Dhikr for Beginners: How to Remember Allah Throughout the Day

What Is Dhikr and Why Does It Matter?

Dhikr (ذكر) means "remembrance" — the remembrance of Allah through words, phrases, and supplications throughout the day. Allah says in the Quran: "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (Quran 13:28). And: "Remember Me, and I will remember you." (Quran 2:152).

Dhikr is the oxygen of the spiritual heart. A Muslim who prays five times daily but does not engage in Dhikr between prayers allows their heart to fill with the noise and distraction of the world. Dhikr keeps the heart anchored to Allah through the busyness of daily life — at work, while driving, while cooking, while waiting.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The example of the one who remembers Allah and the one who does not remember Allah is like the example of the living and the dead." (Bukhari). This is not hyperbole — it is a description of the state of a heart with and without the remembrance of its Creator.

The Essential Daily Dhikr — Start Here

If you are new to Dhikr, do not try to memorise everything at once. Start with the four phrases that the Prophet ﷺ specifically highlighted as the most beloved words to Allah:

The Prophet ﷺ also highlighted: Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi, subhanallahil adheem — "Glory be to Allah and His praise; Glory be to Allah, the Mighty." He said: "Two words light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Bukhari)

Morning and Evening Adhkar — The Prophetic Shield

The Prophet ﷺ had specific morning (after Fajr) and evening (after Asr) supplications that he maintained consistently. These are called Adhkar as-sabah wal-masa' — and they are described in the hadith as a shield of protection throughout the day and night. Key ones to learn:

Ayatul Kursi (Quran 2:255)

Recited once after every obligatory prayer. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi after every obligatory prayer, nothing prevents him from entering Paradise except death." (An-Nasa'i)

Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas — Three Times Each (Morning and Evening)

The Prophet ﷺ said these three Surahs recited three times morning and evening are sufficient protection from everything. (Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi)

Astaghfirullah

Astaghfirullaha wa atubu ilayh — "I seek Allah's forgiveness and I repent to Him." The Prophet ﷺ would seek forgiveness more than seventy times a day despite being sinless. For us, it is an essential daily act of humility and return to Allah.

Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammad — Sending blessings on the Prophet ﷺ is an act of enormous reward: "Whoever sends blessings on me once, Allah will send ten blessings on him." (Muslim)

Dhikr After Salah — A Complete Guide

After completing the Tasleem of each prayer, the Prophet ﷺ maintained these specific dhikr before rising from his place:

1. Astaghfirullah — three times
2. Allahumma antas-salam, wa minkas-salam, tabarakta ya dhal jalali wal ikram — once
3. La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir — once (or ten times after Fajr and Maghrib)
4. Subhanallah × 33, Alhamdulillah × 33, Allahu Akbar × 34 (totalling 100)
5. Ayatul Kursi — once

This entire post-prayer dhikr takes approximately 3–5 minutes. The reward is immeasurable — and the discipline of sitting after each prayer before rising builds a rhythm of remembrance that extends naturally throughout the day.

Teaching Children Dhikr — Building Lifelong Habits

Children who grow up saying Bismillah before eating, Alhamdulillah after sneezing, Subhanallah when they see something beautiful — carry these habits for life. The key is making Dhikr natural, not forced:

• Model it constantly — say Bismillah before everything out loud; your child will absorb it.
• Correct gently — when a child eats without saying Bismillah, a gentle "what do we say first?" is enough.
• Teach the meaning — "Alhamdulillah means thank you Allah. We say it because everything good we have — our food, our home, our health — comes from Allah."
• Tasbih beads — many children love the physical act of counting on prayer beads after Salah. It makes dhikr tactile and engaging.
• Bedtime dhikr — the Prophet ﷺ recommended specific supplications at bedtime. Establishing a bedtime dhikr routine for children is one of the most beautiful Islamic parenting habits.

Abd Al-Wahhab

Founder · Moddaker Academy

Founder of Moddaker Academy. We help Muslim families around the world build a strong and blessed connection with the Holy Quran, Arabic language, and authentic Islamic teachings — through a unique, high-quality online learning experience.

About the AcademyContact Us