20 Powerful Benefits of Dhikr (Zikr)
The Supreme Act of Worship: Virtues and Rewards of Remembering Allah
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا
"O you who Believe, make abundant remembrance of ALLAH!"
— Surah Al-Ahzab (33:41)There are countless benefits of Zikr Allah (remembrance of Allah) that transform both our worldly life and our Hereafter. In fact, Dhikr is not merely a recommended practice; it is the heartbeat of a believer's spiritual life. Moreover, it is the key to unlocking divine mercy, angelic blessings, and ultimately, Paradise itself.
In the authentic Tafsir of the verse above, Imam al-Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) mentions a profound Hadith. This narration sets the tone for understanding the importance of constant remembrance of Allah through His Beautiful Names.
The Command for Abundant Dhikr
أكثروا ذكر الله حتى يقولوا مجنون
Translation: Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Do Dhikr so much that people start calling you Majnoon (obsessed)."
References: Musnad Ahmed (3/67, 81), Ibn Hibban in his Sahih (#814), Imam al-Hakim in Mustadrak (1/499) who declared it "Sahih al-Isnad" (authentic chain)
Furthermore, Imam al-Mundhiri (may Allah have mercy on him) confirmed its authenticity after narrating this Hadith. He stated that it was reported by Imam Ahmed, Abu Ya'la, and Ibn Hibban in his Sahih. Additionally, al-Hakim declared: "It has a Sahih chain." [at-Targheeb wa Tarheeb, Page 280]
Similarly, Imam Ibn Adi (may Allah have mercy on him) examined the chain carefully. He subsequently concluded: "This sanad has nothing wrong in it." [Al-Kamil, Volume 4, Page 9]
Quranic Foundation for Dhikr
Remembrance in All States
The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of remembering Allah in various states and circumstances. Consequently, Allah (SWT) instructs us in the following beautiful verse:
الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ
"Who remember Allah while STANDING, sitting, or lying on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth..."
— Surah Ali Imran (3:191)The Sanctity of Homes
Notably, this verse establishes that there is no restriction on performing Dhikr. Moreover, we can engage in remembrance while standing, sitting, or even lying down. Furthermore, the following verse proves the permission for collective Dhikr gatherings in houses:
فِي بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ اللَّهُ أَن تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ
"In houses which Allah has permitted to be exalted and that His name may be remembered in them..."
— Surah An-Nur (24:36)Spiritual Life vs Death
The one who remembers Allah is spiritually alive; the one who doesn't is spiritually dead.
Angelic Gathering
Angels actively search for Dhikr gatherings and surround participants with divine mercy.
Divine Protection
Dhikr serves as a fortress against worldly harms, offering powerful protection against Evil Eye (Nazar) and deep spiritual cleansing.
Protection from Hellfire
No deed protects from Hellfire more effectively than abundant remembrance of Allah.
Superior to Jihad
Dhikr is ranked higher in reward than even fighting in the path of Allah.
Better than Charity
Remembering Allah is hundred times superior to giving wealth in charity.
Divine Forgiveness
Allah forgives all those in Dhikr gatherings, even those who came for other reasons.
Inner Peace (Sakinah)
Divine tranquility descends upon hearts engaged in remembrance of Allah.
One Who Remembers Allah is Alive
The Essence of Vitality
مَثَلُ الَّذِي يَذْكُرُ رَبَّهُ وَالَّذِي لَا يَذْكُرُ رَبَّهُ مَثَلُ الْحَيِّ وَالْمَيِّتِ
Translation: Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "He who remembers his Lord and he who does not are like the living and the dead."
Therefore, these profound Hadiths establish a fundamental spiritual reality: remembrance of Allah is the very essence of spiritual life. Consequently, a person who does not engage in Dhikr is spiritually dead, even if physically alive. For this reason, Dhikr was an established Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), practiced in every waking moment.
Allah Expresses Pride Upon Dhakireen
Divine Boasting
إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يُبَاهِي بِكُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ
Translation: ...The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "I have not made you take oath for any doubt, but Gabriel came and told me that Allah is expressing His pride on you in front of angels."
This magnificent Hadith demonstrates the immense status of those who gather for Dhikr. Indeed, Allah Himself boasts about them to the angels, thereby elevating their rank in both worlds. Moreover, this establishes the great virtue of collective Dhikr gatherings, which some mistakenly consider to be innovation (bid'ah).
Angels Search Streets for Dhikr Gatherings
Divine Patrolling
إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَلَائِكَةً يَطُوفُونَ فِي الطُّرُقِ، يَلْتَمِسُونَ أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ
Translation: Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Allah has angels who roam about on roads looking for the love-sick rememberers of Allah..."
Remarkably, these authentic narrations establish that Allah has assigned special angels whose sole purpose is to search for gatherings of Dhikr. In addition, these gatherings are especially potent during blessed nights, such as the holy night of Shab-e-Barat, where collective forgiveness is sought through Dhikr and Dua.
Angels Cover Dhikr Gatherings with Wings
لَا يَقْعُدُ قَوْمٌ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إِلَّا حَفَّتْهُمْ الْمَلَائِكَةُ
Translation: ...The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whenever people sit to remember Allah (SWT), angels cover them (spreading their wings over them) and divine mercy envelops them..."
Dhikr is Superior to Fighting in Allah's Way
Translation: ...He said, "Even if he wields his sword among infidels and polytheists until it breaks blood-stained, the remembrances of Allah are superior to him in grade."
Proof of Loud Dhikr and Raising Voice
Historical Precedent
Some people, out of enmity towards the great people of Tassawuf (Sufis), claim that there is no permission (Jawaaz) for performing loud Dhikr. However, collective Dhikr has been proven above. Therefore, we must examine the specific evidence regarding volume.
إنه أوّاه وذلك أنه رجل كان يكثر ذكر الله بالقرآن والدعاء ويرفع صوته
Translation: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said of a man named Dhu al-Bijadayn... "He was a man abundant in his Dhikr of Allah in Quran-recitation, and he would raise his voice high when supplicating."
Recitation Benefits
This "Dhikr of Allah in Quran-recitation" involves reciting specific chapters known for their immense benefits. For example, the virtues of Surah Shams and other powerful Surahs purify the heart when recited aloud.
فَإذَا هُوَ الرَّجُلُ الَّذِي كَانَ يَرْفَعُ صَوْتَهُ بالذِّكْرِ
Translation: ...This was a man who used to RAISE HIS VOICE while mentioning the name of Allah.
These authentic narrations clearly show that raising one's voice in Dhikr is not only permissible but was practiced and praised during the Prophet's time. Unfortunately, many have abandoned this Sunnah, while Sufis have kept it alive.
Magnificent Verdict of Imam Jalal ud-din Suyuti
Answer: "In fact, THERE IS NOTHING DISLIKED IN IT AT ALL. Many hadiths of the Prophet (peace be upon him) have actually suggested that open and loud Dhikr (al-Jahr bi al-Dhikr) is preferred."
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