Dhikr (also spelled thikr or zikr) literally means "remembrance" in Arabic. In Islam, it refers to the practice of remembering Allah through the repetition of specific phrases, prayers, and supplications. The Quran emphasizes dhikr in numerous verses — "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest" (Quran 13:28).
Why Dhikr Matters
Dhikr is one of the simplest yet most powerful acts of worship. Unlike salah, which has specific times and postures, dhikr can be done anytime and anywhere — while walking, before sleeping, after prayers, or during daily activities. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The comparison of the one who remembers Allah and the one who does not is like the comparison of the living and the dead" (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Common Dhikr Phrases
The most commonly recited adhkar include:
SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah) — praising Allah's perfection and purity. Reciting this 33 times after each prayer is from the Sunnah.
Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah) — expressing gratitude for every blessing. Also recited 33 times after prayer.
Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) — affirming Allah's greatness above all things. Recited 34 times after prayer to complete the count of 100.
La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah) — the declaration of monotheism, the most fundamental statement in Islam.
Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah) — asking for Allah's forgiveness, recommended to say frequently throughout the day.
Building a Dhikr Habit
Consistency matters more than quantity. Start small — commit to reciting SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar 33 times each after every prayer. As this becomes natural, add morning and evening adhkar from the Sunnah. Siraat's dhikr counter helps you set daily goals, track your progress, and maintain streaks so you never lose momentum.