How to engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) during fasting

How to Engage in Dhikr During Fasting (remembrance of Allah)

Fasting during the blessed month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and it serves as a means of attaining piety, purification, and spiritual elevation. A crucial aspect of fasting is not just refraining from food and drink, but also engaging in various acts of worship, such as Dhikr (the remembrance of Allah). Dhikr involves the repetitive mention of Allah’s names, attributes, and supplications, and it has immense spiritual benefits, both during Ramadan and in daily life.

Ramadan, being the month of the Quran and the ultimate opportunity for spiritual renewal, is the ideal time to increase in Dhikr. It is during this month that Muslims strive to purify their hearts and strengthen their connection with Allah. Dhikr becomes a powerful tool in achieving these goals. In this detailed blog post, we will explore how to effectively engage in Dhikr during fasting, its significance, and its benefits, supported by Quranic and Hadith references in both Arabic and English.

The Significance of Dhikr in Islam

Dhikr is mentioned frequently in the Quran and Hadith as a means of gaining closeness to Allah, purifying the heart, and attaining peace of mind. Allah (SWT) encourages His servants to remember Him often, and this practice is known to provide tranquility to the soul.

قَالَ ٱللَّهُ تَعَالَىٰ:

“فَذْكُرُونِىٓ أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لِى وَلَا تَكْفُرُونِ”
“So remember Me, and I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:152)

This verse highlights the reciprocal relationship between Allah and His servants: when we remember Allah, He remembers us. This reminder from the Quran emphasizes the importance of Dhikr, which is a direct way of nurturing our relationship with Allah (SWT).

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also emphasized the importance of Dhikr in his teachings. One famous Hadith about the power of Dhikr is:

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“مَنْ قَالَ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِۦ غُفِرَتْ لَهُۥ ذُنُوبُهُۥ وَلَوْ كَانَتْ مِثْلَ زَبِرِ ٱلْبَحْرِ”
“Whoever says, ‘SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi,’ his sins will be forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea.” (Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith reminds us that even the simplest form of Dhikr, like saying “SubhanAllah,” can lead to the forgiveness of sins. It is a powerful act of worship that can be performed anytime, but it holds even greater significance during fasting.

The Role of Dhikr in Fasting

During fasting, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical desires from dawn until sunset. This abstinence is not only physical but is intended to foster spiritual growth and self-discipline. While fasting, the mind is often more focused on spirituality, which makes it an ideal time to engage in Dhikr.

The act of Dhikr during fasting strengthens a Muslim’s connection to Allah and acts as a form of worship that brings tranquility to the heart. Fasting is a means of purifying the body and soul, and Dhikr plays a complementary role in purifying the heart and mind. By incorporating Dhikr into the daily routine during Ramadan, a fasting person can transform their fast into a comprehensive act of worship that benefits both the physical and spiritual aspects of their life.

How to Engage in Dhikr During Fasting

There are various ways to engage in Dhikr during fasting, and one does not need to limit themselves to any specific form. Below are several methods of engaging in Dhikr during the fasting hours:

Recite the Quran

The Quran is the ultimate form of Dhikr, and Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed. Allah (SWT) commands the believers to recite the Quran and reflect upon its meanings.

قَالَ اللّهُ تَعَالَىٰ:

“شَهْرُ رَمَضَٰنَ ٱلَّذِيٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْآنُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَٰنِ”
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)

Reciting the Quran during fasting not only fulfills the obligation of reciting Allah’s words but also elevates the spiritual state. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to engage in Dhikr by reciting the Quran frequently, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan.

Recite Tasbih (SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar)

The simple phrases of Dhikr—such as “SubhanAllah,” “Alhamdulillah,” and “Allahu Akbar”—are powerful tools of remembrance. These phrases are easy to memorize and recite, and their rewards are immense.

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“أَفْضَلُ الذِّكْرِ: سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ”
“The best form of remembrance is ‘SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi.'” (Sahih Bukhari)

Fasting presents the perfect opportunity to engage in this type of Dhikr because it allows the believer to remember Allah even when the body is physically weak. Reciting Dhikr throughout the day, especially when one feels the pangs of hunger or thirst, serves as a reminder of the greatness of Allah and helps to maintain focus on worship.

Dhikr During the Time of Suhoor and Iftar

The times of Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking of the fast) are especially blessed moments in Ramadan. It is highly recommended to engage in Dhikr during these times, as the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) often did.

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“إِذَا أَفْطَرَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيُفْطِرْ عَلَىٰ تَمْرٍ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ فَمَاءٍ فَإِنَّهُۥٓ مُبَارَكٌ”
“If one of you breaks his fast, let him do so with dates, and if he does not find dates, then with water, for indeed it is a blessing.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)

At Iftar, when breaking the fast, it is an excellent opportunity to make Du’a and engage in Dhikr. Similarly, at Suhoor, it is beneficial to engage in remembrance before eating, as it is a time when Allah (SWT) responds to supplications.

Engage in Silent Dhikr

While fasting, a Muslim can also engage in silent Dhikr—this includes the remembrance of Allah in the heart without moving the tongue. This type of Dhikr is powerful and can be done anywhere, at any time, without disrupting the fast.

قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَىٰ:

“إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَٰمًۭا وَقُعُودًۭا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِۦ”
“Indeed, those who remember Allah while standing or sitting or lying on their sides.” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:191)

Silent Dhikr enables a person to remain connected to Allah throughout the day, especially during the times when they are preoccupied with daily tasks. The more one engages in Dhikr, the more one experiences tranquility and peace of mind.

Make Du’a (Supplication)

Along with Dhikr, making Du’a during fasting is highly encouraged. Fasting enhances the power of supplication, and during Ramadan, especially, the supplications are more likely to be accepted. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“لِلصَّائِمِ فَرْحَتَانِ: فَرْحَةٌ عِندَ فِطْرِهِۦ وَفَرْحَةٌ عِندَ لِقَاءِ رَبِّهِۦ”
“The fasting person has two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast and one when he meets his Lord.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Making Du’a at Iftar or when breaking the fast is a moment of great spiritual significance. It is a time when the fasting person can ask Allah for guidance, forgiveness, and anything they desire, knowing that Allah listens and responds to the supplications of His servants.

Increase in Dhikr During the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan

The last ten nights of Ramadan hold special significance, and it is encouraged to increase one’s engagement in Dhikr during this time. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to engage in worship with more intensity in the last ten nights.

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“مَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ إِيمَٰنًۭا وَحْتِسَابًۭا غُفِرَ لَهُۥ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِۦ”
“Whoever stands in worship on the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr) with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari)

During the last ten nights, the Night of Laylatul Qadr, which is better than a thousand months, can be sought. Dhikr during these nights is especially potent, as it brings the servant closer to Allah and opens the doors of forgiveness.

Conclusion

Engaging in Dhikr during fasting, especially in Ramadan, is one of the most powerful and rewarding ways to enhance one’s spiritual journey. Dhikr serves as a purification of the heart and a means of drawing closer to Allah (SWT). Whether through reciting the Quran, repeating simple phrases of remembrance, or making Du’a, Dhikr holds immense value in the life of a fasting person.

Ramadan provides an ideal opportunity to increase in Dhikr, as the act of fasting itself is an expression of devotion and obedience to Allah. By making Dhikr a regular practice during Ramadan, Muslims not only fulfill their religious obligations but also experience inner peace and tranquility, ensuring that their fast becomes a comprehensive act of worship that brings them closer to their Creator.

May Allah grant us success in engaging in Dhikr during Ramadan and in all aspects of our lives.