In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, Muslims seek ways to anchor their hearts, protect their souls, and draw closer to Allah ﷻ. The daily morning and evening adhkar—remembrances taught by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)—are among the most profound acts of worship, offering spiritual fortification, inner peace, and divine blessings. These adhkar are not mere rituals; they are a shield, a source of tranquility, and a means to attain Allah’s mercy and guidance each day. As Allah ﷻ commands:
“O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance and exalt Him morning and afternoon.”
(Qur’an 33:41–42)
The Quranic Foundation for Morning and Evening Adhkar
The Qur’an emphasizes the remembrance of Allah ﷻ at the start and end of each day, highlighting its significance for believers:
“And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech—in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.”
(Qur’an 7:205)“Believers, remember Allah often and glorify Him morning and evening.”
(Qur’an 33:41–42)
These verses underscore that dhikr is not only a means of worship but a vital source of spiritual energy and protection, especially during the transitions of dawn and dusk, when the human soul is most vulnerable and receptive.
The Sunnah of Adhkar: Sahih Hadith and Their Chains
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) consistently practiced and recommended specific adhkar at these times, promising immense rewards and divine protection. Imam al-Nawawi (رحمه الله) and other scholars have compiled these from the most authentic collections (Bukhari, Muslim, etc.) to ensure Muslims follow the most reliable sunnah.
For example, Shaddad ibn Aws (رضي الله عنه) narrates:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The best prayer for seeking forgiveness is to say:
‘Allahumma anta rabbi la ilaha illa anta, Khalaqtani wa ana ‘abduka wa ana ‘ala ‘ahdika wa wa’dika ma istata’t. A‘udhu bika min sharri ma sana’tu, abu-u laka bini‘matika ‘alayya wa abu-u laka bidhanbi, faghfir li fa innahu la yaghfiru’dh-dhunub illa anta.’
Whoever says this during the day with firm belief in it and dies before evening, he will be among the people of Paradise. And whoever says it at night with firm belief in it and dies before morning, he will be among the people of Paradise.”
(Bukhari 6306)
When and How to Recite Morning and Evening Adhkar
The best time for morning adhkar is between Fajr and sunrise, while evening adhkar are ideally recited between Asr and sunset. If you miss the optimal time, recite them as soon as possible. Consistency is key, even if you start with a few and gradually increase.
The Daily Adhkar with Benefits
Below are authentic adhkar, each with its benefit explained. All are established by sahih hadith and supported by mainstream Sunni scholarship.
1. Ayat al-Kursi (Qur’an 2:255)
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence…”
(Qur’an 2:255)
Benefit: Protection from Shaytan and harm until the next morning or evening.
Hadith: Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه) reported the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi after every obligatory prayer, nothing stands between him and Paradise except death.” (Sahih Bukhari, 2311)
2. Last Two Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (Qur’an 2:285-286)
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers…”
(Qur’an 2:285-286)
Benefit: Sufficient for all needs and protection from harm.
Hadith: “Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.” (Bukhari 5009, Muslim 808)
3. Sayyidul Istighfar (The Chief of Forgiveness)
“Allahumma anta rabbi la ilaha illa anta, Khalaqtani wa ana ‘abduka…”
Benefit: Guaranteed entry to Paradise if recited with conviction and one dies that day or night.
Hadith: As above (Bukhari 6306).
4. Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Naas (3 times each)
“Say: He is Allah, [who is] One…”
(Qur’an 112, 113, 114)
Benefit: Complete protection from every evil.
Hadith: ‘Abdullah ibn Khubayb (رضي الله عنه) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Naas three times in the evening and morning. It will suffice you against everything.” (Abu Dawood 5082, Tirmidhi 3575)
5. “Bismillahilladhi la yadurru ma’asmihi shay’un fil ard wa la fis-sama’ wa Huwas-Sami’ul-‘Aleem” (3 times)
“In the name of Allah, with whose name nothing in the earth or the heavens can cause harm, and He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”
Benefit: Protection from all harm that day or night.
Hadith: Uthman ibn Affan (رضي الله عنه) reported the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Nothing will harm the one who recites this three times in the morning and evening.” (Abu Dawood 5088, Tirmidhi 3388)
6. “Radheetu billahi Rabban…” (3 times)
“I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, Islam as my religion, and Muhammad (ﷺ) as my Prophet.”
Benefit: Jannah becomes obligatory for the reciter.
Hadith: Thawban (رضي الله عنه) reported the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allah has promised that He will please anyone who says this three times every morning and evening.” (Ahmad 18967, Abu Dawood 5072)
7. “Allahumma inni as’aluka al-‘afwa wal-‘afiyah…”
“O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this world and the Hereafter…”
Benefit: Protection from calamities, illnesses, and evil.
Hadith: Ibn Umar (رضي الله عنه) reported the Prophet (ﷺ) never failed to say this in the morning and evening. (Abu Dawood 5074)
8. “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi” (100 times)
“Glory is to Allah and praise is to Him.”
Benefit: Sins forgiven even if as much as the foam of the sea.
Hadith: Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه) reported the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever says this 100 times a day, his sins will be forgiven even if they are as much as the foam of the sea.” (Bukhari 6405, Muslim 2691)
9. “La ilaha illallah, wahdahu la sharika lahu…” (100 times)
“There is no deity except Allah, alone, without partner…”
Benefit: Protection from Shaytan, reward of freeing ten slaves, and immense blessings.
Hadith: Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه) reported the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever says this 100 times in a day, he will have a reward equal to freeing ten slaves, 100 good deeds will be written for him, and 100 bad deeds erased.” (Bukhari 3293, Muslim 2691)
10. “Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayh” (100 times)
“I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance.”
Benefit: Forgiveness and mercy from Allah ﷻ.
Hadith: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “By Allah, I seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent to Him more than seventy times a day.” (Bukhari 6307)
Additional Adhkar
The following adhkar, all established in sahih hadith, further enhance spiritual protection, gratitude, and connection with Allah ﷻ. For brevity, these are listed with their core benefit and reference:
- “Ya Hayyu ya Qayyum, bi rahmatika astaghith…” – Relief from distress and guidance.
- “Hasbiyallahu la ilaha illa Huwa…” (Qur’an 9:129) – Sufficient reliance on Allah ﷻ
- “A’udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq” (3 times) – Protection from harm.
- “Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min al-kufri wal-faqr…” – Protection from disbelief and poverty.
- “SubhanAllah” (33 times), “Alhamdulillah” (33 times), “Allahu Akbar” (34 times) – Gratitude and spiritual upliftment.
- “Allahumma inni as’aluka ilman nafi’a…” – Beneficial knowledge and sustenance.
- “Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min sharri nafsi…” – Protection from the evil of the soul.
- “Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min fitnatil-masihid-dajjal…” – Protection from the trials of the Antichrist.
- “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah” – Strength and reliance on Allah ﷻ
- “Bismillah tawakkaltu ‘alallah…” – Protection and guidance throughout the day.
- “Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli dhambin wa atubu ilayh” – Forgiveness for all sins.
Contemporary Relevance: Adhkar in the Modern Muslim’s Life
In today’s world, Muslims face unique challenges—stress, anxiety, distractions, and spiritual fatigue. The daily adhkar, rooted in Qur’an and Sunnah, serve as a spiritual anchor, offering:
- Mental Calm: Adhkar relieve anxiety and bring tranquility, as Allah ﷻ says:
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
(Qur’an 13:28)
- Protection from Evil: Regular recitation shields from envy, magic, and the evil eye.
- Closeness to Allah ﷻ: Consistent dhikr draws the believer nearer to Allah ﷻ, fostering love, hope, and reliance on Him.
- Barakah (Blessings): Beginning and ending the day with remembrance brings blessings in time, health, and sustenance.
- Consistency in Worship: Even in the busiest routines, these short adhkar keep the heart connected to Allah ﷻ, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those which are consistent, even if they are few.”
(Bukhari 6465)
Conclusion
The morning and evening adhkar are a treasure trove of spiritual benefits, protection, and blessings. By integrating these proven supplications into your daily routine, you fulfill a command of Allah ﷻ, follow the sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ), and secure divine protection and tranquility for yourself and your loved ones. May Allah ﷻ grant us steadfastness in His remembrance and make us among those who begin and end each day with hearts full of faith and gratitude.
