The Ultimate Guide on How to do Zikr in Islam: Remembering Allah

Introduction:

What is Zikr? How to do zikr properly? Zikr or Dhikr is the remembrance of Allah, and it is one of the most important aspects of Islamic worship. It is a way of connecting with Allah, and it helps to strengthen the faith of a Muslim Allah says, “O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance.” (Quran 33:41). Zikr can be performed in various ways. This article will guide you on how to do Zikr effectively.

In This Article

What is Zikr?

Zikr is an Arabic word that means remembrance or mention. In Islam, it refers to the act of remembering Allah through recitation, meditation, or reflection. Zikr is considered an act of worship and is an essential part of the Muslim faith; Allah says “And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech – in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.” (Quran 7:205)

Why is Zikr Important?

Zikr is important because it helps Muslims to strengthen their relationship with Allah. It is a way of expressing gratitude for Allah’s blessings and seeking His forgiveness. Zikr also helps to purify the heart and soul, and it serves as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of life, which is to worship Allah. “And establish prayer, give zakah, and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]. And do you order righteousness upon the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason? And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]” (Quran 2:43-45)

How to do Zikr?

Zikr can be performed in different ways, including reciting specific phrases, reading the Quran, and meditating on Allah’s attributes. “So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (Quran 2:152).Here are some steps to follow when doing Zikr:

Step 1: Find a quiet and clean place to perform your Zikr without distractions. Performing Zikr in a mosque is recommended, but if that’s not possible, you can do it at home.

Step 2: Make sure you are in a state of purity. This means performing Wudu, a ritual cleansing of the body before prayer.

Step 3: Choose a specific Zikr that you want to recite. You can choose from the various phrases mentioned in the Quran, such as “Subhanallah” (Glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah), “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), and “La ilaha illallah” (There is no god but Allah).

Step 4: Sit comfortably with your back straight, and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths to calm your mind and focus your attention on Allah. You may sit on a prayer mat, cushion or chair as you prefer.

Step 5: Start reciting the chosen Zikr slowly and steadily. Repeat the phrase with sincerity and concentration, and try to understand the meaning behind the words. You can either recite the Zikr verbally or silently in your mind.

Step 6: Focus on your breath and use it as a guide for your recitation. You may rhythmically recite the Zikr, matching your inhale and exhale.

Step 7: Continue reciting the Zikr for a specific amount of time, such as 10 or 15 minutes. You can use a Tasbih (prayer beads) to keep count of your repetitions. A common Tasbih has 99 beads, and it is recommended to recite the chosen Zikr 33 times to complete a cycle. You may repeat the cycle multiple times to prolong the duration of your Zikr.

Step 8: As you recite the Zikr, try to focus your attention on Allah and let go of any distractions or thoughts. If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to the Zikr.

Step 9: After completing your Zikr, take a moment to reflect on the experience. Think about how it made you feel and how you can apply the lessons learned daily.

Step 10: Finally, thank Allah for the opportunity to perform Zikr and ask for His blessings and guidance in your life.

Remember that the most critical aspect of Zikr is sincerity and concentration. Focus on the words of the Zikr and the meaning behind them to strengthen your relationship with Allah. “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], “Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Quran 3:190-191) With regular practice, Zikr can become a powerful tool to purify your heart and soul and increase your faith.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Zikr is an essential aspect of Islamic worship and is a way of connecting with Allah. It helps to strengthen faith, purify the heart and soul, and serve as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of life. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can perform Zikr effectively and reap its many benefits. Remember that Zikr is not just about reciting words; it is about understanding their meaning and using them to improve your relationship with Allah.