Introduction

Most people associate Dhikr only with saying SubhanAllah or Alhamdulillah using Tasbeeh (praise and glorification of Allah). However, Dhikr is much broader and deeper than just verbal praise.
Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said:

“Dhikr is the easiest form of worship, and also one of the most virtuous and best (form of deed).”
📚 [al-Wabil as-Ṣayyib]

But what does Dhikr actually mean?

Most people associate it only with saying “SubhanAllah” or “Alhamdulillah.” However, Dhikr is much broader and deeper than that. According to scholars, it can be classified into two main types—each opening doors to immense blessings in your life.

---

Table: Categories and Types of Dhikr

---

1. Dhikr al-‘Ām (General Remembrance)

This includes every action, speech, or thought that draws you closer to Allah. Scholars define it in three dimensions:

💗 1. Dhikr with the Heart

• Loving Allah and fearing Him

• Trusting (Tawakkul) in Him

• Pondering over His creation

• Making sincere repentance (Tawbah)

Example:
When you reflect on the stars and say, “SubhanAllah, how vast is Allah’s creation” — that’s Dhikr with your heart.

---

🗣️ 2. Dhikr on the Tongue

This includes both specific phrases (e.g. SubhanAllah) and general speech that pleases Allah.

• Reciting the Qur’an

• Calling people to goodness

• Giving Islamic reminders

• Saying beneficial words

---

👐 3. Dhikr Through Physical Actions

Any good deed done for the sake of Allah is Dhikr too!

• Praying Salah

• Fasting

• Helping the needy

• Giving Zakah or Sadaqah

• Visiting the sick

---

2. Dhikr al-Khāṣ (Specific Remembrance)

This is the Dhikr we are most familiar with—direct verbal remembrance taught by the Prophet ﷺ:

• SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)

• Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)

• Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)

• Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah)

• La ilaha illAllah (There is no deity but Allah)

These simple words are heavy in reward and light on the tongue, as mentioned in many authentic Hadiths.

---

🌱 How to Start Incorporating Dhikr in Daily Life

Start small and build a routine:

• Say Astaghfirullah instead of venting in anger.

• Recite one verse of the Qur’an daily.

• Say SubhanAllah while doing chores.

• Trust in Allah when anxious—this is Dhikr too.

• Smile at someone for Allah’s sake—yes, that’s Dhikr!

---

🕊️ Final Du’a

اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ، وَشُكْرِكَ، وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
“O Allah, help me to remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner.”

---

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions About Dhikr

---

1. What is the meaning of Dhikr in Islam?

Dhikr (ذِكْر) literally means “remembrance.” In Islam, it refers to remembering and mentioning Allah through the heart, the tongue, or actions. It includes specific phrases like SubhanAllah, as well as broader acts like prayer, repentance, or helping others for Allah’s sake.

---

2. What are the different types of Dhikr?

Dhikr is divided into two main categories:

• Dhikr al-‘Ām (General): Remembering Allah through heart, speech, or physical action (e.g. prayer, charity).

• Dhikr al-Khāṣ (Specific): Saying phrases taught by the Prophet ﷺ, like Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illAllah, etc.

---

3. What are the benefits of Dhikr?

• Brings peace to the heart (Qur’an 13:28)

• Increases closeness to Allah

• Protects from sin and Shayṭān

• Forgiveness of sins

• Multiplied rewards for simple actions

---

4. Is Dhikr only done with the tongue?

No. While verbal Dhikr is highly rewarding, Dhikr also includes:

• Dhikr of the heart (e.g., trust in Allah, reflection)

• Dhikr through actions (e.g., salah, fasting, helping others)

---

5. Can I do Dhikr while doing other activities?

Yes! One of the beauties of Dhikr is that it’s easy and flexible. You can do it while:

• Walking

• Working

• Cooking

• Before sleeping

• Driving
  Just make sure you’re mindful and sincere in your intention.

---

6. What is the best Dhikr for daily life?

Some of the most recommended daily adhkar include:

• SubhanAllāh (Glory be to Allah)

• Alhamdulillāh (All praise is for Allah)

• Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)

• Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah)

• La ilaha illAllah (There is no god but Allah)

---

7. How many times should I say Dhikr daily?

There’s no fixed limit unless specified in a Hadith. You can:

• Say SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar (33 times each) after every prayer

• Recite morning and evening adhkar

• Do as much as your heart allows, with sincerity

---

8. Is reading Qur’an considered Dhikr?

Yes, reading or listening to the Qur’an is one of the highest forms of Dhikr, as it is the direct speech of Allah. Reciting, pondering, and acting on the Qur’an are all acts of remembrance.

---

9. What are silent forms of Dhikr?

Silent Dhikr includes:

• Reflecting on Allah’s creation

• Thinking of His blessings

• Making Du’a in the heart

• Tawakkul (trusting Allah internally)

---

10. How do I make Dhikr a habit?

• Start small: Say Astaghfirullah 10 times daily

• Connect it to routines (e.g. after meals, driving)

• Use reminder apps or sticky notes

• Reflect on its meaning, not just words

• Track your progress weekly

📚 References:

1. Masalah ma al-Murad bi al-Dhikr – Shaykh Khalid Uthman al-Sabt

2. Ma al-Murad bi al-Dhikr Allah – Shaykh Muhammad Salih Ibn al-Uthaymeen

3. Majmu’ al-Fatawa – Ibn Taymiyyah (10/661)

4. Al-Riyadh al-Nadrah – Shaykh Abdurrahman Ibn Nasir al-Sa’di, p. 245