Dhikr for Beginners: A Simple 5-Minute Daily Routine
Many people want to make dhikr but are not sure where to begin: which words, how many times and when? The good news is that you do not need a long list. A short routine you actually keep is worth more than a big plan you abandon.
The principle: small and steady
The Prophet ﷺ said that the most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small (Sahih al-Bukhari 6464, Sahih Muslim 783). So start small on purpose.
A simple daily routine (about 5 minutes)
| When | Dhikr | Count |
|---|---|---|
| After each obligatory prayer | SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar | 33 each (then 34 for Allahu Akbar to make 100, as reported) |
| Morning | SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi | 100 |
| Evening | SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi | 100 |
| During the day | Astaghfirullah | As much as you can, for example 100 |
| Before sleep | SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar | 33, 33, 34 |
Sources: dhikr after prayer is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim; SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi 100 times in Sahih al-Bukhari 6405 and Sahih Muslim 2691; the dhikr before sleep taught to Fatimah in Sahih al-Bukhari 3113 and Sahih Muslim 2727; and the Prophet’s ﷺ seeking forgiveness 100 times a day in Sahih Muslim 2702.
Start with just one habit
If the table feels like too much, ignore most of it. Pick one moment, for example right after Fajr, and do one dhikr for a week: 33 times SubhanAllah. Attach it to something you already do every day. When it feels natural, add the next one.
Using a counter
Counting in your head pulls attention away from the words. Open the digital tasbih, choose the dhikr and the number, and let it set the pace while you focus on reciting and understanding the meaning.
If you miss a day
Do not treat it as failure and do not give up. Just start again the next day. Returning is itself part of the habit.
A sensible way to grow
- Week 1: after one prayer only, 33 times.
- Week 2: after every prayer.
- Week 3: add the morning 100.
- Week 4: add the evening 100 and a little istighfar during the day.
Learn a bit of meaning along the way. Our guide to what dhikr is is a good next read.
Hadith references follow commonly used editions and numbering can differ between editions. Please verify texts and rulings with a reliable source or a qualified teacher.