Subhanahu wa Ta’ala Meaning
Glorified and exalted is He. The meaning, Arabic, when to say it, and its source in the Quran and Sunnah.
سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى
- Transliteration
- Subḥānahu wa taʿālā
- Meaning
- Glorified and exalted is He
Subhanahu wa ta’ala, written SWT, means “glorified and exalted is He”. Muslims say it after the name of Allah, out of reverence.
In the Quran
The phrase comes from the Quran: “Glorified is He and exalted above what they say, by a great sublimity” (Quran 17:43), and “glorified and exalted is He above what they associate with Him” (Quran 10:18).
What it means
- Subḥānahu: He is free of every imperfection. See SubhanAllah.
- Taʿālā: He is exalted, high above everything.
Other forms you will see: “Azza wa jall” (Mighty and Majestic) and “Jalla jalaluhu” (exalted is His majesty).
Quran and hadith references link to quran.com and sunnah.com, where you can read the full text. Reviewed 19 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
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Frequently asked questions
What does SWT mean?
“Subhanahu wa ta’ala”: glorified and exalted is He. It is said after the name of Allah.
Where does subhanahu wa ta’ala come from?
From the Quran, e.g. 17:43 and 10:18.