Zikir as Food for the Soul

As human beings, we are never far from committing sins and faced with every day challenges. One of the best ways for us to repent, seek solace from and to earn good deeds is by remembering Allah SWT through zikir. Allah SWT is the planner and He knows the causes of our hardships and frustrations, anxieties and worries. As narrated in Surah Ar-Ra’d ayat 28

“Only in the remembrance of Allah will your hearts find peace” (13:28)

With all the hustle and bustle going on in our daily lives, apart from remembering Allah SWT through our daily five fardhu prayers and performing other Sunnah activities, reciting zikir is a good supplementary activity to keep our physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual quotients in balance. Among the benefits are:

• It helps to create a closer bond and strengthen our iman with Allah SWT ;

• It purifies the heart from worldly creations and keeps syaitan away;

• It is a good form of meditation that creates inner peace;

• It is the easiest act of worship that can be done anywhere and at any time;

• It prevents bad habits such as backbiting, and gossiping;

• It removes the hardness of the heart and softens the heart;

• It helps you to stay polite and humble;

• Angels surround people who performs the zikir.

How can we maximize zikir to benefit us this Ramadan? We have put together a list of simple zikr that you can incorporate in to your daily Ramadan routine.

أَسْـتَـغْـفِـرُ اللهَ‎

Astaghfirullah “I seek forgiveness from Allah”

Allah loves those who seek his forgiveness, and this zikr will give you protection from Allah’s punishment.

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ

Alhamdulillah

“Praise be to Allah”

The reward of reciting this zikr is that it will fill the scales on the Day of Judgement with good deeds.

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

SubhanAllah wal hamdulillah, wa la ilahaillAllah wa Allahu akbar

” Glory be to Allah, Praise be to Allah, there is no God but Allah, Allah is Great, there is no Support and No Power except in Allah.”

These two zikrs combined is the most beloved by Allah swt. When you recite this, sins fall off of you like leaves off of trees.

لا حَوْلَ وَلا قُوَّةَ إِلا بِالله

La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah

“There is no power or strength except (by) Allah”

This verse is known to be the ‘treasure of Jannah’ and reciting this repeatedly during this holy month will only increase rewards and blessings.

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee

“Oh Allah, you are pardoning and you love to pardon, so pardon me”

It was said by Prophet Muhammad SAW that during the night of decree or Lailatul Qadar that it would be best for believer to supplicate with this dua in abundance.

While life can be complex with different decree of challenges, Islam has provided simple guidelines on how we can implement these zikir to create balance in our lives. This Ramadan, let's make it a point recite them and engage your mind, tongue and heart for the sake of earning Allah SWT's blessings. May He make us one of those who remember Him everyday.

Share and like our post and may this knowledge be beneficial to all our ummah. Insya Allah.