Allah SWT has made Islam a very easy religion for mankind to follow. He wants us to go to Jannah. Therefore, he has given us unlimited opportunities to earn a reward. We can achieve this by doing very simple deeds of worship.

One such act of worship is called “Dhikr” (or Zikr). It is an Arabic word meaning to “Remember.” Its plural is “Adhkars” or Azkars. In Islam, it is an act in which short verses (from Qur’an), Duas, and Prayers are recited (sometimes repeatedly a specific number of times) to remember and praise Allah (SWT).

Dhikr is a very powerful and simple way to worship Allah (SWT), which has many benefits and virtues. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:

“O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance” (Quran 33:41)

How many types of Adhkar are there?

Dhikr can be categorized into various types & categories. Though there is no specific categorization done by any Scholar. However, for simplicity, we can categorize it into the following major categories from the Sunnah (Note: this list is not exhaustive ):

• Adhkars of the Morning. Done after Fajr Salah & before sunrise (preferably) & before Zohr time at the most. Also known as أذكار الصباح. These have been predefined in the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW. You can get Morning Adhkar Cards from here.
• Adhkars of the Evening. Done after Asr Salah & before sunset (preferably). Also known as أذكار المساء. These have been predefined in the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW. You can get Evening Adhkar Cards from here.
• Adhkars of the Night / Before Sleeping. To be recited before sleeping, as per Sunnah.
• Adhkars after Fard Salah. These have to be recited after finishing every Fard Salah, as per Sunnah. Get them here.
• Rest of the Adhkars. Like reading Quran, Dua etc

Why the Adhkars of Morning & Evening are so important?

1. Fulfill the Command of Allah

The most important benefit of reciting Adhkars is the fulfillment of the Command of Allah. Allah also instructed Prophet to keep the company of those who remember Allah during these two times.

“Believers, remember Allah often and glorify Him morning and evening.” (Quran 33:41–42)

2. All Creation Glorifies Allah

Morning and Evening are the best of times when we can clearly see the manifestation of Allah’s power, that is, as the night changes into the day and the day into the night. Therefore, it is most befitting for the believer to remember Allah and appreciate His greatness at these times. Allah has made Adhkars an act of worship not just for humans, but for all of the creation, including the mountains and birds.

The Messenger of Allah said:

“The sun does not rise except that all of Allah’s creation glorifies Allah with His praises, except for the devils and the foolish humans.” (Ibn al-Sunnī)

What are the benefits of Morning & Evening Adhkars?

These Adhkars have multiple benefits and rewards. We must try to revive this important Sunnah by incorporating them into our lives. Now we will discuss 10 benefits of these Adhkars:

1. Reaffirm your Tawḥeed and get yourself close to Allah

Through these Adhkars, you affirm His oneness and absolute perfection. Moreover, we also acknowledge our weaknesses and need for Him in every aspect of our lives. These Adhkaars will inspire us to love Allah, fear Him, have hope in Him, and submit to Him.

2. Protection from the Satan

By remembering Allah (SWT), Satan will not be able to whisper in our hearts and we can remain away from evil and sin.

3. Safety and Protect Yourself from all Evil

One will be protected from all forms of evil and harm from enemies. This includes illnesses, anxiety, grief, depression, devils, evil eye, and magic.

4. Living a Blessed Life

We will gain an immense amount of blessings (barakah) in every aspect of our day. This happens by starting and ending our day with the remembrance of Allah. By reading these Adhkars, one will enjoy well-being (aafiyah) in family, health, wealth, religion, and in the Hereafter.

5. Peace and Contentment in Life

Dhikr also removes worries and sadness from one’s heart. This can help us live a life of peace and contentment, as one is reassured with Allah’s help.

6. Very High Rewards

As per some of the hadiths of the Prophet related to these Adhkars, some benefits of Adhkars include:

• If one dies on that day or night, he/she will enter Paradise.
• Protection from Hellfire.
• All (minor) sins will be forgiven.
• And many more.

7. Allah’s pleasure on the Day of Judgement

By regularly reciting these Adhkars, Allah is pleased with you and you will be pleased on the Day of Judgement. One will also receive the intercession of the Prophet on the day of Judgment.

8. Adhkars remove the rust from your heart and purify it

Every Muslim has fallen into sin, whether conscious or unconscious. The longer we live without the remembrance of Allah and repentance, the more rust accumulates in our hearts. This causes us to feel insensitive and indifferent toward sinning. By incorporating the habit of reciting the daily Adhkars in our lives, can help us purify the heart.

“Nay, but that which they have earned is rust upon their hearts.” [Qur’an 83:14]

9. Daily Adhkars enhance your relationship with Allah and Allah will Love and Remember those who remember Him.

Regularly reciting Adhkars is an exceptional relationship between Allah and His Servants. It takes utmost devotion to love Allah and remember Him every day with morning and evening Adhkars. Allah promises us in the Qur’an:

“So remember Me; I will remember you. Be thankful to Me, and never be ungrateful.” [Qur’an 2:152]

10. Reciting Adhkars with mindfulness is a sign of gratitude.

By praising and glorifying Allah, we are showing our gratitude to Him and acknowledging His majesty. We are acknowledging that He is the Greatest and that we are powerless without Him. Once we grasp this concept, we can understand that we are not actually in control of our lives. It is only with the help and will of Allah, that we can achieve things in our lives.

Seeking the Mercy and Blessings of Allah is indeed essential. And one of the best ways to go about that is by reviving this important Sunnah of our Prophet. May Allah bless all of us and help us follow all teachings of Islam and in becoming better Muslims, Ameen.

You can find authenticated Adhkar Cards here.