What Is Dhikr? Meaning, Benefits and How to Begin
Dhikr (ذكر) is an Arabic word meaning remembrance or mention. In Islam it means remembering Allah, with the tongue, with the heart, or both. It can be as simple as saying SubhanAllah while you walk, or as deep as a quiet moment of reflection before sleep.
What the Qur’an says about dhikr
The Qur’an invites believers to remember Allah often. In Surah al-Baqarah (2:152) Allah says to remember Him and He will remember you. In Surah al-Ahzab (33:41) believers are told to remember Allah with much remembrance. And in Surah ar-Ra‘d (13:28) we are reminded that hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah.
Common forms of dhikr
- Tasbih: declaring Allah free of any imperfection, such as SubhanAllah.
- Tahmid: praising Allah, such as Alhamdulillah.
- Takbir: declaring His greatness, such as Allahu Akbar.
- Tahlil: affirming His oneness, such as La ilaha illallah.
- Istighfar: asking for forgiveness, such as Astaghfirullah.
- Salawat: sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Want to understand each of these four phrases better? Read our guide to the meaning of SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar.
Why dhikr matters
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 6407). He also taught that two phrases are light on the tongue, heavy on the scale and beloved to the Most Merciful: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil-‘Azim (Sahih al-Bukhari 6406, Sahih Muslim 2694).
Do I need wudu to make dhikr?
Most scholars say you do not need to be in a state of wudu to make dhikr, so you can remember Allah at almost any time. (Touching a physical copy of the Qur’an is a separate matter that scholars discuss differently.)
How to make your dhikr count
- Be present. A few mindful repetitions are better than many said while distracted.
- Learn the meaning. Understanding what you say changes how it feels.
- Be consistent. Small, regular dhikr builds a lasting habit. Our guide to a simple 5-minute daily routine shows you how.
- Use a tool if it helps. A counter takes away the mental effort of counting so you can focus on the words.
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.