In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, finding moments of peace can feel impossible. Yet Islam offers us a powerful antidote: dhikr—the remembrance of Allah. Let's explore how this ancient practice can bring tranquility to modern life.
What is Dhikr?
Dhikr literally means "remembrance." It refers to the practice of remembering Allah through various phrases, prayers, and reflections. Allah says in the Quran: "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (13:28)
The Science of Repetition
Modern research on meditation and mindfulness confirms what Muslims have practiced for 1400 years:
- Repetitive, focused phrases calm the nervous system
- Regular practice reduces anxiety and stress
- Mindful breathing improves mental clarity
- Contemplative practices increase feelings of peace and wellbeing
Simple Dhikr to Start With
SubhanAllah (سبحان الله)
"Glory be to Allah" - Recognizing Allah's perfection
Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله)
"All praise is for Allah" - Expressing gratitude
Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر)
"Allah is the Greatest" - Acknowledging Allah's supremacy
La ilaha illallah (لا إله إلا الله)
"There is no god but Allah" - The declaration of faith
Incorporating Dhikr Into Your Day
Morning and Evening Adhkar
The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught specific remembrances for morning and evening. These serve as spiritual protection and set the tone for your day.
After Prayer
The moments after salah are precious times for dhikr. The standard practice includes:
- 33x SubhanAllah
- 33x Alhamdulillah
- 33x Allahu Akbar
- And completing 100 with La ilaha illallah...
During Daily Activities
Transform mundane moments into spiritual ones:
- While commuting
- While waiting in line
- While doing household chores
- Before sleeping
Tips for Meaningful Dhikr
- Understand what you're saying: Don't just repeat words—contemplate their meaning
- Start small: Better to say 10 with presence than 100 mindlessly
- Be consistent: Regular, small amounts are more beneficial than sporadic large amounts
- Use a counter: Niyyah360's digital tasbeeh helps you track without losing focus
The Ultimate Goal
The goal of dhikr is to move from remembering Allah at specific times to being in a constant state of awareness of Him. This is what the scholars call "haal"—a spiritual state where every moment is infused with consciousness of the Divine.
Start with the simple practices and watch as peace gradually permeates your life.
