Dhikr in Islam is a profound means of worship, it brings us closer to Allah and protects us from any evil. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of Zikr in Islam, its meaning, importance, and more. Let’s get started.
What is Dhikr in Islam?
Dhikr in Islam is the act of supplicating duas, it could be words, phrases, Quranic verses, or salwat. Dhikr means “remembrance of Allah”, it is called dhikr because we supplicate duas to remember Allah, thank him for all the blessings we have, acknowledge his power, asks for forgiveness, and more. You can recite it silently from the heart or out loud.
Some of the most common Dhikr in Islam include:
- Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah)
- Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)
- Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)
- La ilaha illallah (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah)
What is great about remembering Allah is that you can do it at any time. whenever you feel distress, when you are lonely, hurt, need help, or in need of guidance.
You can recite it after prayers, in the morning, before bedtime, on your way home, in your free time, anytime you want. For instance, you could recite the morning and evening duas daily.
The Importance of Dhikr in Islam
The importance of Dhikr in Islam lies in its ability to strengthen our connection with Allah, protect as from evil, shield us from any evil eye, remind us that we are not alone in our darkest moments, and more. Here are some of the key aspects that highlight its significance:
1. A Commandment from Allah
Dhikr in Islam is mentioned in the holy Quran which illustrates its significance. Allah Almighty commanded us to supplicate Zikr and to remember him:
“Remember Allah often so that you may be successful.” (Surah Al-Jumu’ah, 62:10)
Supplicating Zikr in Islam is a means of worship and a way to please Allah and bring success to ourselves in this life and the afterlife.
2. Dhikr in Islam: A Source of Peace and Tranquility
Dhikr in Islam brings peace of mind and comforts the soul, Allah Almighty said in the holy Quran:
“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:28)
3. A Path to Forgiveness and Mercy
Dhikr in Islam is one of the best tools to ask Allah for forgiveness and repent from our mistakes. Allah Almighty said in the Quran:
“And those who remember Allah often and the women who do so—Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:35)
4. Dhikr in Islam: Protection from Negligence
Dhikr in Islam is a means of protection from spiritual negligence, Allah said in the Quran:
“And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves.” (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:19)
5. Increases Good Deeds
Among the many benefits of Dhikr in Islam is that it brings us many rewards.
“The uttering of ‘Subhanallah’ and ‘Alhamdulillah’ fills up the scale.” (Sahih Muslim)
6. Dhikr in Islam: Strengthens the Bond with Allah
Dhikr brings us closer to Allah and enhances our connection with him. It reminds us of all the blessings we have and that Allah is always there for us.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Allah says: ‘I am as My servant thinks of Me. I am with him when he remembers Me.'” (Sahih Bukhari)
7. A Sign of Gratitude
When we supplicate dhikr in Islam, we show our gratitude and gratefulness toward Allah. Allah Almighty said in the Quran:
“Therefore remember Me, and I will remember you, and be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:152)
8. Dhikr in Islam: Elevates the Status of the Believer.
Supplicating Dhikr in Islam rewards us with many rewards in this life and the afterlife. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Shall I not inform you of the best of your deeds… and better for you than giving gold and silver in charity? It is the remembrance of Allah.” (Tirmidhi)
Quranic Verses about Dhikr in Islam.
Due to the importance of Dhikr in Islam it was mentioned in many Quranic verses, here are some of them:
1. Dhikr as a Path to Success
“O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu’ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you if you only knew.” [Surah Al-Jumu’ah (62:9)]
2. Dhikr Brings Tranquility
Here is a verse about Zikr in Islam:
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” [Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:28)]
3. Dhikr in Islam: Abundant Dhikr is Rewarded
“And the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them, Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” [Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35)]
4. A Command to Remember Allah Often
Here is a verse about Dhikr in Islam:
“O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance. And exalt Him morning and afternoon.” [Surah Al-Ahzab (33:41-42)]
5. Dhikr Leads to Allah’s Remembrance
“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152)]
6. Dhikr in Islam: Protects from Heedlessness
“And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient.” [Surah Al-Hashr (59:19)]
7. Dhikr Even in Challenging Times
Here is a verse about Dhikr in Islam:
“And remember the name of your Lord morning and evening.” [Surah Al-Insan (76:25)]
8. Dhikr in All States
“[They are] those who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'” [ Surah Aal-E-Imran (3:191)]
9. Dhikr in Islam: Helps in Patience and Perseverance
Here is a verse about Zikr in Islam:
“And be patient, [O Muhammad], for the decision of your Lord, for indeed, you are in Our eyes. And exalt [Allah] with praise of your Lord when you arise. And in a part of the night exalt Him and after [the setting of] the stars.” [Surah At-Tur (52:48-49)]
10. Dhikr in Difficult Moments
“Indeed, We sent down to you the Qur’an progressively. So be patient for the decision of your Lord and do not obey from among them a sinner or ungrateful [disbeliever]. And remember the name of your Lord morning and evening.” [ Surah Al-Insan (76:23-25)]
Those were some of the Quranic verses that highlight the importance of Dhikr in Islam and our daily lives.
Hadiths on the Virtues of Dhikr
Here are some Hadiths that highlight the virtues and importance of Dhikr in Islam:
1. Allah’s Remembrance of His Servants
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said about the significance of Dhikr in ISlam:
“Allah says: ‘I am as My servant thinks of Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I will remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a gathering, I will remember him in a gathering better than it.'” [Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 7405), Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2675)]
2. Dhikr in Islam: The Best Deeds
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Shall I not inform you of the best of your deeds, the purest of them with your Master, and the highest of them in rank, better for you than spending gold and silver, and better for you than meeting your enemy and striking their necks and them striking your necks?” They said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘The remembrance of Allah.'” [Sunan Tirmidhi (Hadith 3377), Sahih Ibn Hibban (Hadith 858)]
3. Ease of Reward
The Prophet (PBUH) said about the virtues of Zikr in Islam:
“Two words are light on the tongue, heavy in the balance, and beloved to the Most Merciful: ‘SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahi-l-‘Azim’ (Glory is to Allah, and all praise is to Him; Glory is to Allah, the Most Great).” [Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 6682), Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2694)]
4. Dhikr in Islam: Forgiveness of Sins
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever says ‘SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi’ (Glory is to Allah, and all praise is to Him) one hundred times a day, will have his sins forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea.” [Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 6405), Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2691)]
5. Protection from Shaytan
The Prophet (PBUH) said about the virtues of Zikr in Islam:
“Whoever says, ‘There is no deity except Allah, alone, without a partner, to Him belongs sovereignty, and to Him belongs praise, and He is over all things competent’ (La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir) one hundred times in a day, will have a reward equivalent to freeing ten slaves, a hundred good deeds will be written for him, a hundred bad deeds will be erased, and he will be protected from Shaytan that day until evening.” [Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 3293), Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2691)]
6. Dhikr in Islam: a Mark of Believers
The Prophet (PBUH) said about Dhikr in Islam:
“The comparison of the one who remembers Allah and the one who does not remember Allah is like that of the living and the dead.” [Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 6407), Sahih Muslim (Hadith 779)]
7. Angels Surround Gatherings of Dhikr
The Prophet (PBUH) said about dhikr in Islam:
“No people gather to remember Allah, but the angels surround them, mercy covers them, tranquility descends upon them, and Allah mentions them to those who are with Him.” [Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2700)]
8. Dhikr on the Day of Judgment
The Prophet (PBUH) said about the virtues of Dhikr in Islam:
“Nothing is heavier on the Scale of deeds than the remembrance of Allah.” [Sunan Tirmidhi (Hadith 3375), Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith 3790)]
9. Dhikr in Islam: The Permanence of Dhikr
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah.” [Sunan Tirmidhi (Hadith 3377), Musnad Ahmad (Hadith 17344)]
These hadiths show the virtues and significance of Dhikr in our daily lives.
Benefits of Dhikr in Islam.
Supplicating Dhikr in Silam and remembering Allah Almighty has many benefits for us all, and if the Muslim knows what Zikr can do for him he wouldn’t stop supplicating them. here are some of the many benefits of zikr in Islam:
1. Closeness to Allah
Reciting Dhikr in Islam brings us closer to Allah, strengthens our relationship with him, and guides us toward the right path. Allah Almighty said in the Quran:
“So remember Me; I will remember you.” (Quran 2:152)
2. Dhikr in Islam brings Inner Peace and Tranquility.
When you include Dhikr in Islam into your daily routine, you will notice how Allah guides you, all the stress and worries go away and you will have peace of mind. Allah Almighty said in the Quran:
“Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Quran 13:28)
3. Dhikr in Islam: a Forgiveness of Sins
Dhikr in Islam is a means of asking for forgiveness and repenting from any sins. Our beloved prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Whoever says ‘SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi’ one hundred times a day will have his sins forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6405)
4. Higher Rewards in the Hereafter.
The person who recites Dhikr regularly will be rewarded in the afterlife. Our beloved prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Nothing is heavier on the Scale of deeds than the remembrance of Allah.” (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 3375)
5. Dhikr in Islam: enhances Gratitude and Positivity
Dhikr in Islam is a great way to thank Allah and show our gratitude toward him by acknowledging his blessings upon us.
6. Increased Patience
When supplicating Dhikr in Islam you are constantly remerging yourself of Allah’s wisdom and power, knowing that whatever happens it is for the best.
7. Dhikr in Islam: Protection from Shaytan
Reciting Dhikr in Islam protects us from the whispers of the Shaytan. Our beloved prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“He will be protected from Shaytan that day until evening.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2691)
8. Barakah in Life
Continuous remembrance of Allah brings us Barakah in all aspects of life, like work, relationships, and health.
9. Dhikr in Islam: Improved Focus and Mindfulness
Supplicating Zikr in Islam brings us clarity of mind and helps us focus on what matters in life.
Best Times for Dhikr.
Dhikr in Islam can be recited at any time and anywhere, however, there are specific times that are recommended in the Quran and sunnah and they are:
1. Dhikr in Islam: Morning and Evening
Among the best times to supplicate Zikr in Islam are morning and evening. Therefore, one should make the recitation of morning and evening duas a habit. Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
“And exalt [Allah] with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting.” (Quran 50:39)
Best times include:
- After Fajr prayer until sunrise, this is called Morning Adhkar.
- After Asr prayer until Maghrib this is called Evening Adhkar.
2. After the Five Daily Prayers
Remembering Allah and reciting Dhikr in Islam is highly recommended after the five daily prayers.
Saying Subhanallah (33 times), Alhamdulillah (33 times), and Allahu Akbar (34 times) after Salah.
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Whoever recites after every prayer: Subhanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 34 times, his sins will be forgiven, even if they are as much as the foam of the sea.'” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 597)
3. Dhikr in Islam: During the Last Third of the Night
One of the best times to recite Zikr in Islam is the last third of the night. This refers to the time before fajr. Our beloved prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says, ‘Who will call upon Me so that I may answer him? Who will ask Me so that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?'” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1145; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 758)
4. While Fasting
Engaging in Dhikr in Islam while fasting especially the last hour before Maghrib is preferred. Try to make dua right before you break the fast.
5. Dhikr in Islam: Between the Adhan and Iqamah
One of the best times to recite Dhikr in Islam and dua is between the Azan and Iqamah, as it is said that all the duas will be answered at this time.
“A supplication between the Adhan and the Iqamah is not rejected.” (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 212)
6. On Fridays
The day of Jumuah is one of the best times to recite Zikr in Islam, especially the last hour before maghrib.
“O you who have believed, when [the Adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu’ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade.” (Quran 62:9)
7. During Difficulties or Challenges
Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) often remembered Allah during challenging times and instructed us to do the same. Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
“Indeed, We belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” (Quran 2:156)
8. Zikr in Islam: Before Sleeping
Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) instructed us to recite specific Adhkar before going to bed, such as:
Reciting Ayat Al-Kursi, Saying Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar (33 times each).
9. During Travel
One of the best times to recite Dhikr in Islam and supplicate duas is during travel as all prayers shall be answered.
“Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides…” (Quran 3:191)
10. Specific Days of Worship
Some of the best days to supplicate Zikr in Islam include:
- Day of Arafah
- First 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah
- Night of Laylatul Qadr
11. Dhikr in Islam After Waking Up
Our beloved prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“All praise is for Allah who gave us life after He caused us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6312)
Allah Almighty said in the Quran: “And remember your Lord much and exalt [Him] with praise in the evening and the morning.” (Quran 3:41)
Conclusion: Dhikr as a Path to Closeness with Allah
Dhikr is a profound act of worship that transcends the mere repetition of words and becomes a means to deepen one’s connection with Allah. It nourishes the soul, purifies the heart, and provides a sense of peace and purpose in both worldly and spiritual matters.
By engaging in Dhikr, a believer fulfills their ultimate purpose: to remember and glorify Allah, the Creator of all.
