10 Easy Dhikr Phrases Every Muslim Should Know

The most fundamental form of Islamic worship would probably be the most effective; that is, remembering Allah through the act of dhikr. It draws the hearts, tongues, and intellects of Muslims into the praising of Allah, thankfulness to Him, repentance towards Him for their sins, and affirmation of faith in Him. This is an act practiced by all, regardless of age, status, or location. It offers a spiritual lifeline through all the ups and downs of life.

In Islam, dhikr is not a ritual but a life. It can change the most mundane moments of life into opportunities for reflection and for connecting with the Creator. From the professional in his busy schedule to the homemaker, from the student preparing for his exams to the traveler on the road, each Muslim can introduce dhikr to their daily life.

It introduces 10 fundamental and most memorably recurring words of dhikr. Every Muslim should know how to apply them in his life and their meaning, importance, and how they could deeply help him in his spiritual life and emotional well-being.

The Importance of Dhikr

Dhikr is derived from the Arabic "dhakara," meaning to remember or to mention. Dhikr according to Islam, refers to deeds of worship, in that regard remembering and glorifying God with the mouth, but more, as by thought and introspection. The Quran states and underlines several occasions emphasizing the importance of doing Dhikr in securing success and developing the spirit. Allah says in the Quran:

"O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance and exalt Him morning and afternoon." (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:41-42)

Remembering Allah is not a word but a focus of the mind and heart towards the greatness of Allah. It makes the Muslims conscious of their Creator, strengthens their faith, and gives peace and contentment to their lives.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said concerning the transforming impact of dhikr:

"The example of the one who remembers Allah and the one who does not remember Allah is like that of the living and the dead." (Bukhari)

10 Easy Dhikr Phrases and Their Significance

Here are 10 keywords of dhikr, their translations, and their deep significance in a Muslim's life.

1.SubhanAllah (سبحان الله)

Translation: "Glory be to Allah."

Significance:

This is an affirmation of the perfect and pure nature of Allah. Through SubhanAllah, a Muslim affirms that the matchlessness in Allah inspires a reflection on the greatness of His creation within the vastness of space to the minute structure of even the smallest organism.

Reciting SubhanAllah often brings about humbleness. It reminds us that, no matter the heights we reach, no matter how competent we become in doing things, Allah goes beyond all those capabilities and is far above them all.

The Prophet ﷺ said

Whoever recites 'SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi' 100 times a day, his sins will be forgiven to such an extent that they will come out like the foam of the ocean. (Bukhari, Muslim)

This simple yet profound phrase will enable believers to cleanse their hearts and earn immense rewards with almost minimal effort.

2.Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله)

Translation: "All praise is due to Allah."

Significance:

Gratitude is the center of Islamic spirituality, and Alhamdulillah is the final expression of thankfulness. It recognizes that every good-big or small-comes from Allah. By repeatedly uttering the word Alhamdulillah, believers tend to develop positive thinking, contentment, and appreciation of life's blessings.
Qur'an reminds us:

"If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]." (Surah Ibrahim 14:7)
Whether it is a time of happiness, relief from hardships, or tribulations that teach good lessons, saying Alhamdulillah allows one to view Allah's wisdom and mercies in everything.

3.Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر)

Translation: "Allah is the Greatest."

Significance:

It always reminds the follower of Allah that He is superior to everything. It makes them live in perspective, not forgetting the fact that nothing on earth, be it good or bad, be it happiness or sadness, can ever match up with the greatness of Allah.

It is a phrase that resonates all through the day, incorporated into the routine of every Muslim. Its repeated recitation gives strength, modesty, and purpose in life, reminding them to always rely on Allah in any situation.

4.La ilaha illallah (لا إله إلا الله)

Translation: "There is no god but Allah."

Significance:

This is, therefore, the declaration of Tawheed oneness of Allah. It proclaims that there shall be none worshipped besides Allah and, at one go, is a reminder to act in ways pleasing to Him.

The best dhikr, according to the Prophetﷺ, is La ilaha illallah

"The best of all remembrances by Allah is 'La ilaha illallah.' "Tirmidhi
This one of the greatest verses is repeated by Muslims daily to keep in touch with Allah.

5.Astaghfirullah (أستغفر الله)

Translation: "I seek Allah's forgiveness."

Significance:

No human is perfect; however, the mercy of Allah goes beyond bounds. The recitation of Astaghfirullah lets a person know where the deficiency lies and humbly asks Allah for forgiveness. This brings humility and makes him feel responsible in front of the All-Powerful Allah, and, therefore, he becomes liable to seek betterment through submission to Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ, who was sinless, made tawbah (seeking forgiveness) to Allah more than 70 times a day. That should be practiced by every Muslim.

6.SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil Azeem (سبحان الله وبحمده سبحان الله العظيم)

Translation: "Glory and praise to Allah, Glory to Allah the Great."
Significance:

It is a type of glorifying and extolling Allah and is said when one's mind reflects on His unparalleled excellence. Prophet ﷺ said:

"Two words are light on the tongue, heavy on the scales and beloved to the Most Merciful: 'SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil Azeem.'" (Bukhari, Muslim)
This word is recited, bringing the speaker the rich reward as he reflects upon the All-powerful Allah and his bountiful mercy.

7.La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله)

Translation: "There is no power or might except with Allah."
Significance:

This verse suggests dependence on Allah in all matters. Once a challenge or a new problem has emerged, then one thinks about the boundless wisdom and power of Allah.

This is a phrase that has been comforting for believers because it reminds them that they are never left alone in the struggle.

8.Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel (حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل)

Translation: "God is enough for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs."
Significance:

This is one of the extreme expressions of reliance on Allah's justice and benevolence. It is also very common during trying times as a reminder that Allah is absolutely in control, and He will see His children through the storm.

He reads this sentence as said by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who was thrown into fire by his people. It, therefore, has a very strong meaning in the text.

9.Rabbi zidni ilma (رب زدني علما)

Translation: "My Lord, increase me in knowledge."

Significance:

Islam values knowledge higher than everything else. Therefore, this durum symbolizes how the modesty of mumming is exercised toward intellectual and spiritual improvement. It reminds one to exert knowledge in a way that brings one closer to Allah and benefits humanity in goodness.

10.Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ

Example: Allahumma salli 'alaa Muhammadin wa ala Aali Muhammad.
Translation: "O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad."

Significance:

It's an act to show love and appreciation as well as devotion and love for his guidance. Moreover, it is an action by which one obtains the favor and mercy of Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ narrated

"Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him tenfold." (Muslim)

How Dhikr Transforms Daily Life

It's so easy and wonderful to practice in daily life. As can be seen:

Morning: Start your day by saying SubhanAllah and pondering Allah's creations, then Alhamdulillah in appreciation of another day from Allah.

Workplace: During tense situations, say La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah, seeking strength from Allah.

Evening: Before sleeping, say Astaghfirullah and say SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi to praise Allah.

Such practices turn mundane dealings into acts of worship that bring peace and purposefulness to life.

Dhikr as a Lifelong Practice

This is the path of dhikr that remains lifelong, continues offering nourishment at all the different stages of life, and has no specificity with any time, location, or event.

This, as stated earlier, acts like an inseparable companion of every traveler on this path, supporting at both happy moments as well as through troubled times; a stronghold where the heart continues to anchor and connects well with Allah.

Consistent dhikr brings the heart closer to Allah. In remembrance, the heart softens and is made more receptive to the mercy and guidance of Allah. It further increases patience, gratitude, and trust in Allah even during adversity. As you make dhikr, every time you remind yourself about Allah's greatness, this moves you towards relying even more on Him.

Tools that facilitate mindfulness make dhikr a part of life. For anyone looking to increase remembrance of Allah, Grounded Revival's tasbih prayer beads is a fantastic resource. The use of tasbih beads helps keep count of the recitations and ensures that dhikr becomes an integral part of the believer's daily routine.The clicking of the beads could potentially assist in focusing the mind and heart to be more mindful while reciting.

Dhikr is one of the most subtle yet deep acts of worship a Muslim can do. It is not exclusive to prayer times but ideally works well with daily life, turning mundane things into refreshing moments of reflection, gratitude, and reconnection with Allah. Starting the day by saying SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and finding strength in times of stress or anxiety using La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah, then praying Astaghfirullah before sleep builds a rhythm of worship that spans all ramifications of life.

The beauty of dhikr is that it has something for each person at every stage in life. It turns difficulty into an opportunity for spiritual improvement, and it adds to moments of joy with deepened gratitude and awareness.

Reflect with yourself on some of these practices and how you would apply them. Among these Dhikr phrases, which one resonates more? How does Dhikr change your daily life? Share your stories and inspire others to walk the path of remembrance.