A Muslim’s heart needs remembrance of ALLAH.
Dhikr means remembering ALLAH. Dua means calling upon ALLAH and asking Him for help.
Dhikr and dua are simple, powerful acts of worship. They can be done at home, at work, while walking, after prayer, during hardship, and throughout the day.
This guide explains the basics for beginners.
What Is Dhikr?
Dhikr means remembrance.
In Islam, dhikr means remembering ALLAH with the heart, tongue, and actions.
Dhikr can include:
- Praising ALLAH.
- Glorifying ALLAH.
- Thanking ALLAH.
- Asking ALLAH for forgiveness.
- Reading the Quran.
- Remembering ALLAH's names and attributes.
- Saying words taught in the Quran and authentic Sunnah.
Dhikr is not only words on the tongue. The heart should also try to be aware of ALLAH.
What Is Dua?
Dua means supplication.
It means calling upon ALLAH, asking Him, and turning to Him with need.
A Muslim can make dua for:
- Guidance.
- Forgiveness.
- Mercy.
- Protection.
- Healing.
- Halal provision.
- Family.
- Knowledge.
- Patience.
- Paradise.
- Safety from Hellfire.
Dua shows that the servant needs ALLAH.
Why Dhikr Matters
ALLAH says:
“Verily, in the remembrance of ALLAH do hearts find rest.”
Quran 13:28, Noble Quran translation by Dr. Hilali and Dr. Muhsin Khan.
This verse teaches that true peace is connected to remembering ALLAH.
A person may have money, comfort, and entertainment, but the heart still needs ALLAH.
Remember ALLAH Often
ALLAH commands believers to remember Him often.
ALLAH says:
“O you who believe! Remember ALLAH with much remembrance.”
Quran 33:41, Noble Quran translation by Dr. Hilali and Dr. Muhsin Khan.
ALLAH also says:
“And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon.”
Quran 33:42, Noble Quran translation by Dr. Hilali and Dr. Muhsin Khan.
This shows that remembrance should not be rare in a Muslim’s life.
ALLAH Is Near
ALLAH says:
“And when My slaves ask you concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near...”
Quran 2:186, Noble Quran translation by Dr. Hilali and Dr. Muhsin Khan.
This verse gives hope.
A Muslim does not need to be perfect before making dua. Turn to ALLAH now.
Simple Words of Dhikr
Here are some common words of remembrance:
SubhanAllah
Glory be to ALLAH.
Alhamdulillah
All praise is for ALLAH.
Allahu Akbar
ALLAH is the Greatest.
La ilaha illa ALLAH
None has the right to be worshipped except ALLAH.
Astaghfirullah
I ask ALLAH for forgiveness.
La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah
There is no power and no strength except with ALLAH.
A beginner can start with a few words and learn more slowly.
Dhikr After Prayer
Many Muslims say words of dhikr after the obligatory prayers.
This is a beautiful way to keep the heart connected to ALLAH after salah.
There are authentic hadith about saying SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar after prayer.
Reference:
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
This article does not explain all post-prayer formulas or differences in wording.
Morning and Evening Remembrance
Morning and evening are important times for remembering ALLAH.
The Quran encourages remembering ALLAH in the morning and evening.
Reference:
Quran 33:42.
There are many reported morning and evening adhkar in the Sunnah.
Adhkar means words of remembrance.
This article does not list a full morning and evening collection because each wording and source needs verification.
Making Dua in Your Own Words
A Muslim can make dua in their own words, especially outside the formal prayer.
You can say:
Do not wait until your words are perfect. Speak to ALLAH sincerely.
Quranic Duas
The Quran contains many beautiful duas.
Examples include asking ALLAH for good in this life and the next, forgiveness, guidance, mercy, and patience.
This article does not list Quranic duas in detail.
Prophetic Duas
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) taught many duas.
These are very important because they come from the Sunnah.
However, exact wording and references must be verified before publishing.
Best Times to Make Dua
A Muslim may make dua at any time.
There are also special times when dua is especially encouraged, such as during prayer, in sujood, before breaking the fast, and other times mentioned in authentic texts.
This article does not give a detailed list because each time needs source verification.
Etiquette of Dua
When making dua, a Muslim should try to:
- Praise ALLAH.
- Send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him).
- Ask sincerely.
- Be humble.
- Have hope in ALLAH.
- Avoid asking for sinful things.
- Avoid impatience.
- Trust ALLAH's wisdom.
- Keep making dua.
This article gives general guidance. Detailed etiquette should be verified with authentic evidence.
What If My Dua Is Not Answered Immediately?
Do not give up.
ALLAH knows what is best.
A dua may be answered in a way you see, delayed for wisdom, or replaced with something better.
This article does not explain detailed hadith wording about how duas are answered.
A Muslim should continue making dua with hope and patience.
Dhikr During Daily Life
Dhikr can become part of daily life.
You can remember ALLAH:
- When waking up.
- Before starting work.
- While driving.
- While walking.
- After prayer.
- During stress.
- Before sleeping.
- When seeing a blessing.
- When afraid.
- When asking for forgiveness.
The goal is to keep the heart connected to ALLAH.
Dhikr Should Improve Character
Dhikr is not just words.
Remembering ALLAH should help a Muslim become:
- More honest.
- More patient.
- More grateful.
- More humble.
- More careful with speech.
- More aware of sins.
- More hopeful in ALLAH.
- More consistent in prayer.
If the tongue remembers ALLAH, the actions should also try to follow.
Avoiding Unverified Claims
Be careful with viral duas and social media posts.
Do not share claims such as:
- Say this exactly 100 times and this specific thing will happen.
- This dua guarantees wealth.
- This formula removes every problem.
- This reward is promised, without evidence.
Specific rewards and numbers need authentic proof.
If the source is unclear, mark it for verification or avoid sharing it.
A Simple Beginner Dhikr Routine
Start small:
After Fajr, say a few words of dhikr.
After each prayer, remember ALLAH for a few minutes.
Make one dua for guidance every day.
Say Astaghfirullah when you make a mistake.
Say Alhamdulillah when you notice a blessing.
Before sleeping, ask ALLAH for forgiveness and protection.
Do not overload yourself. Build consistency first.
Common Questions
Do I have to know Arabic to make dua?
No. You can make dua in your own language, especially outside the formal prayer. Arabic duas from the Quran and Sunnah are beautiful and should be learned over time.
Is dhikr only after prayer?
No. Dhikr can be done throughout the day. After prayer is an important time, but remembrance of ALLAH is not limited to one place or time.
Can I make dua for worldly needs?
Yes. You can ask ALLAH for halal needs in this life and the next. Ask for guidance, health, family, halal income, relief, forgiveness, and Paradise.
What if I feel distracted during dhikr?
Keep trying. Bring your heart back gently. Even if focus is weak, do not abandon remembrance.
Can I use dua lists from the internet?
Be careful. Use reliable sources. Exact Arabic wording, translation, rewards, and references should be verified before relying on them.
Is there a specific number I must say?
Some authentic adhkar have specific numbers. Do not invent numbers or rewards. Use verified sources for specific formulas.
Key Takeaways
- Dhikr means remembering ALLAH.
- Dua means calling upon ALLAH.
- Hearts find rest in the remembrance of ALLAH.
- A Muslim should remember ALLAH often.
- Dua can be made in simple words.
- Quranic and prophetic duas should be learned with verified references.
- Avoid spreading unverified formulas, numbers, or rewards.
- Start small and stay consistent.
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This guide provides general Islamic education. It is not a personal fatwa. Exact duas, adhkar, numbers, rewards, and timings should be verified from the Quran and authentic Sunnah. If you have a specific religious question, ask a qualified scholar or trusted local Islamic authority.