As Muslims, we can all agree on one universal truth: nothing in this dunya can happen without the will of Allah.
This is a fundamental tenet of Islam, understood by all who recite the beloved dhikr “La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah.” When you understand the meaning behind this short prayer, you verbally affirm that:
There is no power and no strength except with Allah.
Subhanallah—it is a brief yet profoundly potent phrase (often called “Hawqala”). The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) instructed his followers to recite this dhikr daily, and its authenticity is widely recognized by scholars.
You can recite the 6-word core version: La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah — or a slightly longer variation: La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billahil Aliyyil Azim. Its rhythmic flow makes it easy to remember and recite.
La Hawla Wala Quwwata (Arabic, Transliteration & Translation)
- Arabic: لاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ
- Transliteration: Lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata ‘illā billāh
- English Translation: “There is no might nor power except with Allah.”
Longer variation:
- Transliteration: La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billahil Aliyyil Azim
- English Translation: “There is no might nor power except with Allah, the Most High, the Mighty.”
Deeper Analysis of the Phrase’s Meaning
Translating Arabic to English can sometimes lose subtle nuances. As noted by scholar Wahiduddin, the common translation of “hawla” as “power” is an oversimplification: the Arabic root h-w-l encompasses all forms of change and transformation. Progress—especially spiritual progress—depends on this transformation, yet we alone lack the power to bring it about.
We are constantly evolving, but this growth is not due to our own genius; it is Allah’s will that enables all transformation. The longer variation adds “Aliyyil Azim” (the Most High, the Mighty), praising Allah through one of His beautiful names, emphasizing His grandeur and exalted nature.
Who Should Recite This Dhikr?
Anyone can recite this prayer at any time—it is a form of remembrance of Allah (dhikr). Its core message reminds us of human weakness: our egos may make us pretend to be self-sufficient, but true confidence comes from acknowledging our dependence on Allah.
A servant of Allah recognizes their own powerlessness without His will—and this is why reciting “La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah” is so meaningful. It is a supplication asking Allah to make your desires possible.
There is no shame in seeking help from the Creator; in fact, we should turn to Him often, as He is limitless. Whether facing financial hardship, marital struggles, stress, or any difficulty, this dhikr can be a source of strength to carry you through.
Remember Allah’s promise in the Qur’an: “So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith.” (3:139)
Hadiths About La Hawla Wala Quwwata
The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the virtue of this phrase in multiple narrations:
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Abu Musa reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) heard me saying, “La Hawla wa la Quwwata Illa Billah,” and said: “O ‘Abdullah bin Qais! Shall I not tell you of a word which is one of the treasures of Paradise?” I replied: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” He said: “Say: La Hawla wa la Quwwata Illa Billah.”
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‘Alqamah bin Waqqas reported: I was with Mu’awiyah when the mu’adhin called the adhan. Mu’awiyah repeated the mu’adhin’s words, but when the mu’adhin said: “Hayya ‘alas-salah (Come to prayer),” he said: “La Hawla wa la Quwwata Illa Billah”; and when the mu’adhin said: “Hayya ‘alal-falah (Come to prosperity),” he said the same. Afterwards, Mu’awiyah said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) do exactly this.”
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Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The 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 flee from him.” It is also narrated that one devil will say to another: “How can we approach a man who has been guided, defended, and protected?”
May this article expand your knowledge of this powerful dhikr. Jazakallah for reading—we pray it serves as a source of comfort and strength in your journey of faith.
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"Allah's guidance to spread the Qur'an, unite Muslims, and strengthen Islam!" "هداية الله لنشر القرآن وتوحيد المسلمين وإعزاز الإسلام!"