Should dhikr be said out loud or silently?
It depends on the situation, but quiet dhikr is the general rule. The Quran praises remembering Allah "within yourself", and the Prophet ﷺ told people not to shout their dhikr. Saying it in a soft voice or a whisper is ideal for most dhikr, while some moments, like the takbir on Eid or after congregational prayer, were said aloud.
The default: soft and humble
On a journey, the Companions raised their voices while saying La ilaha illallah and Allahu Akbar. The Prophet ﷺ said: "O people! Be merciful to yourselves (i.e. don't raise your voice), for you are not calling a deaf or an absent one, but One Who is with you, no doubt He is All-Hearer, ever Near" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2992).
Quiet dhikr also protects you from showing off and keeps it between you and Allah. See Is it showing off to post my worship on social media?
When dhikr is said aloud
- After congregational prayer: Ibn Abbas said that in the Prophet's lifetime "it was the custom to celebrate Allah's praises aloud after the compulsory congregational prayers" (Sahih al-Bukhari 841). Some scholars, including many Hanbalis, see this as sunnah. Others, such as Imam ash-Shafi'i, understood it as done to teach people and prefer a quiet voice.
- Eid and Hajj: the takbir of Eid and the talbiyah of Hajj are traditionally said aloud.
- Teaching: saying it aloud so your kids or a new Muslim friend can learn it.
Even then, "aloud" means a normal, calm voice, not shouting.
Does it count if I only think it?
Remembering Allah in your heart is a real act of worship. But for specific adhkar with a promised reward (like the 33 SubhanAllah after prayer), many scholars say you should actually pronounce the words with your tongue, even in a whisper, for it to count as "saying" them. A practical rule:
- Lips moving, barely audible: counts as saying it, and nobody around you is disturbed.
- Only in your mind: still rewarded as remembrance, and the best option where speaking isn't appropriate, such as the toilet.
Allah says in a hadith qudsi: "If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they" (Sahih al-Bukhari 7405). Both private and shared remembrance are honored. For dua, see Can I make dua silently in my head?
Group dhikr in one voice
Some communities do dhikr together in unison, sometimes loudly. Scholars differ on this: some consider it a good practice, while others say it wasn't the way of the Companions and prefer that each person does dhikr individually. If you attend a mosque with a different custom from what you've learned, be respectful and avoid arguing about it.
- Quiet, humble dhikr is the general rule.
- Don't shout; Allah is near and hears everything.
- Some dhikr, like Eid takbir, is said aloud.
- Move your lips for set adhkar so they count as said.
People also ask
What is dhikr and how do I start?
Yes, you can start today: dhikr means remembering Allah with short phrases like SubhanAllah. Four phrases to learn and how to build the habit.
Read the full answer →What are the morning and evening adhkar?
Yes, they're short remembrances the Prophet said each morning and evening for protection. When to say them and a beginner starter set.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua silently in my head?
Yes, Allah hears a silent dua in your heart. In salah and for adhkar with set rewards, most scholars say you should at least move your lips.
Read the full answer →What dua do I say when entering the bathroom?
Yes, say "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khaba'ith" before you go in, and "Ghufranak" when you come out again.
Read the full answer →Can I do dhikr in the bathroom?
No, not out loud while using the toilet; it's disliked. Silent dhikr in your heart is fine, and the entering and leaving duas are said at the door.
Read the full answer →