Zikar and Zakar After Namaz: The Importance of Remembering Allah

Zikar and Zakar After Namaz: The Importance of Remembering Allah

In Islam, after completing the obligatory prayers (Namaz), it is highly encouraged to engage in Zikar (remembrance of Allah) and Zakar (recitation of specific supplications). These practices help Muslims strengthen their connection with Allah, seek forgiveness, and gain spiritual benefits. Incorporating Zikar into daily life is an essential aspect of worship, fostering inner peace and bringing blessings into one’s life.

The Concept of Zikar and Zakar

Zikar refers to the act of remembering Allah through words, phrases, or actions that acknowledge His greatness, perfection, and majesty. It serves as a reminder to the believer of their purpose in life and their dependence on Allah. Zakar refers to the recitation of specific supplications, particularly after Namaz, to seek Allah’s protection, blessings, and mercy.

These acts of worship are important for several reasons, including spiritual purification, forgiveness of sins, and strengthening one’s faith.

Common Zikar and Zakar After Namaz

After completing the five daily prayers, Muslims are encouraged to recite specific phrases and supplications to further enhance their spiritual connection with Allah. Below are some of the most common forms of Zikar and Zakar after Namaz:

1. SubhanAllah (سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّهِ) – “Glory be to Allah”
   • Reciting SubhanAllah 33 times after Namaz is a recommended practice. This phrase highlights Allah’s perfection and His freedom from any imperfection. It is a way to acknowledge His transcendence and greatness.
2. Alhamdulillah (اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ) – “All praise be to Allah”
   • Alhamdulillah should also be repeated 33 times. This phrase is an expression of gratitude, acknowledging Allah’s blessings and thanking Him for His mercy and provisions.
3. Allahu Akbar (ٱللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ) – “Allah is the Greatest”
   • Allahu Akbar is repeated 34 times after Namaz. This phrase serves as a declaration of Allah’s supremacy over everything in existence, reminding the believer of His unparalleled greatness.
4. La ilaha illallah (لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ) – “There is no god but Allah”
   • This powerful declaration is a central tenet of the Islamic faith. Reciting it reminds Muslims of the Oneness of Allah, affirming the belief that only He is worthy of worship and devotion.
5. Ayat-ul-Kursi (آيَةُ ٱلْكُرْسِيِّ)
   • Ayat-ul-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255) is one of the most powerful verses in the Qur’an. It speaks of Allah’s sovereignty, knowledge, and power. Reciting it after Namaz is highly recommended for protection from harm and seeking blessings from Allah.
6. Tasbih Fatimah (تَسْبِيح فَاطِمَة)
   • The Tasbih of Fatimah (RA) involves reciting SubhanAllah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 34 times. This practice was taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to his daughter, Fatimah (RA), and is a significant Sunnah.
7. Personal Dua (دُعاء بَعْدَ الصَّلَاة)
   • After the recitation of the prescribed phrases, it is encouraged to make dua (supplication). This is a personal prayer where one asks Allah for guidance, mercy, forgiveness, and protection. It is an opportunity to seek closeness to Allah and express personal wishes and needs.

The Benefits of Zikar and Zakar

1. Spiritual Cleansing and Forgiveness
   Zikar helps purify the heart and soul. By remembering Allah and seeking His forgiveness, a believer’s sins are forgiven, and their faith is strengthened. The act of Zikar serves as a means to purify oneself spiritually.
2. Protection from Harm
   Regular recitation of certain supplications after Namaz, such as Ayat-ul-Kursi, is believed to provide protection from harm and the evil eye. It serves as a shield against negative forces and the whispers of Satan.
3. Gratitude and Humility
   By reciting phrases like Alhamdulillah and SubhanAllah, Muslims express gratitude for Allah’s blessings. This helps cultivate a sense of humility and reminds believers of their dependence on Allah.
4. Strengthening Faith and Connection with Allah
   Regular Zikar keeps the believer’s heart focused on Allah, strengthening their faith and connection to Him. It serves as a constant reminder of Allah’s presence, reinforcing the idea that He is always with His believers.
5. Mental Peace and Calmness
   Engaging in Zikar after Namaz brings tranquility to the heart. It provides a sense of peace and calmness, reducing stress and anxiety. This peace is a result of focusing on the remembrance of Allah, which has a soothing effect on the mind and soul.