صدق الله العظيم (Sadaq Allah Al-Azeem)

[Ruhi_Rose]

                                                     
                                         






It is often the case that at the close of a religious discussion on internet, television or radio the presenter says Sadaq Allah Al-Azeem even if the contents of their discussion or talk do not contain the Words of the Noble Quran.    Is this acceptable?   The answer is NO.

The meaning of the phrase Sadaq Allah Al-Azeem is “Allah Almighty speaks the truth” or “Allah has spoken the truth” or "Allah Almighty has provided this truth."   It is commonly said by Muslims after their session of reading the Quran or after reciting an Ayat or Verse of the Quran in a lecture or discussion.  The only time when this phrase is not uttered is at the end of prayer (salat). 

'Sadaqa' is a word denoting charity in Arabic and in Islam.  Thus, "Sadaq Allah Al-Azeem" is a recognition of gratitude for the gift of truth from Allah.  

If the discussion on television or internet is a normal one, it should not be followed by this sentence because the speakers are uttering their own words.  Even if their talk is about Quranic contents,  it remains their own words; they are not quoting the Words of Allah.  In order not to confuse human words with Divine Words, the phrase 'Sadaq Allah Al-Azeem'  must not be uttered unless you end your speech or lecture by reciting an Ayat or a Surah from the Quran.

Some of our jurists have taken a combative stance.  They claim this is bid’ah (innovation) as there is no authentic basis for saying this after reading the Quran. 

Well, the 'authentic basis' comes from the substance of the phrase itself.  The very fact that Allah always speaks the truth is the essence of Faith.  Some folks may take it for granted and therefore consider its mention not necessary.  Others too may take it for granted and also consider its mention necessary.  Both are right.   Though this phrase is not obligatory, it would certainly be very foolish to claim the mention of "Sadaq Allah Al-Azeem" as bidah.  That's absurd.

“So whoever fabricates lies against Allah even after that, then those are they (who are) the unjust.  Say [صدق الله], “Allah has told the truth. So follow the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth; and he was not of the polytheists.” (3:94:95).

Some of our scholars claim that this Ayat is not a direct command to say Sadaq Allah Al-Azeem after reciting the Quran.  Indeed correct, it is not a direct command.  Based on the same argument, it is also not a direct command not to say it.   And surely, by reiterating the Truth confirmed by Allah, we please Allah still more.  In other words, “Sadaq Allaah Al-‘Azeem” need not be taken as a compulsion but saying it feels better for our souls as it reiterates and reconfirms the world's Greatest Truth.

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘Allah has spoken the truth…’”  (3:95)

Allah Almighty is commanding the Prophet (pbuh) to explain to the people that Allah had spoken the truth in all His former Scriptures.

To conclude:  It's not فرض (farz)  to mention "Sadaq Allah Al-Azeem" after every Quranic recitation.  But if a person says it everytime or sometimes as a preferred choice, it's absolutely fine.    Rather, it would certainly be better to say it.  Reiterating this fact, you are going that extra mile in your effort to bring the Truth to the forefront.  Allah, the Glorified and the Exalted speaks the truth in all matters and restating it each time you recite the Quran is a commitment of our loyalty to Him.


Related post:
Ista'adha (إِستَعَاذَ ) - Taking protection in Allah

[N. Truth Seeker]

I have sometimes heard non-Arabic speaking Muslims saying Sadaqa Allahul Azeem after Islamic discussions in their own words.  I think it's because of scant knowledge of Arabic.  They obviously don't know the meaning of this phrase, they probably think it means similar to Alhumdulilah or SubhanAllah. 

Very good clarification.  I'm sure it will help many, InshAllah.

[Zainab_M]

Useful read.   True, it's not obligatory however a very good concept to mention it, but only after Quranic recitations during conversations, discussions and lectures. 

Ista'adha (taking refuge in Allah) is for sure compulsory to utter prior to Quranic recitations as confirmed in the Quran.

"And when you recite the Qur'an, seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast."  16:98.

[Ruhi_Rose]

I have sometimes heard non-Arabic speaking Muslims saying Sadaqa Allahul Azeem after Islamic discussions in their own words.  I think it's because of scant knowledge of Arabic.  They obviously don't know the meaning of this phrase, they probably think it means similar to Alhumdulilah or SubhanAllah. 

Right brother.  The last time I heard someone say was also a non-Arab lady who uttered at the end of her own talk.  It didn't even occur to her she shouldn't have said it.  Just shows how robotically some folks speak without having a clue of the meaning of what they utter.

Useful read.   True, it's not obligatory however a very good concept to mention it, but only after Quranic recitations during conversations, discussions and lectures. 

Ista'adha (taking refuge in Allah) is for sure compulsory to utter prior to Quranic recitations as confirmed in the Quran.

"And when you recite the Qur'an, seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast."  16:98.

Exactly sister.  That's a good comparison.  

[N. Truth Seeker]

....  Just shows how robotically some folks speak without having a clue of the meaning of what they utter.

 😄  lol .. that's right.