Recommended dhikr after salah and before sleeping in Islam

In a Nutshell: This comprehensive guide explores the recommended dhikr (remembrance of Allah) practices in Islam, specifically after Salah (prayer) and before sleep. Drawing from the Quran and hadiths, we will delve into the significance and benefits of these practices, equipping you to strengthen your connection with Allah throughout the day and night. Table of ContentsIntroduction Background and Context: Importance of Dhikr Quranic Verses on Dhikr Hadiths on Dhikr After Salah and Before Sleeping Tasbih (Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar) Ayat al-Kursi Supplications for Forgiveness and Protection FAQs: Dhikr After Salah and Before Sleeping Introduction Dhikr, the remembrance of Allah, is a cornerstone of Islamic practice. It encompasses various forms of remembering and glorifying Allah throughout the day and night. This article focuses on the particularly recommended dhikr practices after Salah and before sleep, highlighting their importance and benefits through the light of the Quran and hadiths. Evidences from Quran and Sunnah Quranic Verses on Dhikr The Quran emphasizes the importance of dhikr in numerous verses. One such verse states: "Remember Me [often] and I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me." (Quran 2:152) This verse underscores the reciprocal nature of dhikr. As we remember Allah, He remembers us, showering us with His blessings and mercy. Another verse beautifully reminds us of the tranquility found in dhikr: "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort." (Quran 29:45) By engaging in dhikr, particularly after the completion of Salah, we cultivate inner peace and strengthen our connection with the Divine. Hadiths on Dhikr After Salah and Before Sleeping Several hadiths (sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (saw)) provide specific guidance on recommended dhikr after Salah and before sleep. One renowned hadith narrated by Sahl ibn Abi Hashram (ra) describes the Prophet's (saw) practice of reciting tasbih (Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar) after each obligatory prayer: "He used to say thirty-three times Subhanallah, thirty-three times Alhamdulillah and thirty-three times Allahu Akbar and then he would conclude with La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (There is no power and no strength except in Allah)." (Sahih Muslim 939) This hadith not only establishes the practice of tasbih after Salah but also highlights the virtue of consistency and the significance of seeking Allah's power and strength. Another hadith narrated by Abu Musa al-Ash'ari (ra) mentions the Prophet's (saw) recommendation to recite Ayat al-Kursi before sleeping: "Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi at night will be protected by Allah until morning." (Sahih al-Bukhari) Ayat al-Kursi is a powerful verse from Surah al-Baqarah, known for its emphasis on Allah's absolute sovereignty and protection. Reciting it before sleep serves as a source of comfort and security, seeking Allah's safeguard throughout the night. These hadiths, alongside many others, provide a strong foundation for incorporating specific dhikr practices into our daily routines, after Salah and before sleep. Recommended Dhikr Tasbih (Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar) Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah):Acknowledges Allah's perfection and transcendence, freeing us from worldly anxieties. Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah):Expresses gratitude for Allah's blessings, fostering a mindset of contentment. Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest):Reaffirms Allah's ultimate power and majesty, humbling our ego and centering us in submission to His will. Repeating these phrases 33 times each after Salah serves as a potent antidote to the worries and distractions of daily life. It cultivates an awareness of Allah's presence, reminding us of His blessings and the true purpose of our existence. Ayat al-Kursi Ayat al-Kursi, verse 255 of Surah al-Baqarah, eloquently proclaims Allah's absolute dominion, His eternal nature and the boundless expanse of His knowledge: Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi (footstool) extends over the heavens and the earth and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (Quran 2:255) Reciting Ayat al-Kursi before sleep provides a potent reminder of Allah's guardianship and serves as a shield from anxieties and fears, promoting restful sleep. Supplications for Forgiveness and Protection Along with these specific dhikr practices, sincere supplications (du'a) for forgiveness and protection hold great importance. Here are some examples: Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah):Acknowledges our shortcomings and renews our commitment to Allah's path. Rabbi inni zalamtu nafsi faghfirli (My Lord, I have wronged myself, so forgive me):Expresses humility and seeks Allah's pardon. Rabbi au'dhu bika min hamazat ash-shayateen, wa au'dhu bika Rabbi an yahduroon (My Lord, I seek refuge with You from the incitements of the devils and I seek refuge with You, my Lord, lest they be present with me): Seeks Allah's protection from evil influences. By weaving supplications into our dhikr routines, we amplify their impact and strengthen our relationship with Allah. FAQs: Dhikr After Salah and Before Sleeping Can dhikr be recited silently?Yes, dhikr can be recited silently or aloud, depending on one's personal preference and circumstances. The goal is to focus on the meaning and remembrance of Allah, regardless of the mode of recitation. Are there additional supplications recommended?The beauty of dhikr lies in its flexibility. While certain practices are highly recommended, one can personalize their dhikr routines with supplications that resonate with their individual needs and aspirations. Conclusion The practices of dhikr after Salah and before sleep offer numerous benefits. They foster a deeper connection with Allah, cultivate mindfulness, purify the hearts and grant protection from anxieties and fears. By consistently incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we open ourselves to Allah's blessings, mercy and inner peace. ReferencesSahih al-Bukhari Sahih Muslim