What Is Dhikr? 15 Benefits Of Zikr & Tips On How To Do It

The importance of constant dhikr cannot be emphasized enough. People might get confused that Quran and Salah are also classified as a remembrance of Allah, yes they are but for that, you need to follow a certain set of protocols put down by Islam, to do that particular act of worship. But dhikr is easy on the lips and heavy on the good deed scale. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

What are the Benefits of doing Zikr?

15 – Dhikr Drives Away Shaitan

Constantly remembering Allah SWT weakens Shaitan’s hold over you.

14 – Zikr is a Way of Pleasing Allah SWT

If you want to please and satisfy Allah SWT dhikr is one of the easiest ways to accomplish that. Become a productive Muslim by following the advice given.The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

13 – Zikr Removes The Worries Of The Heart

This doesn’t mean that all your worries will get solved in a jiffy, it means you will make peace with the fact that whatever happens is destined and is best for you, even though it may not seem so great at first. It is also mentioned in the Quran:

12 – Dhikr Strengthens The Heart And Soul

With the passage of time and constant dhikr, you can feel your connection to Allah SWT growing stronger. Our soul is damaged due to the countless sins we do daily. Dhikr helps in healing the damaged soul and cleansing the heart. Purification of the heart is very important. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

11 – Reward And Forgiveness Await Those Who Remember Allah

We being humans are destined to make mistakes, we can not keep track of all that we do wrong in a day intentionally or unintentionally. Allah is All-Merciful and He has given us different ways to seek forgiveness. Allah SWT has mentioned in the Quran:

10 – Zikr Softens And Nourishes The Heart

Dry flowers bloom and blossom when watered. The same is what dhikr does for the heart, puts life into it, the heart grows weary of all that goes around in his life. Be it a financial loss, losing a loved one or deteriorating health takes a toll on the heart spiritually. Softening of the heart makes a person aware of right and wrong. Ibn Al Qayyam said:

The heart is tarnished by two matters: negligence and sin. And it is polished by two matters: seeking forgiveness and the remembrance of Allah.”

9 – Dhikr Guides Us To The Right Path

Since you are trying your best not a day should pass by when you don’t remember Allah SWT. Allah SWT will never leave you alone without guidance. It is mentioned in the Quran:

8 – Dhikr is the Way To Success

A constant increase in the remembrance of Allah will impact all areas of your interest in this world as well. It will become a way to increase your sustenance. All this won’t happen overnight, you need to be consistent. It is mentioned in the Quran for those pure of heart if they purify themselves from despised characteristics and follow what Allah has revealed to the Messenger.

7 – Beginning Of An Intimate Friendship With Allah SWT

With every passing day, you will be drawn closer to Allah SWT, this connection will be something like you have never felt before. It will be like a direct connection to Allah SWT. This reminds him that the journey of this world will come to an end, after a point this won’t scare him rather he will be motivated to strive to do better for the Hereafter. Abu Hurairah reported the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying:

6 – Doing Dhikr Builds Up Positive Attitude

The problems of this world are never-ending, we cannot finish them, but we can face them with complete belief and a positive attitude. If a person loses his job, the first thought that comes to mind is how will I survive without money. At times like this, a person is very vulnerable, and can easily fall prey to Shaitan’s tricks. Dhikr is like a refuge from the problems of this world. It doesn’t mean that you are avoiding them, it means you have placed firm belief in Allah SWT plans. You begin to see the glass as half full. The more you are mindful of Allah SWT, the more you become at ease that these trials are here to pass. That is why Allah SWT says:

5 – Provide Shade On The Day Of Judgement

Tears to be shed in the remembrance of Allah SWT, won’t happen with a heart hardened with sins. Over time as you draw closer to Allah SWT, there will come a time when just a simple ‘Alhamdulilah’ will bring tears to your eyes. Good news for the people who shed tears while remembering Allah SWT as they will be rewarded on judgment day. Remembering the judgment day in Islam helps us pass through the hardships in this world. Abu Hurairah reported, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

4 – Beautiful Hadith on Dhikr

Rust is a metaphor used for the heart that is covered with stains from his sins, it is difficult for a rusty heart to pay heed to what is right. So the cure of a rusty heart is dhikr of Allah SWT. The Messenger of Allah said:

Everything has a polish, and the polish for hearts is the remembrance of Allah.– BAYHAIQI

For every action, there is a consequence, and the effects of sins contaminate our heart, as mentioned in the Quran:

3 – Allah SWT Mentions Us In A More Prestigious Gathering

We feel honored when we are the topic of good conversation among important people. Just imagine how it will feel when we are the reason for discussion among the angels of Allah SWT. The Messenger of Allah said:

2 – Zikr Acts as a Shield

The person who constantly remembers Allah is protected by his enemies which are Shaitan and worldly desires. When your tongue is busy in dhikr it won’t be free for other absurdities, like backbiting and gossiping. The more a person is involved in Zikr the more strong will be protection. A man Cannot save himself from Shaitan except by means of Dhikr. The Messenger of Allah gave an excellent example of the strength of Dhikr

1 – Feeling Of Calmness Envelopes Those Who Do Zikr

Sitting in the masjid waiting for the prayers, you feel very calm, even though the masjid is completely packed with people some are praying or reciting the Quran or doing dhikr. Everyone is engaged in some form of remembrance of Allah SWT. Why is the environment so calm and relaxing, there is a reason for that, the Messenger of Allah said:

What are the Different Types of Dhikr

There are three types of dhikr:

How To Do Dhikr?

Remembrance of Allah holds immense reward which is mentioned again and again in Quran and Sunnah. This doesn’t mean that we can leave out the other obligatory acts of worship and just focus on dhikr. Every act of worship has its own significance, one cannot be replaced with the other.

Dhikr can be done out of habit or with full consciousness. Habitual is when you are uttering with your tongue but your mind and heart are distracted, like when driving a car. Consciously is when you are completely focused like the dhikr after a prayer.

When doing dhikr try keeping the following etiquettes in mind:

• Ponder on the meaning of what you are reciting
• Your intention should be soley for the purpose to please Allah SWT
• For you heart to connect with Allah SWT while doing dhikr you have to keep in mind all that you have been blessed with. Your heart has to overflow with gratitude for the One who is the source of these blessings.
• Choose a calm and quiet spot for dhikr, away from distractions.

Imam Nawawi said:

Remember: Consistency Is The Key for Zikr

Shaitan will definitely try his best to stop Allah’s servant from remembering Allah consciously. Try to set for yourself a daily amount of dhikr and stick to it. Start off small, then increase when your habit develops. Imam Nawawi said: