting this phrase fosters submission to Allah’s will, strengthens faith, and instills peace in the believer’s heart.
La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah’s benefits extend beyond spiritual enlightenment. Regular recitation helps erase sins, provides protection, and earns a special reward in Paradise. It is recommended during key moments of worship, such as in response to the call to prayer, after Salah, when leaving the house, and before sleeping.
