Dhikr (ذِكْر), the remembrance of Allah, is among the most emphasized acts of worship in the Qur’an and Sunnah. It is a spiritual practice that nourishes the soul, purifies the heart, and strengthens the connection between the believer and the Creator. Dhikr is not limited to the tongue but encompasses a conscious state of mind and soul that continuously remains aware of Allah’s presence. From glorifying Allah to seeking forgiveness, the forms of dhikr are vast and meaningful for every Muslim, regardless of time or place.
What Is Dhikr?
Dhikr means to remember. In Islamic terms, it refers specifically to the remembrance of Allah through phrases, actions, reflection, or consistent consciousness. Allah commands the believers in the Qur’an to remember Him frequently and with devotion:
"And remember your Lord much and glorify Him in the evening and the morning."
Surah Aal-Imran 3:41
Why Should You Perform Dhikr?
Dhikr has an immense number of spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits. It keeps the heart alive, strengthens tawakkul (trust in Allah), and brings peace to those in distress. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ often emphasized the value of dhikr for individuals and communities alike. Moreover, dhikr is accessible to all—young and old, male and female, educated and uneducated.
| Dhikr Phrase | Translation | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Subhanallah | Glory be to Allah | Heavily rewarded and glorifies Allah |
| Alhamdulillah | All praise is for Allah | Fills the balance on the Day of Judgement |
| Allahu Akbar | Allah is the Greatest | Reminds us of His supreme power |
| La ilaha illallah | There is no god but Allah | Key to Paradise and forgiveness |
| Astaghfirullah | I seek Allah's forgiveness | Erases sins and brings peace |
How to Perform Dhikr Properly
- Start with a sincere intention (niyyah) to remember Allah and seek His pleasure.
- Find a quiet, clean space where you can focus without distractions.
- Begin with praising Allah (e.g., Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah).
- Repeat each phrase with awareness and humility—don’t rush.
- Engage your heart: focus on the meanings, not just the words.
- Make du’a (supplication) between dhikr if you feel moved to do so.
- End your session with salawat on the Prophet ﷺ (e.g., Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad).
Morning and Evening Dhikr
Dhikr is most effective when done regularly at blessed times. Morning and evening are two times specifically emphasized in the Sunnah for daily remembrance routines.
"Whoever says: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi 100 times a day, his sins will be forgiven even if they were as much as the foam of the sea."
Sahih Bukhari
Dhikr Through the Day
The beauty of dhikr lies in its flexibility. It can be done during walking, driving, cooking, resting, or any moment of free time. The more one engages in dhikr, the more it becomes part of one’s spiritual identity.
Levels of Dhikr
- Verbal Dhikr: Remembering Allah through the tongue only, often without deep concentration.
- Dhikr of the Heart: Remembering Allah through reflection, feeling awe, and connection.
- Combined Dhikr: The highest form—when both heart and tongue are engaged together.
Dhikr Taught by the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ would often advise his companions on the best words of remembrance. Among them:
- “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah” – for strength in times of weakness
- “Hasbiyallahu la ilaha illa Huwa” – for placing trust in Allah
- “Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayh” – for forgiveness and return to Allah
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Protection Through Dhikr
Dhikr serves as a divine shield for believers. Morning and evening adhkar include verses and phrases that protect one from evil, envy, harm, and stress. The Prophet ﷺ never missed these daily routines.
Our Recommendation:
Who Can Perform Dhikr?
Everyone. Dhikr is not restricted by gender, age, or status. It can be performed in all states except in the case of ritual impurity for recitation of Qur'an, but general remembrance (e.g., Subhanallah) is still allowed. Women may continue dhikr during menstruation.
Times of Increased Reward
- After Fardh (obligatory) prayers
- During the last third of the night
- On Fridays
- Day of Arafah
- Last 10 nights of Ramadan
Dhikr in the Qur'an
"And establish prayer for My remembrance."
Surah Taha 20:14
Be Consistent with Dhikr
- Set reminders on your phone
- Use dhikr apps or counters
- Establish a dhikr circle or group online
- Listen to adhkar recitations during daily chores
Daily Dhikr Schedule
- Fajr: Ayat al-Kursi, morning du’as, SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi (100x)
- Zuhr: La ilaha illallah (100x), Salawat (50x)
- Asr: Astaghfirullah (100x)
- Maghrib: Surah Baqarah’s last 2 verses, evening adhkar
- Isha: Tasbeeh before sleep: 33 Subhanallah, 33 Alhamdulillah, 34 Allahu Akbar
What to Avoid in Dhikr
- Dhikr as a habit without attention or sincerity
- Using unauthentic or fabricated phrases
- Speed-reading dhikr without reflection
- Thinking dhikr replaces other duties like Salah
FAQs
What is the best form of dhikr?
“La ilaha illallah” is the most superior dhikr according to the Prophet ﷺ. It is the statement of Tawheed and the key to Jannah.
Can dhikr be done silently?
Yes, you can do dhikr silently or aloud. Silent dhikr of the heart is also highly virtuous.
How can I make dhikr a habit?
Set a fixed time daily, use counters, apps, or schedule adhkar after each prayer until it becomes part of your routine.
Is dhikr valid during menstruation?
Yes, women can perform dhikr, duas, tasbeeh, and even read from memory during menstruation.
