Azkaar is rewarding in Islam

Azkaar, or dhikr in Arabic, refers to remembering and mentioning Allah. Azkaar is rewarding in Islam and it is a part of Islamic worship and has many benefits for the believer. Azkaar can be performed daily, on special occasions, or during unique circumstances.

What Azkaar is

Azkaar is a word that refers to the remembrance of Allah. It includes all that is to remember Allah and show our love for Him; such as saying specific prayers, reading Quran, making dua, giving charity, and performing Hajj and Umrah.

There are many benefits to performing azkaar. First, it helps us to stay focused on our goal in life, which is to please Allah and gain His Paradise. When we constantly remember Him, it becomes easier to refrain from sinning and doing things that displease Him. Additionally, the more we remember Allah, the more grateful we become for His blessings. It leads to contentment and happiness since we are not constantly chasing after material things that will never make us truly happy. Azkaar strengthens our imaan (faith) and brings us closer to Allah- which is the ultimate goal.

Benefits

Azkaar has many benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. On an individual level, it helps Muslims develop taqwa (piety), which leads to self-improvement in terms of character and behavior. Furthermore, those who perform azkaar regularly are less likely to succumb to peer pressure or negative influences from outside sources because they have a strong relationship with Allah. As a result, they are better able to resist temptation and make sound decisions based on Islamic values.

Azkaar can help create cohesion within the Muslim community by instilling common values and beliefs. Additionally, it can serve as a dawah (invitation to Islam) by positively impacting those who witness Muslims performing their azkaars. If someone sees another Muslim praying with focus and sincerity, they may inspire to learn more about Islam themselves. In this way, azkaar can spread Islam.

Azkar helps to make a strong relationship with Allah. If a person remembers Allah and refrains from anything that is haram, Allah will also care for him. Allah says:

فَٱذْكُرُونِىٓ أَذْكُرْكُمْ

Remember Me, and I will remember you. (2:152)

The more you remember Allah, the closer you will be to Allah. Al-Rabīʿ b. Anas (raḥimahullāh) said, “The sign of the love of Allah is that there is a great deal of remembrance of Him because if you ever love a thing you remember it a great deal”.  Azkar is the source to boost the level of Imaan and the reason for the high reward by Allah.

Imam Ibn Al Qayyim rahimahlah said, ” By Allah, if you could hear the sound of the pens of the angels writing your name amongst those who remember Allah, you would die out of joy”.

Numan bin Bashir narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “ What you mention of glory of Allah, of Tasbeeh (Subhanallah), Tahleel (Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah) and Tahmeed (Al-Hamdu lillah), revolves around the Throne, buzzing like bees, reminding of the one who said it. Would not any one of you like to have, or continue to have, something that reminds you of him (in the presence of Allah)? “

Azkar becomes the reason for your protection. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ quoting Prophet Yaḥyā (ʿalayhis-salām) said: “I command you to remember Allah. Verily, the parable of that is a man who goes forth while his enemies are fast upon him, and then he comes to a safe fortress, where he protects himself from them. In the same way, a servant will not protect himself against Shayṭān except by the dhikr of Allah.” (Tirmidhī 2863)

Types

One of the most meaningful things Muslims can do is perform their daily azkaar. These are specific prayers and supplications that should recite at certain times throughout the day, and they help to keep a Muslim focused on Allah and His mercy. There are different types of daily azkaar, the most common are those that perform in the morning and evening, as well as those before going to sleep.

In addition to daily azkaar, there are also special occasions azkaar that Muslims can perform. It should recite on days when something significant has happened, such as on Eid or during Hajj. special occasion azkaar can also be said during times of difficulty or hardship, as it serves as a reminder of mercy and compassion. Even Our Prophets would do azkar in trials.

There are also unique azkaar for specific circumstances that may arise in a Muslim’s life. For example, we recite azkaar when traveling, when sick, or when experiencing financial difficulties. It helps to ease the challenges and reminds Muslims of Allah’s guidance and support.

How To Perform

To perform azkaar, find a calm place, especially if you are reciting them out loud. It will help you focus and avoid distractions. If it is possible to find a place where you can sit or stand comfortably without moving around too much. W  may want to face the direction of the qibla when performing your azkaar.

When performing azkaar, it is essential to focus on the meaning of the words and your intention for doing them. It will help you get the most benefit out of the experience. Take time with each word and try to connect with its meaning on a personal level.

You can choose to recite your azkaar out loud or silently, whichever feels more comfortable for you. If you are reciting azkaar out loud, make sure to enunciate each word clearly,  so that you can hear yourself saying it. It will help keep you focused on the text and its meanings. If you prefer to recite them silently, that is perfectly fine.  It is necessary to pay attention to the words in your mind as you say them.

After you have finished reciting your azkaar, it is customary to make a dua (supplication) to ask Allah for whatever it is, what you desire. It is a great way to end your session of azkaar and shows humility and reliance on Allah Almighty.

Conclusion

Performing azkaar can be very rewarding for Muslims. Not only do they help us to remember Allah and His blessings, but they also provide us with peace of mind and contentment. If we make an effort to perform our azkaar daily, we will get benefits in this world and the hereafter.

Azkaar is rewarding in Islam is part of an amazing series of content. For more, you are very much encouraged to follow our whole series Time to Revive where we discuss the forgotten sunnah or Prophet Muhammad Peace be Upon Him, and try to revive them by considering most of the perspectives of the modern world. Reading them and making them a habit is now your choice. 

By: Eeza Rasheed

References

By: Eeza Rasheed