The Power of Dhikr in Islam: Meaning, Benefits, and Practices

Dhikr (ذکر) word meaning is “remembrance but from Islamic point of view, it means, remembrance of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (SWT) is an essential practice in Islam that involves the continuous invocation of Allah’s name and attributes or always keeping him in your thought while acting on something. It is a form of worship that strengthens faith, purifies the heart, and brings tranquility to the soul, resulting in ultimate calmness or composure to one. As the Quran states: “Ala bi dhikr Allah tatmainnal quloob” “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28).
Urdu Translation:
“اللہ کی یاد سے ہی دلوں کو سکون ملتا ہے۔”

Dhikr in Islam: A Vital Spiritual Practice: “ذکر کی فضیلت”

In the Islamic teachings, dhikr is not just about verbal repetition or but also about internal mindfulness of Allah, of how one considers himself, in front of Allah. It can be performed at any time, making it a flexible, easy and accessible act of worship. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of dhikr, stating:

“Shall I not inform you of the best of your deeds, the purest to your Lord, which raises your ranks and is better than spending gold and silver in charity? It is the remembrance of Allah.” (Tirmidhi)
“”کیا میں تمہیں تمہارے بہترین اعمال کے بارے میں نہ بتاؤں جو تمہارے رب کے نزدیک پاکیزہ ہے جو تمہارے درجات بلند کرتا ہے اور سونا چاندی صدقہ کرنے سے بہتر ہے، یہ اللہ کا ذکر ہے۔” (ترمذی)”

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Types of Dhikr and When to Perform It:

here are some types of dhikr:

Dhikr After Salah: “نماز کے بعد دعا”

After every prayer, Muslims are encouraged to engage in dhikr. Common recitations include:

• SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah) – 33 times
• Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) – 33 times
• Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) – 34 times
• Reciting Ayat-ul-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255)

Daily Dhikr List:

Engaging in daily Islamic practices brings immense rewards. Some of the most powerful dhikr include:

• La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah)
• Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah)
• Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi, Subhanallahil Azim (Glory is to Allah and to Him belongs all praise, Glory to Allah, the Magnificent)
• Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel (Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs)

Dhikr for Ramadan & Laylatul Qadr:

During the holy and blessed month of Ramadan, the reward for dhikr is multiplied. The most common practices of Ramadan includes:

• Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni (O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me).
• La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (There is no power and no strength except with Allah).
• Dhikr for Laylatul Qadr: Engage in extensive Tasbeeh, Takbeer, and Tahmeed to seek Allah’s mercy.

Dhikr for the Day of Arafah & Dhul Hijjah:

On the Day of Arafah (عرفہ کے دن), one of the best dhikr is:

• La ilaha illallah, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer (There is no god but Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs the dominion and all praise, and He is capable of all things).
• Engage in dhikr during Dhul Hijjah, as these ten days hold immense significance in Islam.

Both Dhikr and prayer are essential pillars of worship in Islam, each offering unique pathways to connect with Allah. While Dhikr focuses on remembrance, prayer is a structured dialogue with the Divine. Learn more about the transformative power of prayer in our article: “Prayer & Worship

How to Perform Dhikr:

Dhikr can be done in various ways:

• Using a Dhikr Counter or Ring: A modern and convenient way to track dhikr repetitions.
• On Fingers: Following the Sunnah, one can count dhikr using the right hand’s fingers.
• Before Sleeping: Recite Ayat-ul-Kursi, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas before sleeping for protection.
• While Listening to Quran: One can engage in dhikr while listening to Quran, as long as it does not distract from its recitation.

Can You Do Dhikr Anytime?

Yes, Certainly, Allah is always there for you, as he states that I am more close to you than you can think. It can be done at any time and in any place. Whether walking, working, or even lying down, one can engage in the remembrance of Allah. Just try to be in state of tahara (Cleanliness). The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The best dhikr is La ilaha illallah.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi)

Benefits of Dhikr in Islam

• Strengthens the connection with Allah
• Increases inner peace and contentment
• Acts as a protection from evil and distress
• Helps in the acceptance of dua (supplication)
• Wipes away sins and elevates ranks in the Hereafter

Conclusion:

Dhikr is a one of most simple yet powerful and effective act of worship that has great spiritual and worldly benefits. Engaging in daily dhikr, particularly after salah, during Ramadan, on Laylatul Qadr, and on the Day of Arafah, brings immense rewards. Whether using a dhikr counter ring or performing dhikr on fingers, remembering Allah frequently is a path to peace and success. May we all make dhikr an essential part of our lives and benefit from its endless blessings. Ameen.