In the limitless and depthless ocean of Islamic devotion, where rows of five daily prayers (Salah) and fasting (Sawm) cleanse body and soul, there is one practice that is innocently simple and incredibly powerful. It is a continuous, musical recitation of the Divine’s memory. A Muslim saint’s spiritual life revolves around this practice, Dhikr (often spelt Zikr) and its derivative Adhkar. It is the exercise that brings the Creator into conversation with the creation on a continuous, intimate level. The adhkar meaning transcends repetition; it is a state, a wakefulness that imbues each second of a believer’s existence with purpose and peace.
To understand what is dhikr in Islam is to understand the significance of a Muslim’s existence in God. It is the secret to peace in a turbulent world, the light of darkness, and an anchor for the soul in the maelstrom of life. In this essay, we will search deeply into the Islamic meaning of dhikr, analyze its theological as well as spiritual implications, offer a practical dhikr list, and illustrate why remembering Allah is not only a voluntaristic activity but in fact a simple ordinance and an inner necessity.
Unpacking the Vocabulary: Dhikr Meaning and Adhkar Meaning
To begin to really understand this concept, we begin with its lexicographical and terminological origin.
The Arabic word Dhikr (ذِكْر) comes from the root Dhā-Kā-Rā, meaning to remember, recall, refer to, and chastise. Secularly, it might imply recalling a name, remembering someone, or something.
But in Islam, the feeling of dhikr is much deeper. It is particularly remembering Allah. It is not remembered in a passive state but active, dynamic, and real invoking. Dhikr is recalling Allah and recalling to the tongue what is in the inner self.
The word Adhkar (أذكار) is plural for Dhikr. Thus, although dhikr meaning can be used for a general concept or individual reciting something (e.g., saying “SubhanAllah“ while reciting it), the meaning is used in order to particularize all such divinely commanded remembrances and supplications. They are specific words, verses, and supplications taught by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for specific times, events, and situations.
For Hindi readers, dhikr meaning in Hindi can be best translated possibly by the phrases “अल्लाह की याद” (Allah ki yaad) or “स्मरण” (smaran), i.e., remembering Allah and remembering Allah and keeping Allah in mind always.
The Qur’anic Imperative: The Command to Remember Allah
Dhikr is not a ritual of speaking but God’s command. The Qur’an overflows with verses urging, commanding, and beseeching believers to remember Allah.
Perhaps the strongest command is in Surah Al-Ahzab:
“O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance.” (Qur’an 33:41)
It is not requesting us for a superficial reference; it is highlighting “much” reference, its frequency, and seriousness. In another touching verse, Allah Himself states the consequence of failure to discharge this responsibility:
“And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.” (Qur’an 20:124)
Remembering Allah has a direct correlation with how well we live in this world. A life devoid of Dhikr is likened to dank (narrow, depressed, straitened), whereas a life of Dhikr is religious growth and calmness. This is also iterated in Surah Ar-Ra’d:
“Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Qur’an 13:28)
This is the last spiritual and psychological gain: a peaceful heart, a contented heart, and confidence in Allah’s mercies and presence despite worldly conditions.
What is Dhikr in Islam? More than Just Words
So, what is dhikr in Islam in real life? It works at so many levels:
- Al-Qalb’s Dhikr of the Heart: This kind of dhikr is the highest. It is an ongoing consciousness of Allah (Taqwa). It is wonder, love, and hope of the presence of Allah in one’s heart at every single moment, leading each and every one of their will, mind, and action. One whose heart is active with dhikr is honest because he has Allah protecting him, bountiful because he has Allah’s bounty, and patient because he has the reward of Allah in front of him.
- The outward expression of this interior condition is known as Dhikr of the Tongue (Al-Lisan). It consists of reciting:
- Tasbih (تسبيح): Glorification of Allah – recitation of SubhanAllah (سبحان الله – Glory be to Allah).
- Tahmid (تحميد): Praise of Allah – recitation of Alhamdulillah (الحمد للة – All praise is to Allah).
- Takbir (تكبير): Recitation of Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر – Allah is the Greatest): affirmation of Allah’s magnificence.
- Tahlil (تهليل): The recitation of La ilaha illa Allah (لا إله إلا الله – There is no god except Allah) is known as Tahlil (تهليل).
- Istighfar (استغفار): Asking for forgiveness – recitation of Astaghfirullah (أستغفر الله – I seek forgiveness from Allah).
- Hawqalah:** recitation of La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله – There is no power nor strength except with Allah).
- Salawat: Invoking blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
- Quranic recitation, which is said to be the best of remembrance.
- Dhikr of the Limbs (Al-Jawarih): Where the body itself is used as an instrument to remember. All that which is done according to Allah—prayer, charity, assisting people, earning a halal income, even sleeping for rest to worship—is a dhikr. The limbs remind Allah by performing what He prefers.
Allah ka Zikr in Hadees: The Prophetic Emphasis
The Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) Sunnah is replete with reminders and examples of the need for Dhikr. Its importance in hadith literature is not questionable.
The Prophet (ﷺ) narrated a true metaphor for the need for Allah ka zikr:
“The example of the one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not remember Him is like the example of the living and the dead.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This hadith highlights the profound contrast between life and death in a spiritual context. In and of itself, dhikr is soul-food.. Without it, the heart withers and becomes desiccated, although the body remains alive.
He (ﷺ) also said:
“Shall I not inform you of the best of your deeds, the purest of them in the sight of your Lord, which raises your rank to the highest, which is better for you than spending gold and silver, and better than meeting your enemy so that you strike their necks and they strike yours?” The companions said, “Of course!” He said, “Dhikr of Allah.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
In a world far too often obsessed with material wealth and bodily labor, this hadith brings us back to what is most important, placing before us something easy, simple, of the highest spiritual worth.
And the Prophet (ﷺ) also spoke about the shield of Dhikr, that reciting La ilaha illa Allah is a protection from the Hellfire, and the morning and evening Adhkar are protection for the believer.
A Simple Dhikr List for Spiritual Nourishment daily
It is easy and highly rewarding to incorporate Dhikr in everyday life. The following is a simple dhikr list to practice that complies with the true Sunnah:
1. Morning and evening Adhkar (Adhkar al-Sabah wa al-Masaa):
These are a collection of supplications recited after Fajr and after Asr (just before sunset). These are day and night spiritual armor. They include seeking forgiveness from Allah, protecting ourselves from Allah, and expressing gratitude towards Allah. There are several booklets and apps containing the entire compilation.
2. Post-Prayer Adhkar (After Salah):
- Astaghfirullah (3 times)
- “O Allah, You are peace, and peace comes from You,” says Allahumma anta al-salam wa minka al-salam, tabarakta ya dhal-jalali wal-ikram. O Owner of Majesty and Honour, you are blessed.
- The Tasbih: SubhanAllah (33), Alhamdulillah (33), Allahu Akbar (33), closing the 100 with: La ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu al-mulk wa lahu al-hamd, wa huwa ala kulli shay’in qadeer.
3. General Daily Dhikr:
- La ilaha illa Allah: Often. It was mentioned by the Prophet (ﷺ) to be the best Dhikr.
- SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi (Glory and praise be to Allah): Saying it 100 times a day wipes out sins, however many, sea foam alike.
- SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahi al-Azim (Glory and praise be to Allah, Glory be to Allah, the Great).
- La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah: A jewel among the jewels of Paradise, to say during hardship.
4. Dhikr on Special Occasions
- On food, sleep, entering the home, leaving the home, entering the mosque, etc. There exists a specific du’a for almost every activity, converting mundane tasks into worship.
The Life-Changing Rewards of Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
Rewards of Dhikr are Allah’s and instantaneous:
- Spiritual Purification: Dhikr removes the rust of forgetfulness and sin-worldliness from the heart. It’s a direct path to Allah’s closeness.
- Inner Peace of Mind: Hearts are comforted by recalling Allah, as in the Qur’an. It is a tried and tested cure for anxiety, worry, and depression and substitutes them for Allah’s peace (Sakina).
- Shielding from Shaytan: Satan fears light, and light is the light of Dhikr. Frequent remembrance creates protection for the believer.
- Removal of Sins: Almost all Adhkar, including recitation of SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, are connected with the removal of sins.
- Wealth in Provision: Allah vows, “So remember Me; I will remember you.” (Qur’an 2:152) Remembrance Allah in this way becomes blessings, guidance, and ease in one’s life.
Conclusion: Making Dhikr the Fabric of Your Life
What is the dhikr of Islam? It is the lifeline cast to us by a Merciful Lord. It is the easiest, most convenient way of worshiping—no ablution, no direction, no material expense involved. But its value in the balance of Allah’s justice is great.
The initial thing is to know the adhkar meaning and the dhikr meaning. The second, and that which takes precedence, is implementation. Start slowly. Choose one or two of the sentences on the list of dhikrs and take it on. Say them in traffic, in cleaning up, in waiting time. Allow the recollection of Allah to flow from your lips to your heart until it becomes your life’s beat.
As the hadith assures, he who remembers Allah will be remembered by Allah in good company. There is no other accomplishment more excellent than this.
FAQs regarding Dhikr in Islam
1. What is the fundamental meaning of dhikr?
Technically, dhikr means voluntary, loving, and obedient remembering Allah by heart, tongue, and actions.
2. What is the difference between Dhikr and Du’a?
Dhikr is remembering and praising Allah (e.g., SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah). Du’a is an individual prayer where you request Allah for a desire or necessity. Dhikr will precede and set the heart up for a more genuine du’a.
3. Can I do Dhikr in my own language?
Although the words of concession uttered in Arabic are replete with fine virtue and eloquence, to beseech Allah in one’s own words sincerely and in seriousness is certainly to be preferred and better. The predominant factor depends on the condition of the heart.
4. Is silent Dhikr as rewarding as spoken Dhikr?
The heart Dhikr is the higher one. The Silence Dhikr is suitable in circumstances or events where speech is not apt. Verbal Dhikr is unique; however, it follows the reward following Sunnah.
5. How can I be consistent with Dhikr?
Associate it with your daily routines (e.g., after prayer, in the car, during break times). Use prayer beads (Misbaha) or your own fingers. Put reminders on your phone. Most importantly, invoke sincere du’a to Allah to make you one of the regular rememberers.”
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