The Virtues of Dhikr - Why Remembrance of Allah Matters
The immense reward and peace found in the regular remembrance of Allah.
Dhikr means remembering Allah, with the tongue and the heart. This guide covers what the Quran and authentic hadith say about its virtues, the best-known words of dhikr with their sources, and how to build the habit.
Quick answer
The Quran commands, "O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance" (Quran 33:41). The Prophet ﷺ compared the one who remembers his Lord to the living and the one who does not to the dead (Sahih al-Bukhari). The best-attested words are Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah and Allahu Akbar.
What the Quran says
- "So remember Me; I will remember you" (Quran 2:152).
- "Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured" (Quran 13:28).
- "And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and fear and without being apparent in speech, in the mornings and the evenings" (Quran 7:205).
What the hadith say
The living and the dead
"The example of the one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not is like the living and the dead" (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Two light words
"Two words are light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, and beloved to the Most Merciful: Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi, Subhanallahil-'Azim" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
The best words
The Prophet ﷺ said the most beloved words to Allah are four: Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah and Allahu Akbar, and it does not matter in which order you begin (Sahih Muslim).
A treasure of Paradise
"Shall I tell you of a treasure from the treasures of Paradise? La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
After the prayer
Saying Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar 33 times each after every prayer (Sahih Muslim), completing the hundred with "La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah..." The Prophet ﷺ promised that whoever does so will have his sins forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea.
100 times a day
Whoever says "Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi" a hundred times in a day will have his sins forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
Types of dhikr
- Words of glorification and praise such as those above.
- Recitation of the Quran, the best dhikr.
- Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ.
- Istighfar, seeking forgiveness. See our istighfar guide.
- Dua, which is worship and remembrance.
- Adhkar for times and situations, such as morning, evening, before sleeping and after prayer. See Hisn al-Muslim.
How to build the habit
- Start with the fixed times: after each prayer, and morning and evening.
- Add short dhikr to idle moments, such as travelling or waiting. The Prophet ﷺ remembered Allah at all times (Sahih Muslim).
- Use a counter. Our digital tasbeeh is free.
- Understand the words. Dhikr with the heart present is better than a fast, distracted count.
- Be consistent, even with a small number. The most beloved deeds are the most consistent (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
Etiquette and cautions
- Stick to reported forms. The Sunnah gives plenty. Be careful about fixed numbers and communal rituals that are not reported, and scholars differ on some customary practices, so ask a trusted scholar.
- Avoid showing off. Dhikr is between you and Allah.
- Dhikr in the heart counts, and it is not required to speak loudly. The Quran describes remembering in humility, without loud speech (7:205).
- Do not replace the obligations with dhikr.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dhikr?
Reading the Quran, then the words Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah and Allahu Akbar, as reported in Sahih Muslim.
How many times should I say Subhanallah?
There is no fixed minimum. After each prayer, 33 times is the Sunnah, and 100 times a day with "wa bihamdihi" is also reported.
Can I make dhikr without wudu?
Yes. Dhikr does not require wudu, though it is better to be in a state of purity. Touching the mushaf has its own rulings.
Is silent dhikr acceptable?
Yes. The Quran describes remembering Allah within yourself (7:205).
Can I use a tasbeeh?
Counting dhikr on the fingers is the reported practice. Many scholars regard a counter or beads as a permitted aid, while some prefer the fingers, so follow what your scholar advises.