Dua (supplication) is the servant’s turning to their Lord; dhikr (remembrance of God) is the continual remembrance of Allah, both on the tongue and in the qalb (the heart). This final step of the beginner’s guide introduces the simplest acts of worship that will carry what you have learned into daily life.
The Meaning and Importance of Dua
The Qur’an calls to dua:
“Your Lord has said: Call upon Me, I will respond to you.” (Surah al-Mu’min, 40:60)
“Call upon your Lord humbly and privately. Indeed, He does not like the transgressors.” (Surah al-A‘raf, 7:55)
The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) also said: “Dua is the essence of worship.” (Tirmidhi, Da‘awat 1). For the lexical and technical meaning of dua, and its concepts in the Qur’an: What is Dua? Its Meaning, Importance, and the Concept of Dua in the Qur’an; for an expanded study with verses: What is Dua? (With Verses).
How is Dua Performed?
ʿĀʾisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) preferred concise supplications. For the etiquette of dua, its conditions for acceptance, and its subtleties: How is Dua Performed? Its Etiquette and Secrets of Acceptance. In addition to verbal dua, there is also practical dua: actively preparing the means for what is sought. For this distinction: What are the Types of Dua?
Dhikr in Daily Life
The Qur’an advises remembering your Lord morning and evening: “And remember your Lord within yourself, humbly and with fear, and without raising your voice, in the mornings and evenings. And do not be among the heedless.” (al-A‘raf 7:205). For the virtue of silent dhikr: Silent Dhikr.
Some of the forms of dhikr taught by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):
- Istighfar: It was counted that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would say in a gathering one hundred times: “Rabbighfir lī wa tub ʿalayya…” (O Allah, forgive me and accept my repentance): The Virtue of Tawba and Istighfar
- Tasbih: A formula of tasbih (glorification) that brings great reward with few words: The Easy Way of Tasbih
- Dhikr for Travel: The Companions (ṣaḥāba) would say “Allāhu akbar” when ascending and “Subḥānallāh” when descending: Takbir and Tasbih During Travel
- Adhan Dua: There is the glad tidings of intercession for the supplication recited after the adhan: Adhan Supplication
Related Articles
- What is Dua? The Concept of Dua in the Qur’an
- How is Dua Performed?
- Silent Dhikr: The Secret of Drawing Near to the Creator from the Heart
- Istighfar (Sunan Abu Dawud)
- Ablution Supplications
- All articles in the Dua and Dhikr section
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