There are not many a more potent, reassuring, and deep form of dhikr (ذكر) in Islam than “La hawla wala quwwata illa billah” (لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله). This little statement has a richness of meaning that can transform the perspective of a believer regarding adversity, power, and dependence on Allah.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ claimed this dhikr to be among the treasures of paradise (كنز من كنوز الجنة). Suppose it were – a tiny sentence to the tongue, but so much in the scale of prize. This is a lifeline to the heart in times of fear and weakness, anxieties, or confusion. In the modern-day, stressful and uncertain world where living conditions are dictated by the day, Hawqalah (الحوقلة) has never been as relevant as it is now. It brings us to a very basic but radical fact:
There is no power and no strength except with Allah (لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله).
This blog explores the sense, merits, virtues and practical use of the La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله). based on the true Islamic teachings and the real-life reflections.
What Does La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah (لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله) Mean?
The Arabic phrase is short. Its meaning is vast. Let us break it down.
La Hawla (لا حول)
This implies that no movement or no ability to change.
We cannot change states of our own will.
Wala Quwwata (ولا قوة)
This is associated with no strength, no power.
We do not have the capacity to do things on our own.
Illa Billah (إلا بالله)
This means except with Allah.
He provides the aid. He grants the ability.
This is further explained by scholars. Ibn al-Qayyim (ابن القيم رحمه الله) was an insightful man. He said it means:
- Nobody rejects sin unless with Allah.
- Allah alone makes one stronger in obeying.
It is an avowal of dependency. We admit our weakness. We recognize His exaltedness. This is the spirit of Hawqalah ( الحوقلة).
Complete Meaning
“There is no power and no strength except with Allah.”
(لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله)
This statement is both:
- Rejection of our self-sufficiency.
- Confirmation of absolute control and power of Allah.
It is a way of humbling the ego and at the same time building faith.
Deeper Significance of Hawqalah
Scholars call this phrase Hawqalah or Hawqala. It is not merely a sentence it is a belief system. When a believer declares: La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah, he/she recognizes:
Without Allah, they are not able to alter their situation.
- It is not possible that they can obey Allah without the assistance of Allah.
- They are not able not to sin but by the protection of Allah.
- It is the epitome of tawakkul (belief in Allah).
Hadith: The Virtues of La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah
A Treasure of Paradise
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Shall I not guide you to one of the treasures of Paradise?
Say: La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
The mere presence of this hadith suffices to demonstrate how valuable this dhikr could be.
Forgiveness and Reward
When coupled with contrition and repentance, according to scholars, forgiveness so immense that sins are as the foam of the ocean comes when one is constantly reminded of Allah.
Protection When Leaving the House
There is another hadith which says that when a believer goes out of his home, saying:
- Bismillah (بسم الله)
- Tawakkaltu ‘alallah (توكلت على الله)
- La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله)
They are directed, sheltered, and guarded against danger.
Benefits of Reciting Hawqalah Regularly
Enhances Tawakkul in Allah.
This dhikr conditions the heart to rely on Allah only. As time passes, the phobia of people, results, and losses diminishes.
Ease of Anxiety and Stress.
La hawla wala quwwata illa billah makes the soul cool when the concerns are overwhelming. It is a good reminder that we do not have control, which is a good thing.
Builds Inner Strength
Real strength is not about physical or emotional strength. It is spiritual. It is a dhikr that brings a believer back to the origin of all might, and that is Allah.
Protection from Shaytan
The memory of Allah undermines the voices of Shaytan. Hawqalah serves as a spiritual protection when there is a temptation or despair.
5. Increases Patience During Trials
This expression can be used when trials strike to accept the decree of Allah without the bitterness that develops resilience and patience.
Arabic Pronunciation of Hawqalah (الحوقلة)
Pronunciation Guide:
Lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh
لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله
Take it slow. There is no rush in remembrance.
The Extended Form: Billāhil ‘Aliyyil ‘Azīm (بالله العلي العظيم)
Many scholars recommend the extended version:
La hawla wa la quwwata illa billāhil ‘aliyyil ‘azīm
(لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله العلي العظيم)
Meaning:
There is no power nor strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.
When and How to Recite La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah
Best Times to Recite:
- During hardship or stress
- At times of weakness and helplessness.
- After the Adhan
- While leaving the house
- During illness
- After salah as general dhikr
There is no fixed number. It is the consistency and sincerity that counts.
Dhikr Treasures of Paradise: Why This One Stands Out
Islam is full of remembering, yet Hawqalah has a privileged position within it as it deals with one of the fundamental human dilemmas: control.
Humans want control. This dhikr softens the taking away of that burden and puts this burden where it needs to be, with Allah.
Modern Life & the Power of Hawqalah
In Work Stress
Significant deadlines, fiscal pressure, competition — repeating La hawla wala quwwata illa billah will keep reminding us that provision is by Allah.
In Parenting
Parenting is an emotional task. This dhikr assists parents to hand over results to Allah as they strive to do their best.
In Health Challenges
Disease can cause one to feel helpless. Hawqalah turns a weakness into worship.
No Power Except Allah: A Life Philosophy
This term rebates the way a believer perceives:
- Success → from Allah
- Failure → wisdom from Allah
- Strength → gift from Allah
It eliminates arrogance in ease and hopelessness in trial.
Common Misunderstandings About Hawqalah
Others believe that this is a phrase used in calamities. As a matter of fact, it is as potent in ease as it teaches us to be humble. Others are mindless in treating it as a habit. The real good is in the case when the tongue is in harmony with the heart.
How Scholars Viewed This Dhikr
Classical scholars defined La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah as:
- A statement of servitude
- An admission of mortality.
- The proclamation of the lordship of Allah.
Imam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله he Allah stressed that even obedience in itself presupposes the assistance of Allah, a meaning which Hawqalah carries.
Practical Tips to Make It a Daily Habit
- Repeat it after every salah,
- utter it with little problems.
- Teach it to children
- Think about its meaning daily.
Minor consistency leads to long-term spiritual transformation.
Conclusion
Everyone is self-obsessed in this world, whereas La hawla wala quwwata illa billah is about being liberated by giving up. It transfers the weight on frail human shoulders to the One who never gets tired. This dhikr is not merely words; it is faith in action, a reminder that all the steps, all the changes, all the strength are provided by Allah only. Make it a habit. Whisper it in hardship. Say it in ease. Live by it. And observe how Allah will put power in your weakness, peace in your anarchy, light in your heart – by La hawla wala quwwata illa billah.
