What is dhikr and how do I start?
Yes, you can start today: dhikr simply means remembering Allah, usually with short phrases like "SubhanAllah" and "Alhamdulillah". It needs no special place, no Arabic fluency and no teacher. Pick one or two phrases, attach them to things you already do every day, and grow from there.
What dhikr actually is
Dhikr (also written zikr) is an Arabic word for remembrance. In practice it means keeping Allah in your heart and on your tongue: praising Him, thanking Him and asking His forgiveness in short, repeated phrases. It is different from dua, where you ask for something, although the two often go together.
The Prophet ﷺ described how much it matters: "The example of the one who celebrates the Praises of his Lord (Allah) in comparison to the one who does not celebrate the Praises of his Lord, is that of a living creature compared to a dead one" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6407).
Four phrases to learn first
The Prophet ﷺ said that saying these words "is dearer to me than anything over which the sun rises" (Sahih Muslim 2695):
- SubhanAllah: Glory be to Allah (He is free from every imperfection).
- Alhamdulillah: All praise is for Allah.
- La ilaha illallah: There is no god but Allah.
- Allahu Akbar: Allah is the Greatest.
Two more that are easy to add later: Astaghfirullah (I ask Allah's forgiveness) and SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil-Azim, which the Prophet ﷺ called "very easy for the tongue to say, but they are very heavy in the balance" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6406).
How to build the habit
- Start tiny: say each of the four phrases a few times after one prayer a day. Consistency beats big numbers.
- Anchor it: pair dhikr with moments you already have, like waiting for the kettle, sitting in traffic or walking to the bus.
- Learn the fixed times: after each prayer, in the morning and evening, and before sleep. See What should I say after every prayer? and What are the morning and evening adhkar?
- Count simply: fingers work fine. Beads or a counter app are optional tools.
A man once told the Prophet ﷺ that the many acts of Islam felt like too much for him and asked for one thing to hold on to. He answered: "Let not your tongue cease to be moist with the remembrance of Allah" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3375). That is a comforting answer for any new Muslim who feels overwhelmed.
What if I don't feel anything?
That is normal at the start. Say the words anyway and try to think about their meaning, even for a second. Feelings of calm usually come with time and understanding, not on the first day. Knowing the meaning helps a lot; see What does "SubhanAllah" mean and when do I say it?
- Dhikr means remembering Allah with your heart and tongue.
- Start with SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah and Allahu Akbar.
- Small daily habits matter more than big numbers.
- No Arabic fluency or special place is needed.
People also ask
Can I make dua in English during prayer?
It depends on the school. English dua outside salah is fine; inside it, scholars differ, so use short Arabic duas and ask in English after salam.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua in English?
Yes, you can make dua in English or any language. Allah understands every language; Arabic duas are a bonus, not a condition.
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 →Should dhikr be said out loud or silently?
It depends, but quiet dhikr is the general rule. Don't shout; some dhikr like Eid takbir is said aloud, and moving your lips matters.
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 →