Allah says in the Quran: "Call upon Me, and I will respond to you" (Quran 40:60). This divine promise is at the heart of every Muslim's spiritual life. Dua (دعاء) and dhikr (ذكر) are not secondary rituals. They are the very essence of the bond between the believer and their Creator. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Dua is the essence of worship" (Tirmidhi n°3371). This guide presents the morning and evening adhkar (أذكار), supplications after prayer, and duas for every moment of daily life. You will find Arabic texts, transliterations, and English translations. This is your complete reference for structuring your dhikr life.
Key Points
- Dua is a spiritual duty: Allah promises to respond to the one who calls upon Him (Quran 40:60)
- Morning adhkar are recited after Fajr prayer; evening adhkar after Asr or Maghrib
- Three forms of supplication: dua (direct supplication), dhikr (remembrance of Allah), istighfar (seeking forgiveness)
- "Subhana Allah wa bihamdihi" repeated 100 times in the morning erases sins (Bukhari n°6694)
- Ayat al-Kursi recited after each prayer is powerful protection (Nasai, authenticated)
- The Muslim Expert app includes morning and evening adhkar with customizable reminders
- Best times for dua: last third of the night, between adhan and iqama, Friday
What Is Dua?
Dua (دعاء) is the direct invocation of Allah. It is the act of addressing your Creator personally. This word comes from the Arabic verb da'a (دعا), meaning "to call" or "to summon". Dua is an act of worship in its own right. It is not reserved for moments of distress. It accompanies the believer in every moment of life.
Allah says in the Quran:
"When My servants ask you about Me — I am near. I respond to the call of the one who calls upon Me when they call." — Quran 2:186
This divine closeness is at the foundation of dua. Allah is not distant. He is near to the one who calls upon Him. Dua is also a form of humility. It acknowledges that we are dependent on Allah. It acknowledges that He alone can fulfill our needs.
Conditions for an Accepted Dua
Several conditions favor the acceptance of dua:
- Sincerity (ikhlas): invoking Allah solely for His sake
- Certainty: firmly believing that Allah responds
- Perseverance: not being discouraged if the response is delayed
- Lawful means: not consuming what is forbidden
- Heart's presence: being attentive and present during the supplication
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Invoke Allah while being certain He will respond." (Tirmidhi n°3479)
What Is Dhikr (الذكر)?
Dhikr (ذكر) is the remembrance of Allah. It is recalling Allah in the heart and on the tongue. Dhikr is broader than dua. It encompasses all forms of mentioning Allah: tasbih, tahlil, takbir, and istighfar.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The dhikr of Allah is the best of actions." (Ibn Majah n°3790)
The Main Forms of Dhikr
| Formula | Meaning |
|---|---|
| سبحان الله — Subhana Allah | Glory be to Allah |
| الحمد لله — Alhamdulillah | All praise is due to Allah |
| الله أكبر — Allahu Akbar | Allah is the Greatest |
| لا إله إلا الله — La ilaha illa Allah | There is no deity but Allah |
| لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله — La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah | There is no might or power except with Allah |
These formulas form the basis of daily dhikr. They can be recited in all circumstances: walking, driving, working.
The Tasbih: Pearls of Paradise
The Prophet ﷺ said about "Subhana Allah wa bihamdihi":
"Whoever says 'Subhana Allah wa bihamdihi' one hundred times a day, his sins will be forgiven even if they are as plentiful as the foam of the sea." — Bukhari n°6405
And in another hadith:
"Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scales, beloved to the Most Merciful: Subhana Allah wa bihamdihi, Subhana Allah al-Adhim." — Bukhari n°6694
Best Times for Supplication
Allah responds to dua at all times. But certain hours are especially favorable. Islamic texts mention several.
Last Third of the Night
Allah descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night and calls:
"Who is calling Me so that I may respond? Who is asking of Me so that I may give? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive?" — Bukhari n°1145, Muslim n°758
Between the Adhan and the Iqama
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Dua made between the adhan and the iqama is not rejected." (Abu Dawud n°521, authentic)
Friday
There is an hour every Friday when dua is accepted. According to a hadith in Muslim (n°852), it falls after Asr until sunset. It is a hidden hour, encouraging the Muslim to invoke Allah throughout that time.
Morning Adhkar (أذكار الصباح)
The morning adhkar (adhkar as-sabah) are recited after the Fajr prayer. They form a spiritual shield for the day. The Prophet ﷺ recited them regularly and taught them to his Companions.
Adhkar 1 — Morning Invocation
Arabic text:
اللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا، وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا، وَبِكَ نَحْيَا، وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ
Transliteration: Allahumma bika asbahna, wa bika amsayna, wa bika nahya, wa bika namutu, wa ilayka an-nushur
Translation: "O Allah, by You we enter the morning, by You we enter the evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection."
Source: Tirmidhi n°3391, classified hasan
Adhkar 2 — Ayat al-Kursi (after Fajr)
Arabic text:
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ...
Transliteration: Allahu la ilaha illa huwa al-Hayyu al-Qayyum...
Translation: "Allah — there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence..." — Quran 2:255
Benefit: The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi after every obligatory prayer, nothing will prevent him from entering Paradise upon his death." (Nasai, authenticated by Ibn Hibban)
Adhkar 3 — "Subhana Allah wa bihamdihi" (×100)
Arabic text:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ
Transliteration: Subhana Allah wa bihamdihi
Translation: "Glory be to Allah and praise Him."
Benefit: The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever says this one hundred times in the morning and one hundred times in the evening, no one will come on the Day of Resurrection with anything better than him, except one who said as much or more." (Muslim n°2692)
According to another hadith, each time this formula is uttered, a palm tree is planted in Paradise. (Bukhari n°6694 — narrated via Abu Dharr)
Adhkar 4 — Dua of Protection (×7 morning and evening)
Arabic text:
حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ، عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ
Transliteration: Hasbiyallahu la ilaha illa huwa, 'alayhi tawakkaltu wa huwa Rabbu al-'arshi al-'adhim
Translation: "Allah is sufficient for me. There is no deity but Him. In Him I place my trust. He is the Lord of the Magnificent Throne."
Source: Abu Dawud n°5081, authentic — recited 7 times in the morning and 7 times in the evening
Adhkar 5 — The Three Protective Surahs
Surahs al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, and an-Nas are each recited 3 times in the morning. They constitute complete protection: against polytheism, against external harm, and against the harm of people.
Source: Abu Dawud n°5082, Tirmidhi n°3575 — authentic
Adhkar 6 — Protection Against All Harm (×3)
Arabic text:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
Transliteration: Bismillahi alladhi la yadurru ma'a ismihi shay'un fi al-ardi wa la fi as-sama'i wa huwa as-Sami'u al-'Alim
Translation: "In the name of Allah, with whose name nothing can cause harm on earth or in the heavens, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing."
Source: Abu Dawud n°5088, Tirmidhi n°3388 — recited 3 times morning and evening
Adhkar 7 — Asking for Good in This Life and the Hereafter
Arabic text:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ
Transliteration: Allahumma inni as'aluka al-'afiyata fi ad-dunya wa al-akhira
Translation: "O Allah, I ask You for well-being in this world and the next."
Source: Ibn Majah n°3871, authentic
Evening Adhkar (أذكار المساء)
The evening adhkar (adhkar al-masa') are recited after Asr or after Maghrib. They close the day with a return to Allah. They protect the night and invite spiritual reflection.
Adhkar 1 — Evening Invocation
Arabic text:
اللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا، وَبِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا، وَبِكَ نَحْيَا، وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ
Transliteration: Allahumma bika amsayna, wa bika asbahna, wa bika nahya, wa bika namutu, wa ilayka al-masir
Translation: "O Allah, by You we enter the evening, by You we enter the morning, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the return."
Source: Tirmidhi n°3391
Adhkar 2 — Protection Against All Harm (×3)
Arabic text:
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
Transliteration: A'udhu bi kalimatillahi at-tammati min sharri ma khalaq
Translation: "I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created."
Source: Muslim n°2709 — recited 3 times in the evening
Adhkar 3 — Seeking Forgiveness and Health
Arabic text:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ
Transliteration: Allahumma inni as'aluka al-'afwa wal-'afiyata fi ad-dunya wal-akhira
Translation: "O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this world and the hereafter."
Source: Abu Dawud n°5074, Ibn Majah n°3871 — authentic
Adhkar 4 — Sayyid al-Istighfar (Master of Seeking Forgiveness)
Arabic text:
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ...
Transliteration: Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, khalaqtani wa ana 'abduka...
Translation: "O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no deity but You. You created me and I am Your servant. I remain faithful to my covenant with You to the best of my ability. I seek refuge in You from the evil I have done. I acknowledge Your blessings upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. Forgive me, for none forgives sins except You."
Benefit: The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever says this with conviction in the evening and dies that night, he is among the people of Paradise. And whoever says it with conviction in the morning and dies that day, he is among the people of Paradise." (Bukhari n°6306)
Adhkar 5 — Evening Tasbih (×33 each)
Recite 33 times each before sleeping:
- سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ — Subhana Allah — "Glory be to Allah"
- الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ — Alhamdulillah — "All praise is due to Allah"
- اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ — Allahu Akbar — "Allah is the Greatest"
Source: Bukhari n°6318, Muslim n°2727 — recommended by the Prophet ﷺ to Fatimah and Ali
Duas After Prayer
After each obligatory prayer, certain supplications are recommended. These post-salat moments are conducive to dua. The believer has just presented themselves before Allah. Their heart is still turned toward Him.
Post-Prayer Tasbih (×33 each)
After each prayer, recite:
- سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ (×33) — Subhana Allah
- الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ (×33) — Alhamdulillah
- اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (×33) — Allahu Akbar
- Then once: لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Source: Muslim n°597
Dua for Allah's Help After Prayer
Arabic text:
اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
Transliteration: Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatik
Translation: "O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best manner."
Source: Abu Dawud n°1522, authentic
Duas for Daily Moments
Islam sanctifies every moment of daily life. There are supplications for every action, from entering the home to meals, from travel to illness. These duas transform ordinary acts into acts of worship.
When Entering the Home
Transliteration: Bismillahi walajna, wa bismillahi kharajna, wa 'ala Allahi rabbina tawakkalna
Translation: "In the name of Allah we enter, in the name of Allah we exit, and in Allah our Lord we place our trust."
Source: Abu Dawud n°5096
Before Eating
Bismillah — "In the name of Allah"
If forgotten at the start: Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu — "In the name of Allah, at its beginning and at its end"
Source: Tirmidhi n°1858, authentic
After Eating
Transliteration: Alhamdulillahi alladhi at'amani hadha wa razaqanihi min ghayri hawlin minni wa la quwwa
Translation: "Praise be to Allah Who fed me this and provided it for me without any effort or power on my part."
Source: Tirmidhi n°3458, Abu Dawud n°4023
Before Sleeping
Transliteration: Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya
Translation: "In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live."
Source: Bukhari n°6324
While Traveling
Transliteration: Allahumma inna nas'aluka fi safarina hadha al-birra wat-taqwa, wa min al-'amali ma tarda
Translation: "O Allah, we ask You in this journey for righteousness and piety, and from deeds those with which You are pleased."
Source: Muslim n°1342
For the Sick Person
Transliteration: Allahumma Rabba an-nasi adhhib al-ba'sa, ishfihi wa anta ash-Shafi, la shifa'a illa shifa'uka, shifa'an la yughadiru saqaman
Translation: "O Allah, Lord of the people, remove the ailment. Heal him, for You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves no illness."
Source: Bukhari n°5742, Muslim n°2191
Istighfar (الاستغفار): Seeking Allah's Forgiveness
Istighfar (الاستغفار) is the act of seeking forgiveness from Allah. It comes from the verb istaghfara, meaning "to seek the ghufran" — divine forgiveness and protection. Istighfar is a daily prophetic practice.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "By Allah, I seek Allah's forgiveness and repent to Him more than seventy times a day." (Bukhari n°6307)
Why Practice Istighfar Regularly?
Allah says in the Quran:
"Ask forgiveness of your Lord, for He is ever Most Forgiving. He will send rain to you in abundance." — Quran 71:10-11
Istighfar opens the doors of divine mercy. It erases sins. It attracts blessings.
Formulas of Istighfar
Simple formula: أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ — Astaghfirullah — "I seek the forgiveness of Allah"
Complete formula: أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ — Astaghfirullaha wa atubu ilayh — "I seek the forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him"
Sayyid al-Istighfar (already presented in the evening adhkar) — the most complete and most meritorious form.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about Duas and Adhkar
Can dua be made in English?
Yes. Dua can be made in all languages. Allah understands every language. The adhkar transmitted from the Prophet ﷺ should however be recited in Arabic. Their specific reward is linked to the precise Arabic text.
How many times should adhkar be repeated?
Each adhkar has a precise number mentioned in the hadiths. Some are said once, others 3 times, 7 times, or 33 times. The important thing is to respect this number. It reflects the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
What is the difference between dua and dhikr?
Dua is a supplication: you ask something of Allah. Dhikr is remembrance: you mention Allah, His attributes, His praises. Both are connected. Dhikr prepares the heart for dua.
What is the best dua for finding inner peace?
Allah says: "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (Quran 13:28). The regular recitation of dhikr, especially "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah", brings deep serenity.
How does the Muslim Expert app help with adhkar?
The Muslim Expert app includes complete morning and evening adhkar with Arabic texts and translations. It offers customizable reminders to never miss the morning adhkar after Fajr or the evening adhkar after Asr. A dedicated section facilitates guided recitation.
Can I make dua after any prayer?
Yes. Every prayer is an opportunity for dua. The Prophet ﷺ recommended certain specific duas after each obligatory prayer. But personal supplications in your own language are always welcome at any time.
Summary
Dua and dhikr are two pillars of the Muslim's spiritual life. They transform every moment into worship. They keep the bond with Allah alive.
Key takeaways:
- Recite morning adhkar after Fajr — they protect and bless your day
- Recite evening adhkar after Asr or Maghrib — they close the day with gratitude
- Practice istighfar daily — the Prophet ﷺ did it 70 times a day
- Use blessed times: last third of the night, between adhan and iqama, Friday
- "Subhana Allah wa bihamdihi" ×100 morning and evening erases sins and plants a palm tree in Paradise
Start with one adhkar you know. Then add one per week. Regularity, even modest, is better than abundant irregularity. Allah loves consistent deeds, even if they are small.
"The most beloved deeds to Allah are those which are most regular, even if they are small." — Bukhari n°6464, Muslim n°783