lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā bi Allāh

The magnificent phrase lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā bi Allāh is mentioned numerous times in the hadith (sayings of Muḥammad) as being highly regarded and highly recommended by the Prophet Muḥammad. The phrase is a part of daily prayers for many Muslims, and is a common phrase in ceremony and dhikr (zikr).

It is not uncommon to find the phrase lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā bi Allāh translated simply as there is no power or strength except through Allāh. However that translation fails to capture the grandeur and deeper significance of this magnificent phrase.

Translating the word ḥawla simply as power is an over-simplification. The Arabic root ḥ-w-l depicts all manner of change and transformation. The root ḥ-w-l has led to a wide variety of words, but they all share this common thread of change and transformation. Certainly it is true that transformation and change require power, but power alone is not an adequate translation.... change and transformation are the keys to this magnificent phrase.

The phrase may be translated word-by-word as:

lā = no, not, none, neither
ḥawla = change, alteration, transformation, movement, motion
wa = and
lā = no, not, none, neither
quwwata = strength, power, potency, force, might, vigor
illā = but, except, if not
bi = with, to, for, in, through, by means of
Allāh = Arabic name for the Supreme Being

Progress is only achieved through change and transformation... and spiritual progress requires the highest degree of change and transformation. We may wish to change, but we alone do not have the power to make such changes.

Such change and transformation can only occur through the taḥwīl (transformation) of Allāh. That is to say, true change and transformation can arise only through the awesome and glorious powers of Allāh.

Here are some literal translations of the phrase lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh that incorporate the idea of change and transformation:
 

There is neither change nor power except by means of Allāh.

There is no transformation or strength except through Allāh.

There is neither progress nor might except through Allāh.

Wishing you love, harmony and beauty,
    wahiduddin

last updated  18-Oct-2005

la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah, laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billaah, there is no change or power except through Allah, ya Allah, haula, quwata, bi Allah