The Practising Muslim · Supplication & Dhikr

Understanding Key Islamic Supplications and Dhikr

Explore meanings and rulings of essential supplications and remembrances in Islam.

8 questions · Medium · about 4 minutes

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8 questions, about 4 minutes.

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1. When may a Muslim say Laa ilaaha ill-Allah as general dhikr?

  • At any time and in any place, while also observing specific narrated occasions. (correct answer)
  • Only after wudu.
  • Only during prayer.
  • Only on the day of ‘Arafah.

Why

Laa ilaaha ill-Allah is the word of Tawhid and one of the best forms of dhikr. In general, it is not restricted to one time or place, so a Muslim may say it often in all situations. There are also specific narrated occasions where particular forms of this dhikr are encouraged, such as after wudu, when waking during the night, at the beginning of the day, after obligatory prayers, during distress, and on the day of ‘Arafah.

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2. In the report about saying “Allahu akbar...” and “Laa ilaaha ill-Allah” after every prayer, what is meant by “every prayer”?

  • Every obligatory prayer. (correct answer)
  • Only voluntary night prayers.
  • Only Jumu‘ah prayer.
  • Every prayer except the five daily prayers.

Why

The report mentions a dhikr said after every prayer and when going to bed. The source explains that “every prayer” here refers to every obligatory prayer, because general references to prayer in this context are interpreted in light of other narrations about post-prayer adhkar. The phrase “and when he goes to bed” refers to the adhkar of going to sleep.

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3. What meaning is combined in “Subhan Allah wa bi hamdihi”?

  • Declaring Allah above every fault while praising Him. (correct answer)
  • Asking Allah for wealth and long life.
  • Seeking refuge from Shaytan before reciting Qur’an.
  • Saying that Allah needs the praise of creation.

Why

Subhan Allah means declaring Allah far above every fault, shortcoming, corrupt notion, or false idea. It also includes venerating Him and affirming His perfection. Wa bi hamdihi adds praise, so the phrase may mean: “I glorify Allah while praising Him,” or “I glorify Allah and I praise Him.”

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4. What is the ruling on saying, “O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad as much as the number of Your creation”?

  • It is permissible outside prayer if not treated as a confirmed Sunnah or superior to the narrated prayer wording. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden because salawat must always use only one wording.
  • It is obligatory whenever sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
  • It should be used inside prayer instead of as-Salah al-Ibrahimiyyah.

Why

Sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ is a kind of du’a. Some du’as have fixed wordings, while others are broad in scope if they do not contain anything contrary to Islamic teachings. This multiplied wording is permissible outside prayer, but the person should not believe that it has a special confirmed virtue from the Prophet ﷺ, should not treat it as better than as-Salah al-Ibrahimiyyah, and should not use it in prayer where the narrated adhkar should be kept.

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5. To whom must du’a be directed?

  • To Allah alone. (correct answer)
  • To prophets, angels, jinn, or the dead along with Allah.
  • To anything that people believe may hear unseen requests.
  • To whoever seems spiritually close to Allah.

Why

Du’a is worship, and worship must be directed to Allah alone. Allah is near, hears His slaves, knows their needs, and responds to their supplications. Calling upon anyone besides Allah to fulfil needs, relieve distress, or bring benefit is shirk, because such matters belong to Allah alone.

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6. What does “Hasbi Allah wa ni‘am al-wakil” express?

  • Reliance on Allah as the One who suffices, protects, and takes care of His slave. (correct answer)
  • Fear of enemies and dependence on their mercy.
  • Abandoning all practical effort before trusting Allah.
  • Seeking help from Allah and creation in the same way.

Why

Hasbi Allah means that Allah is sufficient for the believer in what concerns them and what befalls them. Ni‘am al-wakil means that Allah is the best disposer of affairs and the best One to rely upon. This supplication expresses tawakkul, need of Allah, and confidence that whoever sincerely turns to Allah will not be disappointed or let down.

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7. What does “A‘udhu bi kalimat Allah at-tammati min sharri ma khalaq” seek refuge from?

  • The evil of what Allah has created. (correct answer)
  • Poverty only.
  • Bad dreams only.
  • Forgetting a specific daily routine.

Why

This dhikr seeks refuge in Allah’s perfect words from the evil of what He has created. It is among the adhkar used for protection and well-being. The source mentions it with other morning and evening supplications, such as Bismillah illadhi la yadurru ma‘a ismihi shay’un, and encourages believers to recite such adhkar regularly with certainty and trust in Allah.

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8. How should a Muslim seek protection from vermin and harmful creatures?

  • Take practical protective measures and recite prescribed supplications. (correct answer)
  • Rely on dhikr while neglecting all practical means.
  • Assume the supplication must physically remove every pest from the house.
  • Use invented formulas instead of the supplications narrated in the Sunnah.

Why

Islam teaches both taking practical measures and putting trust in Allah. A person should close openings, remove what attracts pests, and use appropriate means to prevent harm. Alongside that, they may recite prescribed supplications such as A‘udhu bi kalimat Allah at-tammati min sharri ma khalaq. These supplications protect from harm by Allah’s leave, but they do not necessarily mean the creatures will disappear from the house.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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