Remembrance of Allah is among the best deeds and the finest acts of worship. In fact, the soul of righteous deeds is the remembrance of Allah, because an action devoid of the remembrance of Allah is like a body without a soul. The Holy Quran’s verses and the Prophetic traditions have highlighted the importance, status, virtue, and benefits of remembrance in various ways: sometimes by mentioning the reward and recompense for those who remember Allah to encourage it, sometimes by commanding frequent remembrance, and sometimes by forbidding neglect of remembrance.
Remembrance of Allah is the Greatest Good Deed
Allah, the Lord of Glory, has declared His remembrance to be the greatest good deed. He says:
﴿وَلَذِکْرُ اللّٰہِ أَکْبَرُ﴾
Translation: “And the remembrance of Allah is the greatest.”
From this verse, it is understood that the remembrance of Allah is the most excellent act of worship, because the purpose of all acts of worship is also the remembrance of Allah. Thus, the remembrance of Allah is the life and soul of all acts of worship.
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, expressed this reality in a very effective manner. Hazrat Abu Darda رضي الله عنه says that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
(( أَلَا أُنَبِّئُکُمْ بِخَیْرِ أَعْمَالِکُمْ،وَأَزْکَاہَا عِنْدَ مَلِیْکِکُمْ،وَأَرْفَعِہَا فِیْ دَرَجَاتِکُمْ،وَخَیْرٌ لَّکُمْ مِنْ إِنْفَاقِ الذَّہَبِ وَالْوَرِقِ،وَخَیْرٌ لَّکُمْ مِنْ أَنْ تَلْقَوْا عَدُوَّکُمْ فَتَضْرِبُوْا أَعْنَاقَہُمْ وَیَضْرِبُوْا أَعْنَاقَکُمْ ؟ ))
Translation:
“Shall I not inform you of the deed that is the best among deeds? And the purest in the sight of your King (i.e., Allah)? And the one that raises your ranks the most? And better for you than spending gold and silver? And better than meeting the enemy in battle, then you strike their necks and they strike your necks?”
The Companions رضي الله عنهم asked: Why not! Then you, peace be upon you, said:
(( ذِکْرُ اللّٰہِ ))
Translation: “It is the remembrance of Allah.”
The Meaning and Types of Dhikr Allah
To understand the reality of dhikr, it is necessary to know that there are two types of dhikr: general dhikr and specific dhikr.
➊ General Dhikr
General remembrance refers to that remembrance which includes all acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, recitation of the Quran, supplication, tasbih, etc.
According to Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him: Every word that pleases Allah and brings one closer to Him is the remembrance of Allah, whether it is acquiring knowledge, teaching, enjoining good, or forbidding evil.
And Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sa’di, may Allah have mercy on him, states that when “remembrance of Allah” is mentioned, it means everything that brings one closer to Allah—whether it relates to belief or thought, the action of the heart or the body. Praising Allah or acquiring beneficial knowledge—all these are forms of divine remembrance.
Therefore, it is incorrect to understand that remembrance is limited only to tasbih. In reality, every act that is according to the Quran and Sunnah and done for the pleasure of Allah is included in remembrance.
➋ Specific Remembrance
Special remembrance refers to those specific prayers and supplications whose words are established from Allah Almighty or the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and whose times and numbers are also fixed, for example: the prescribed remembrances after obligatory prayers, morning and evening remembrances, and special prayers for various occasions.
In this type of remembrance, it is necessary to observe the established times, numbers, and manners. Because if a person abandons the correct and established method of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, and performs remembrance according to his own desire or according to the method taught by his elders, he should understand that he is moving away from the true blessings and great benefits of Allah’s remembrance.
Remembrance: with the tongue, the heart, and both
It is also noteworthy that remembrance occurs in three ways:
➊ Only with the tongue
➋ Only with the heart
➌ With both the tongue and the heart (this is the best)
The best and most beneficial remembrance (dhikr) is that which is done with both the tongue and the heart—meaning the tongue utters the remembrance and the heart reflects on its meanings. For example:
❀ While saying “Subhan Allah,” the tongue moves and the heart renews the conviction that Allah Almighty is free from every defect.
❀ While saying “Alhamdulillah,” the tongue speaks and feelings of gratitude and thankfulness arise in the heart.
❀ While saying “Allahu Akbar,” the heart establishes the concept of Allah’s greatness and majesty.
❀ While reciting “La ilaha illallah,” the heart revives the affirmation of monotheism.
After this, according to Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, is the remembrance that is done only with the heart, such as recalling Allah’s blessings, contemplating commands and prohibitions, reflecting on the signs of power, and the realization of Divine greatness. And the third level is the remembrance that is only on the tongue but the heart and mind do not accompany it.
The command to frequently remember Allah, remembrance in every condition, and the great virtue of those who remember
After understanding the virtue and importance of the remembrance of Allah, the next fundamental point is that Allah Almighty has explicitly commanded His servants to engage in frequent remembrance. This remembrance is not limited to a few moments or specific times, but is an ongoing practice throughout every moment of a believer’s life. This is why the Quran has described it as a sign of the people of intellect, and the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ clarified its practical form through his blessed Sunnah.
➊ The Command to Frequently Remember Allah
① The Command for Believers to Remember Allah Frequently
Allah Almighty says:
﴿یَا أَیُّہَا الَّذِیْنَ آمَنُوْا اذْکُرُوا اللّٰہَ ذِکْرًا کَثِیْرًا. وَّسَبِّحُوْہُ بُکْرَۃً وَّأَصِیْلاً﴾
Translation: “O you who have believed! Remember Allah frequently and glorify Him morning and evening.”
② Remembrance in Every Condition: Standing, Sitting, and Lying Down
Allah Almighty says:
﴿إِنَّ فِیْ خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلاَفِ اللَّیْْلِ وَالنَّہَارِ لَآیَاتٍ لِّأُوْلِیْ الْأَلْبَابِ. الَّذِیْنَ یَذْکُرُونَ اللّٰہَ قِیَاماً وَّقُعُودًا وَّعَلٰی جُنُوبِہِمْ وَیَتَفَکَّرُونَ فِیْ خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ ہَذَا بَاطِلاً سُبْحَانَکَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ﴾
Translation: “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and day are signs for those of understanding. Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides and contemplate the creation of the heavens and the earth, saying: Our Lord! You have not created this in vain; exalted are You, so protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
➋ Easy Way to Increase Remembrance: Keep the Tongue Moist
Hazrat Abdullah bin Basr (RA) narrates that a person said to the Messenger of Allah (SAW):
(( إِنَّ شَرَائِعَ الْإِسْلَامِ قَدْ کَثُرَتْ عَلَیَّ ، فَأَخْبِرْنِیْ بِشَیْئٍ أَتَشَبَّثُ بِہٖ ))
Translation: “The commands of the Shariah have become overwhelming for me (due to my weakness), so please tell me some (easy) deed which I can always practice.”
The Prophet (SAW) said:
(( لَا یَزَالُ لِسَانُکَ رَطْبًا بِذِکْرِ اللّٰہِ ))
Translation: “Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah Almighty.”
➌ The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s Consistent Practice: Remembrance at All Times
Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrates:
( کَانَ النَّبِیُّ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم یَذْکُرُ اللّٰہَ عَلیٰ کُلِّ أَحْیَانِہٖ )
Translation: “The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was always remembering Allah.”
➍ Emphasis on Dhikr during Livelihood and Battlefield
③ Dhikr during Business and Livelihood
Allah Almighty says:
﴿فَإِذَا قُضِیَتِ الصَّلَاۃُ فَانْتَشِرُوا فِی الْأَرْضِ وَابْتَغُوا مِنْ فَضْلِ اللّٰہِ وَاذْکُرُوا اللّٰہَ کَثِیْرًا لَّعَلَّکُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ﴾
Translation: “And when the prayer is ended, then disperse in the land and seek Allah’s bounty, and remember Allah much that you may succeed.”
④ Abundant Dhikr even in the Battlefield
Allah Almighty says:
﴿یَا أَیُّہَا الَّذِیْنَ آمَنُوْا إِذَا لَقِیْتُمْ فِئَۃً فَاثْبُتُوْا وَاذْکُرُوا اللّٰہَ کَثِیْرًا لَّعَلَّکُمْ تُفْلِحُوْنَ﴾
Translation: “O you who have believed, when you meet a company [from the enemy], be steadfast and remember Allah much that you may be successful.”
➎ Forgiveness and Great Reward for Men and Women who Engage in Dhikr
Allah Almighty says:
﴿إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِیْنَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ … وَالذَّاکِرِیْنَ اللّٰہَ کَثِیْرًا وَّالذَّاکِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللّٰہُ لَہُمْ مَّغْفِرَۃً وَّأَجْرًا عَظِیْمًا﴾
Translation: “Indeed, Muslim men and Muslim women, believing men and believing women… and men who remember Allah often and women who do so—Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.”
➏ The One Who Frequently Remembers Allah is Answered in Prayer
The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
(( ثَلَاثَۃٌ لَا یَرُدُّ اللّٰہُ دُعَائَ ہُمْ:اَلذَّاکِرُ اللّٰہَ کَثِیْرًا،وَالْمَظْلُومُ،وَالْإِمَامُ الْمُقْسِطُ ))
Translation: “The supplication of three persons is not rejected by Allah: the one who frequently remembers Allah, the oppressed, and the just ruler.”
Here it is also clarified that a servant becomes “one who frequently remembers” only when he regularly performs the prescribed morning and evening adhkar, the prescribed adhkar and supplications for various occasions, and general tasbihat, seeking forgiveness, and recitation of the Qur’an.
Less Remembrance is a Characteristic of Hypocrites, the Prayer of a Hypocrite, and the Great Benefits of Remembering Allah
After the virtue of the remembrance of Allah and the command to increase remembrance, it is also very important to know that less remembrance of Allah is not a trait of a believer but of hypocrites. The Qur’an and Hadith have made this reality clear so that the people of faith recognize their path and avoid negligence.
Less Remembrance is a Sign of Hypocrites
Allah Almighty says:
﴿إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِیْنَ یُخَادِعُوْنَ اللّٰہَ وَہُوَ خَادِعُہُمْ وَإِذَا قَامُوْا إِلیَ الصَّلاَۃِ قَامُوْا کُسَالیٰ یُرَائُوْنَ النَّاسَ وَلاَ یَذْکُرُوْنَ اللّٰہَ إِلَّا قَلِیْلاً﴾
Translation: “Indeed, the hypocrites [think to] deceive Allah, but He is deceiving them. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing off to the people and not remembering Allah except a little.”
In this verse, Allah Almighty has described two prominent characteristics of hypocrites:
➊ Laziness and reluctance in prayer
➋ Very little remembrance of Allah
Therefore, it is obligatory upon the believers to stand in prayer with eagerness, sincerity, and love for Allah, and to remember Allah abundantly during it.
Explanation of the Prayer of a Hypocrite
Hazrat Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
(( تِلْکَ صَلَاۃُ الْمُنَافِقِ،یَجْلِسُ یَرْقُبُ الشَّمْسَ حَتّٰی إِذَا کَانَتْ بَیْنَ قَرْنَیِ الشَّیْطَانِ،قَامَ فَنَقَرَہَا أَرْبَعًا،لَا یَذْکُرُ اللّٰہَ فِیْہَا إِلَّا قَلِیْلاً ))
Translation: “This is the prayer of a hypocrite: he sits waiting for the sun until it is between the two horns of Satan, then he stands and prays on all fours, and he remembers Allah very little in it.”
This hadith indicates that a prayer in which there is no remembrance of Allah, no humility, and only formal movements, is not the prayer of a believer.
Great Benefits of the Remembrance of Allah
The benefits of the remembrance of Allah are countless. Here are some important benefits explained in the light of the Quran and Hadith:
➊ Allah Remembers the Servant
Allah Almighty says:
﴿فَاذْکُرُوْنِیْ أَذْکُرْکُمْ وَاشْکُرُوْا لِیْ وَلاَ تَکْفُرُوْنَ﴾
Translation: “So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.”
What a great blessing it is that the servant remembers Allah and Allah Himself remembers him.
➋ Hearts Find True Peace
Allah Almighty says:
﴿اَلَّذِیْنَ آمَنُوْا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوْبُہُمْ بِذِکْرِ اللّٰہِ أَلاَ بِذِکْرِ اللّٰہِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوْبُ﴾
Translation: “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Indeed, hearts find peace only through the remembrance of Allah.”
Malik bin Dinar, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
“The pleasure derived from the remembrance of Allah is not found in anything else, because it is an act that requires little effort but has great reward.”
And Hasan Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
“Seek true pleasure in three things: prayer, remembrance, and recitation of the Quran. If you do not find pleasure in these, then know that the doors of the hearts are closed.”
➌ Through remembrance, one attains the companionship of Allah
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
(( یَقُوْلُ اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰی: أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِیْ بِیْ، وَأَنَا مَعَہُ إِذَا ذَکَرَنِیْ … ))
Translation (summary): “Allah says: I am as My servant thinks of Me, and when he remembers Me, I am with him…”
This hadith is glad tidings of Allah’s special companionship and closeness for the one who remembers Him.
➍ Remembrance of Allah is protection from Satan
Satan is called “الوسواس الخناس”, meaning the whisperer and the one who retreats at the time of remembrance.
Hazrat Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, says:
“Satan sits on the heart of a person; when he becomes heedless, he whispers, and when he remembers Allah, he retreats.”
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَإِمَّا یَنْزَغَنَّکَ مِنَ الشَّیْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللّٰہِ﴾
“And if ever an evil whisper from Satan comes to you, then seek refuge in Allah immediately.”
And further He said:
﴿إِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ اتَّقَوْا إِذَا مَسَّہُمْ طٰئِفٌ مِّنَ الشَّیْطَانِ تَذَکَّرُوْا فَإِذَا ہُمْ مُّبْصِرُوْنَ﴾
Translation: “When the righteous are touched by an evil whisper from Satan, they immediately remember Allah, and then suddenly they become insightful.”
➎ The remembrance of Allah gives life to the heart of the believer
It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Musa Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
(( مَثَلُ الَّذِیْ یَذْکُرُ رَبَّہُ وَالَّذِیْ لَا یَذْکُرُہُ مَثَلُ الْحَیِّ وَالْمَیِّتِ ))
Translation: “The example of the one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not remember Him is like the example of the living and the dead.”
More benefits of the remembrance of Allah, the shade of the Throne, weight in the scale, and the great virtues of tasbih
The benefits of the remembrance of Allah are not limited to worldly peace but its great fruits will also appear in the Hereafter. The Quran and Hadith repeatedly state this reality that the remembrance of Allah is a means of salvation, elevation of ranks, and success for the servant.
➏ The one who remembers Allah is under the shade of the Divine Throne
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
(( سَبْعَۃٌ یُظِلُّہُمُ اللّٰہُ فِی ظِلِّہٖ یَوْمَ لَا ظِلَّ إِلَّا ظِلُّہُ … وَرَجُلٌ ذَکَرَ اللّٰہَ خَالِیًا فَفَاضَتْ عَیْنَاہُ ))
Translation: “There are seven persons whom Allah will shade in His shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His shade… and among them is the person who remembered Allah in seclusion and his eyes shed tears.”
➐ Remembrance of Allah Fills the Scale
It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Malik al-Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
(( اَلطَّہُورُ شَطْرُ الْإِیْمَانِ،وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ تَمْلَأُ الْمِیْزَانَ،وَسُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ تَمْلَآنِ مَا بَیْنَ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأرْضِ ))
Translation: “Purity is half of faith, ‘Alhamdulillah’ fills the scale, and ‘SubhanAllah’ and ‘Alhamdulillah’ fill the space between the earth and the heavens (with reward).”
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him):
(( کَلِمَتَانِ حَبِیْبَتَانِ إِلَی الرَّحْمٰنِ،خَفِیْفَتَانِ عَلَی اللِّسَانِ،ثَقِیْلَتَانِ فِی الْمِیْزَانِ: سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ وَبِحَمْدِہٖ، سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ الْعَظِیْم ))
“Two phrases are very beloved to the Most Merciful, light on the tongue, and heavy on the scale: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil Azim.”
➑ Remembrance of Allah Revives the Heart
Narrated by Hazrat Abu Musa Ash’ari (RA):
(( مَثَلُ الْبَیْتِ الَّذِیْ یُذْکَرُ اللّٰہُ فِیْہِ، وَالْبَیْتِ الَّذِیْ لَا یُذْکَرُ اللّٰہُ فِیْہِ، مَثَلَ الْحَیِّ وَالْمَیِّتِ ))
Translation: “The example of the house in which the remembrance of Allah is made is like that of a living person, and the example of the house in which there is no remembrance is like that of a dead person.”
Virtues of Tasbihat
One of the most blessed forms of the remembrance of Allah is Tasbihat, whose virtues have been clearly explained in the Prophetic Ahadith.
➊ The Most Beloved Words
Narrated by Hazrat Samurah bin Jundub (RA):
(( أَحَبُّ الْکَلَامِ إِلَی اللّٰہِ أَرْبَعٌ: سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ، وَلَا إِلٰہَ إِلَّا اللّٰہُ، وَاللّٰہُ أَکْبَرُ ))
Translation: “Four words are most beloved to Allah Almighty: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar.”
➋ The Most Beloved Remembrance to the Prophet ﷺ
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) states:
(( لَأَنْ أَقُوْلَ سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ، وَلَا إِلٰہَ إِلَّا اللّٰہُ، وَاللّٰہُ أَکْبَرُ أَحَبُّ إِلَیَّ مِمَّا طَلَعَتْ عَلَیْہِ الشَّمْسُ ))
“For me, saying SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar is the most beloved thing over which the sun rises.”
3. Planting Trees in Paradise
It is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
(( غِرَاسُ الْجَنَّۃِ: سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ، وَلَا إِلٰہَ إِلَّا اللّٰہُ، وَاللّٰہُ أَکْبَرُ ))
Translation: “The words for planting trees in Paradise are: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar.”
4. Forgiveness of Sins
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:
(( مَا عَلَی الْأرْضِ رَجُلٌ یَقُوْلُ: سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ، وَلَا إِلٰہَ إِلَّا اللّٰہُ، وَاللّٰہُ أَکْبَرُ، إِلَّا کُفِّرَتْ عَنْہُ ذُنُوبُہُ وَلَوْ کَانَتْ مِثْلَ زَبَدِ الْبَحْرِ ))
“There is no person on earth who says: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar, except that his sins are forgiven, even if they are as much as the foam of the sea.”
5. Sins Fall Like Leaves
It is narrated from Hazrat Anas bin Malik (RA) that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:
(( إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ لِلّٰہِ، وَسُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ، وَلَا إِلٰہَ إِلَّا اللّٰہُ، وَاللّٰہُ أَکْبَرُ، لَتُسَاقِطُ الذُّنُوبَ کَمَا تَسَاقَطَ وَرَقُ الشَّجَرِ ))
“Indeed, Alhamdulillah, SubhanAllah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar remove sins just as leaves fall from a tree.”
More Benefits of Tasbih, Morning and Evening Remembrances and Their Great Blessings
The virtues of the remembrance of Allah, especially the tasbihat, are so numerous that the more a person reflects upon them, the more passion and eagerness grow in the heart. These are the deeds that neither burden the tongue nor take much time, yet their reward and merit are weightier than mountains.
Greater Benefits of Tasbihat
➏ Allah Almighty has chosen these tasbihat for His servants
Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) and Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri (may Allah be pleased with both of them) narrate that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
(( إِنَّ اللّٰہَ اصْطَفٰی مِنَ الْکَلَامِ أَرْبَعًا: سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ، وَلَا إِلٰہَ إِلَّا اللّٰہُ، وَاللّٰہُ أَکْبَرُ، فَمَنْ قَالَ سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ کُتِبَ لَہُ عِشْرُونَ حَسَنَۃً وَحُطَّتْ عَنْہُ عِشْرُونَ سَیِّئَۃً … ))
Translation: “Indeed, Allah Almighty has chosen four phrases from speech: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar. Whoever says SubhanAllah, twenty good deeds are recorded for him and twenty of his sins are erased …”
7. Tasbeehs are a shield from Hellfire
Narrated Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
(( خُذُوْا جُنَّتَکُمْ ))
We asked: O Messenger of Allah! For protection from the enemy?
The Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
(( بَلْ جُنَّۃً مِنَ النَّارِ ))
“Rather, (this remembrance) is a shield from the fire.”
Then he said:
(( قُوْلُوْا: سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ، وَلَا إِلٰہَ إِلَّا اللّٰہُ، وَاللّٰہُ أَکْبَرُ ))
Translation: “These words will be a means of salvation and advancement on the Day of Resurrection, and these are the lasting good deeds.”
8. Tasbeehs resonate around the Throne
Narrated Nu’man bin Bashir رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
(( اَلتَّسْبِیْحُ وَالتَّحْمِیْدُ وَالتَّہْلِیْلُ وَالتَّکْبِیْرُ یَنْعَطِفْنَ حَوْلَ الْعَرْشِ، لَہُنَّ دَوِیٌّ کَدَوِیِّ النَّحْلِ، تَذْکُرُ بِصَاحِبِہَا ))
Translation: “These tasbeehs revolve around the Throne, their sound is like the buzzing of honeybees, and they mention their reciter.”
9. Every Tasbeeh is charity
Narrated Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه that the Companions رضي الله عنهم said:
“The wealthy people have taken the reward; they pray and also give charity.”
The Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
(( إِنَّ بِکُلِّ تَسْبِیْحَۃٍ صَدَقَۃً، وَکُلِّ تَکْبِیْرَۃٍ صَدَقَۃً، وَکُلِّ تَحْمِیْدَۃٍ صَدَقَۃً، وَکُلِّ تَہْلِیْلَۃٍ صَدَقَۃً ))
“Indeed, every glorification is charity, every takbeer is charity, every tahmeed is charity, and every tahleel is charity.”
➓ Tasbeehs are extremely heavy on the scale
Hazrat Abu Salma (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
(( مَا أَثْقَلَہُنَّ فِی الْمِیْزَانِ: سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ، وَلَا إِلٰہَ إِلَّا اللّٰہُ، وَاللّٰہُ أَکْبَرُ ))
“These words are so heavy on the scale (of deeds): SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar.”
Morning and Evening Adhkar and Their Virtues
One very important form of Dhikr of Allah is the morning and evening adhkar. Whoever adheres to these adhkar spends the day and night under Allah’s protection.
➊ Ayat al-Kursi (Morning and Evening)
فضیلت:
“Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi in the morning will be protected until the evening, and whoever recites it in the evening will be protected until the morning.”
➋ Al-Mu’awwidhat (Morning and Evening, three times each)
(( قُلْ ہُوَ اللّٰہُ أَحَدٌ، وَالْمُعَوِّذَتَیْنِ ))
فضیلت: “These will suffice you against everything.”
➌ Sayyid al-Istighfar (Morning and Evening)
This istighfar is a means of forgiveness of sins and guarantee of Paradise, as mentioned in Sahih Bukhari.
➍ Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi (One hundred times in the morning and evening)
فضیلت: “On the Day of Resurrection, there will be no deed better than this, except one who does the same or more.”
Virtues of Majalis-e-Zikr (Gatherings of Remembrance), Presence of Angels, and the Outcome of Gatherings Without Remembrance
Remembrance of Allah is not limited to individual worship only; one blessed form of it is Majalis-e-Zikr (gatherings of remembrance). Majalis-e-Zikr refers to those sessions in which Allah Almighty is remembered, the Holy Quran is recited, His verses and Ahadith are pondered upon, religious teachings are imparted, and discussions of goodness and righteousness take place. Allah Almighty has granted extraordinary virtues to such gatherings.
Presence of Angels in Majalis-e-Zikr
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
(( لَا یَقْعُدُ قَوْمٌ یَذْکُرُوْنَ اللّٰہَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إِلَّا حَفَّتْہُمُ الْمَلَائِکَۃُ، وَغَشِیَتْہُمُ الرَّحْمَۃُ، وَنَزَلَتْ عَلَیْہِمُ السَّکِیْنَۃُ، وَذَکَرَہُمُ اللّٰہُ فِیْمَنْ عِنْدَہُ ))
Translation: “Those who sit to remember Allah, angels surround them, Allah’s mercy envelops them, tranquility descends upon them, and Allah mentions them among the angels.”
This hadith is clear evidence that gatherings for remembrance are not merely ordinary meetings but are blessed assemblies where mercy descends from the heavens.
Allah Almighty’s Pride Before the Angels
Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that once Hazrat Muawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) came to some people in the mosque and asked: Why are you sitting here?
They said: “We are remembering Allah here.”
Hazrat Muawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Do you swear by Allah that you are sitting here for this purpose only?
They said: Yes, by Allah!
Hazrat Muawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I did not take an oath from you because I think you are lying, but because the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) once asked some people the same question, then he said:
(( أَتَانِیْ جِبْرِیْلُ فَأَخْبَرَنِیْ أَنَّ اللّٰہَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ یُبَاہِیْ بِکُمُ الْمَلَائِکَۃَ ))
Translation: “Gabriel (peace be upon him) came to me and informed me that Allah Almighty takes pride in you before the angels.”
What a great honor it is for a person to sit in a gathering of the remembrance of Allah, and Allah Almighty takes pride in him before the angels.
Angels Searching for Gatherings of Remembrance
It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah Almighty has some angels who roam the earth in search of gatherings of remembrance. When they find a gathering in which Allah is being remembered, they also sit there and cover one another with their wings until the gathering fills the sky of the world…”
Then Allah Almighty questions these angels, although He knows best, and finally says:
“I have forgiven them, accepted their prayers, and protected them from what they sought refuge from.”
When the angels say that there was a sinner in this gathering who was merely passing by and sat down, Allah Almighty says:
“I have forgiven him as well; these are the people with whom even those who sit with them are not deprived.”
The Outcome of Gatherings Without Remembrance
Whereas gatherings of remembrance hold such great virtue, gatherings in which there is no mention of Allah cause extreme loss and regret.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
(( مَا جَلَسَ قَوْمٌ مَجْلِسًا لَمْ یَذْکُرُوا اللّٰہَ فِیْہِ وَلَمْ یُصَلُّوا عَلٰی نَبِیِّہِمْ إِلَّا کَانَ عَلَیْہِمْ تِرَۃً ))
Translation: “Those who sit in a gathering and neither mention Allah nor send blessings upon their Prophet, that gathering will be a cause of regret for them.”
Similarly, in another hadith, it is stated:
(( مَا مِنْ قَوْمٍ یَقُوْمُوْنَ مِنْ مَجْلِسٍ لَا یَذْکُرُوْنَ اللّٰہَ فِیْہِ إِلَّا قَامُوا عَنْ مِثْلِ جِیْفَۃِ حِمَارٍ وَکَانَتْ عَلَیْہِمْ حَسْرَۃً ))
Translation: “Those who leave a gathering without mentioning Allah are like those who rise from the carcass of a dead donkey, and that gathering will be a cause of regret for them.”
Condemnation of Negligence in Remembrance, Etiquettes of Remembrance, Warning Against Innovations in Remembrance, Summary and Conclusion
After learning about the virtues, benefits, and blessings of the remembrance of Allah, it is also very important that a person understands the consequences of negligence in remembrance and the proper etiquettes of remembrance, because remembrance is the great worship through which a servant becomes close to Allah, and negligence in this remembrance causes a person to incur loss.
Severe Condemnation of Negligence in the Remembrance of Allah
Allah Almighty has clearly forbidden negligence in His remembrance and has declared such people as those who will incur loss.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿یَا أَیُّہَا الَّذِیْنَ آمَنُوْا لَا تُلْہِکُمْ أَمْوَالُکُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُکُمْ عَنْ ذِکْرِ اللّٰہِ وَمَنْ یَّفْعَلْ ذَلِکَ فَأُولٰئِکَ ہُمُ الْخَاسِرُوْنَ﴾
Translation: “O you who have believed! Let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah, and those who do so are the losers indeed.”
From this verse, it is understood that if wealth, children, business, or worldly engagements cause a person to be negligent in the remembrance of Allah, then this is a complete loss, no matter how successful they may appear in this world.
Those who do not remember morning and evening are among the heedless
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَاذْکُرْ رَّبَّکَ فِیْ نَفْسِکَ تَضَرُّعًا وَّخِیْفَۃً وَّدُوْنَ الْجَہْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ وَلَا تَکُنْ مِّنَ الْغَافِلِیْنَ﴾
Translation: “And remember your Lord within yourself humbly and with fear and without loudness in words, in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.”
Although this command was given to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it includes the entire Ummah. From this verse, it is also understood that a person who does not make it a habit to remember Allah morning and evening becomes counted among the heedless.
Etiquettes of the Remembrance of Allah
In this noble verse, Allah Almighty has also taught some important etiquettes of remembrance:
➊ Remembrance with humility and meekness
While remembering, the heart should feel the greatness and majesty of Allah and one’s own humility.
➋ Remembrance with fear of Allah
Remembrance should be done while fearing Allah’s punishment and creating awe in the heart.
➌ Remembrance in a low voice
Remembrance should be done in a low voice rather than loudly, so that there is no suspicion of showing off or ostentation.
Warning against loud remembrance
Hazrat Abu Musa Ash’ari رضي الله عنه narrates that we were traveling with the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم. When people started loudly saying “Allahu Akbar,” the Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
(( أَیُّہَا النَّاسُ! اِرْبَعُوا عَلٰی أَنْفُسِکُمْ، إِنَّکُمْ لَیْسَ تَدْعُونَ أَصَمَّ وَلَا غَائِبًا، إِنَّکُمْ تَدْعُونَ سَمِیْعًا قَرِیْبًا، وَہُوَ مَعَکُمْ ))
Translation: “O people! Be gentle with yourselves; you are not calling out to a deaf or absent person, rather you are calling out to One who hears well and is very near, and He is with you.”
Clear Warning Against Innovations in Dhikr
This hadith clearly rejects those who, in the name of dhikr:
❀ Loudly and collectively say “Allah Allah”
❀ Say “La ilaha illallah La ilaha illallah”
❀ Or repeat “Hu Hu” in beats
These methods are neither proven from the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, nor from the Companions رضي الله عنهم, nor from the Tabi‘in رحمهم الله.
There are many defects in these methods:
➊ This method is against the Sunnah of the Prophet.
➋ It contradicts the humility and modesty required in dhikr.
➌ There is a strong suspicion of showing off in it.
➍ Words like “Allah Allah” or “Ho Ho” are not meaningful dhikr as established in the Quran and Sunnah, such as “La ilaha illallah” or “Subhanallah,” etc.
Therefore, the dhikr that is valid and blessed is only that which is authentically proven from the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Conclusion
The conclusion is that every Muslim should give central importance to the remembrance of Allah in their life. Morning and evening adhkar, adhkar after obligatory prayers, tasbihat, seeking forgiveness, recitation of the Quran, and gatherings of dhikr—all these are the foundation of a believer’s spiritual life. Whoever remembers Allah, Allah remembers him, and this is true success. May Allah include us among those who frequently remember Him, protect us from negligence, and grant us the ability to perform dhikr according to the Sunnah. Ameen.
