📖 19 min read
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
Imagine an entire day in which every gesture, every transition and every ordinary action — waking up, eating, leaving home, getting into a car, entering a mosque or going to bed — becomes an act of worship. This is exactly what Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed on to his community: a collection of authentic supplications that turn even the most ordinary daily routine into a succession of moments of connection with Allah. These supplications are not magic formulas — they are words from the Sunnah, verified and authenticated, which the Prophet ﷺ recited himself or taught to his Companions. This guide brings together the most important and most commonly used daily duas, organised by theme, with their Arabic texts, phonetic transliterations and English translations — so that you can memorise them gradually and make them part of your everyday life. For the complete morning and evening adhkar, see our complete guide to morning and evening adhkar.
All the supplications presented in this article come from Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim or other authenticated collections. No weak or unauthenticated supplication is included.
وَاذْكُرِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ وَتَبَتَّلْ إِلَيْهِ تَبْتِيلًا
“Remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him wholeheartedly.”
— Quran, Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:8)
📋 Table of contents
- Upon waking
- When entering and leaving the toilet
- Morning and evening adhkar (summary)
- Before and after meals
- When entering and leaving home
- When entering and leaving the mosque
- When boarding a vehicle
- When dressing and undressing
- After prayer
- Supplications for specific occasions
- At bedtime
- General dhikr to repeat throughout the day
- ❓ Frequently asked questions
- Sources and references
1. Upon waking
Waking up is the first moment of the day — and the Sunnah provides supplications that set the spiritual tone for the entire day ahead. The Prophet ﷺ taught his Companions to begin remembering Allah as soon as they opened their eyes.
The supplication upon waking
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
Al-hamdu lillahi alladhi ahyana ba’da ma amatana wa ilayhi an-nushur.
“Praise be to Allah, who has brought us back to life after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.”
— Narrated by Al-Bukhari (no. 6312), from Hudhayfah ibn Al-Yaman رضي الله عنه
This supplication reminds us of a fundamental reality first thing in the morning: sleep is a minor death, and each awakening is a gift from Allah. Beginning the day with this awareness changes how we view every hour that follows.
When rubbing your face upon waking
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
La ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir.
“There is no deity except Allah alone, with no partner. To Him belongs all dominion and all praise, and He has power over all things.”
— Narrated by Al-Bukhari (no. 6312) and Muslim (no. 2711), from Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه — The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever says this ten times upon waking receives ten good deeds and has ten sins erased.
2. When entering and leaving the toilet
The Prophet ﷺ taught specific supplications for the toilet — a place which, without these supplications, is considered in the Sunnah to be somewhere jinn may be present. These formulas are among the shortest, yet also among the most important to memorise.
When entering the toilet
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ
Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khaba’ith.
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from male and female devils.”
— Narrated by Al-Bukhari (no. 142) and Muslim (no. 375), from Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه
When leaving the toilet
غُفْرَانَكَ
Ghufranaka.
“I ask for Your forgiveness.”
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 30), At-Tirmidhi (no. 7) and Ibn Majah (no. 300) — Authenticated by Al-Albani, from ‘A’ishah رضي الله عنها
3. Morning and evening adhkar (summary)
Morning adhkar (adhkar as-sabah) and evening adhkar (adhkar al-masa’) form the central pillar of a daily spiritual routine. They include around twenty authentic supplications — including Sayed Al-Istighfar, Ayat Al-Kursi, Surahs Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, and several expressions of protection and praise. The ideal time for morning adhkar is after Fajr prayer until sunrise. For evening adhkar, it is after Asr prayer until sunset.
Among the most important morning adhkar: Ayat Al-Kursi (Al-Baqarah 2:255), Surah Al-Ikhlas × 3, Al-Falaq × 3, An-Nas × 3, Sayed Al-Istighfar, and: “We have entered the morning, and all dominion this morning belongs to Allah.”
Among the most important evening adhkar: Ayat Al-Kursi, the same surahs × 3, and: “We have entered the evening, and all dominion this evening belongs to Allah.”
For the full list of morning and evening adhkar with their Arabic texts, transliterations, translations and sources, see our complete guide to morning and evening adhkar.
4. Before and after meals
Supplications related to meals are among those most commonly recited each day. The Prophet ﷺ stressed their importance and described what happens when they are forgotten.
Before eating
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
Bismillah.
“In the name of Allah.”
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 3767) and At-Tirmidhi (no. 1858) — Authenticated by Al-Albani, from ‘Umar ibn Abi Salamah رضي الله عنه. The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Say Bismillah, eat with your right hand and eat from what is in front of you.’
If you forget to say Bismillah at the beginning of a meal, the Prophet ﷺ taught a formula to make up for it:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ فِي أَوَّلِهِ وَآخِرِهِ
Bismillahi fi awwalihi wa akhirih.
“In the name of Allah at its beginning and its end.”
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 3767) and At-Tirmidhi (no. 1858) — Authenticated by Al-Albani
After eating
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنِي هَذَا وَرَزَقَنِيهِ مِنْ غَيْرِ حَوْلٍ مِنِّي وَلَا قُوَّةٍ
Al-hamdu lillahi alladhi at’amani hadha wa razaqanihi min ghayri hawlin minni wa la quwwah.
“Praise be to Allah, who has fed me this and provided it for me without any strength or power on my part.”
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 4023) and At-Tirmidhi (no. 3458) — Authenticated by Al-Albani, from Mu’adh ibn Anas رضي الله عنه. The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever says this will have their past sins forgiven.
After drinking milk
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيهِ وَزِدْنَا مِنْهُ
Allahumma barik lana fihi wa zidna minh.
“O Allah, bless it for us and give us more of it.”
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 3730) and At-Tirmidhi (no. 3455) — Authenticated by Al-Albani, from Ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنهما
Supplication when breaking the fast
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Dhahaba adh-dhama’u wabtallatil-‘uruqu wa thabatal-ajru in sha’ Allah.
“Thirst has gone, the veins have been moistened and the reward is assured, if Allah wills.”
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 2357) — Authenticated by Al-Albani, from Ibn ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما
5. When entering and leaving home
When entering home
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ الْمَوْلَجِ وَخَيْرَ الْمَخْرَجِ، بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَلَجْنَا، وَبِسْمِ اللَّهِ خَرَجْنَا، وَعَلَى اللَّهِ رَبِّنَا تَوَكَّلْنَا
Allahumma inni as’aluka khayral-mawlaji wa khayral-makhraj, bismillahi walajnâ wa bismillahi kharajnâ, wa ‘ala Allahi rabbina tawakkalna.
“O Allah, I ask You for goodness when entering and goodness when leaving. In the name of Allah we have entered, in the name of Allah we have left, and in Allah, our Lord, we place our trust.”
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 5096) — Authenticated by Al-Albani, from Abu Malik Al-Ash’ari رضي الله عنه
When leaving home
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ
Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘ala Allah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.
“In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no strength or power except through Allah.”
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 5095), At-Tirmidhi (no. 3426) and An-Nasa’i (no. 5486) — Authenticated by Al-Albani, from Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه. The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever says this will be told: ‘You are guided, safeguarded and protected,’ and Satan will move away from them.
6. When entering and leaving the mosque
When entering the mosque
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik.
“O Allah, open the doors of Your mercy for me.”
— Narrated by Muslim (no. 713), from Abu Humayd or Abu Usayd Al-Ansari رضي الله عنه. Enter with your right foot first.
When leaving the mosque
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ
Allahumma inni as’aluka min fadlik.
“O Allah, I ask You for Your bounty.”
— Narrated by Muslim (no. 713), from Abu Humayd or Abu Usayd Al-Ansari رضي الله عنه. Leave with your left foot first.
7. When boarding a vehicle
The Prophet ﷺ taught a specific supplication for any means of transport — in his time, camels and horses. Today, it applies to any vehicle: a car, bus, plane or boat.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ، وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ
Bismillah, alhamdulillah, subhana alladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila rabbina lamunqalibun.
“In the name of Allah, praise be to Allah. Glory be to the One who has made this subject to us, though we could not have done so ourselves, and to our Lord we will surely return.”
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 2602), At-Tirmidhi (no. 3446) and Ahmad — Authenticated by Al-Albani, from Ibn ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما. This supplication comes from the Quran, Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:13–14).
8. When dressing and undressing
When putting on a new garment
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ كَسَوْتَنِيهِ، أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ خَيْرِهِ وَخَيْرِ مَا صُنِعَ لَهُ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهِ وَشَرِّ مَا صُنِعَ لَهُ
Allahumma lakal-hamdu anta kasawtanihi, as’aluka min khayrihi wa khayri ma suni’a lah, wa a’udhu bika min sharrihi wa sharri ma suni’a lah.
“O Allah, to You belongs all praise. You have clothed me in this. I ask You for its goodness and the goodness of what it was made for, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what it was made for.”
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 4020) and At-Tirmidhi (no. 1767) — Authenticated by Al-Albani, from Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri رضي الله عنه
When removing your clothes
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
Bismillah.
“In the name of Allah.”
— Narrated by Ibn As-Sunni in ‘Amal Al-Yawm wa Al-Laylah (no. 270) — Mentioned by An-Nawawi. Saying Bismillah when undressing forms a veil between the eyes of the jinn and a person’s nakedness.
9. After prayer
Supplications after prayer are among the most rewarding daily supplications. The Prophet ﷺ regularly recited them after each obligatory prayer.
Seeking forgiveness three times and the supplication that follows
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ (× 3) — اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ، تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالإِكْرَامِ
Astaghfirullah (× 3) — Allahumma anta as-salam wa minka as-salam, tabarakta ya dhal-jalali wal-ikram.
“I ask Allah for forgiveness (3 times) — O Allah, You are Peace and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of Majesty and Generosity.”
— Narrated by Muslim (no. 591), from Thawban رضي الله عنه
Tasbih, tahmid and takbir after prayer
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ (× 33) — الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ (× 33) — اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (× 33)
Subhanallah (× 33) — Alhamdulillah (× 33) — Allahu Akbar (× 33)
“Glory be to Allah (33 times) — Praise be to Allah (33 times) — Allah is the Greatest (33 times)” — then complete the hundred with: La ilaha illa Allahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir.
— Narrated by Muslim (no. 597), from Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه. The Prophet ﷺ said that the sins of whoever says this are erased, even if they are as numerous as the foam of the sea.
Ayat Al-Kursi after prayer
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ، لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…
Allahu la ilaha illa huwal-hayyal-qayyum, la ta’khudhuh sinatun wa la nawm…
Ayat Al-Kursi — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255) — to be recited in full after each obligatory prayer.
— Narrated by An-Nasa’i in As-Sunan Al-Kubra and authenticated by Al-Albani, from Abu Umamah Al-Bahili رضي الله عنه. The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Whoever recites Ayat Al-Kursi after each obligatory prayer, nothing will prevent them from entering Paradise except death.’
10. Supplications for specific occasions
When hearing the adhan (call to prayer)
Repeat the same words as the muezzin, except when he says ‘Hayya ‘ala as-salah’ and ‘Hayya ‘ala al-falah’ — say instead:
لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ
La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.
“There is no strength or power except through Allah.”
Then, at the end of the adhan, send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, followed by:
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ هَذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْقَائِمَةِ، آتِ مُحَمَّدًا الْوَسِيلَةَ وَالْفَضِيلَةَ وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا الَّذِي وَعَدْتَهُ
Allahumma rabba hadhihid-da’watit-tammah was-salatil-qa’imah, ati Muhammadanil-wasilata wal-fadilah, wab’ath-hu maqaman mahmudan alladhi wa’adtah.
“O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and the prayer about to be established, grant Muhammad intercession and favour, and raise him to the praiseworthy station You have promised him.”
— Narrated by Al-Bukhari (no. 614), from Jabir ibn ‘Abdillah رضي الله عنه
When angry
أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
A’udhu billahi mina ash-shaytani ar-rajim.
“I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed.”
— Narrated by Al-Bukhari (no. 3282) and Muslim (no. 2610), from Sulayman ibn Sard رضي الله عنه. The Prophet ﷺ taught this formula to an angry man and told him: ‘I know words which, if you say them, will make your anger disappear.’
When looking in a mirror
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ حَسَّنْتَ خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي
Allahumma anta hassanta khalqi fahassin khuluqi.
“O Allah, You have made my appearance beautiful, so make my character beautiful.”
— Narrated by Ahmad (no. 3748) — Authenticated by Al-Albani in Sahih Al-Jami’ (no. 1307), from Ibn Mas’ud رضي الله عنه
When sneezing
The person who sneezes says:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ
Alhamdulillah — ‘Praise be to Allah.’
The person who hears them replies:
يَرْحَمُكَ اللَّهُ
Yarhamuka Allah — ‘May Allah have mercy on you.’
The person who sneezed then replies:
يَهْدِيكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيُصْلِحُ بَالَكُمْ
Yahdikumu Allah wa yuslihu balakum — ‘May Allah guide you and improve your condition.’
— Narrated by Al-Bukhari (no. 6224), from Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه
When visiting someone who is ill
لَا بَأْسَ، طَهُورٌ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
La ba’sa, tahurun in sha’ Allah.
“Do not worry; it is a purification, if Allah wills.”
— Narrated by Al-Bukhari (no. 5656), from Ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنهما
You can also say the following seven times while placing your hand on the person who is ill:
أَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ رَبَّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ أَنْ يَشْفِيَكَ (× 7)
As’alullaha al-‘adhima rabbal-‘arshil-‘adhim an yashfiyak (× 7).
“I ask Allah, the Magnificent, Lord of the Magnificent Throne, to heal you.” (7 times)
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 3106) and At-Tirmidhi (no. 2083) — Authenticated by Al-Albani, from Ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنهما
When seeing the crescent moon
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالأَمْنِ وَالإِيمَانِ، وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالإِسْلَامِ، وَالتَّوْفِيقِ لِمَا تُحِبُّ وَتَرْضَى، رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكَ اللَّهُ
Allahu Akbar. Allahumma ahillahu ‘alayna bil-amni wal-iman, was-salamati wal-Islam, wat-tawfiqi lima tuhibbu wa tarda, rabbuna wa rabbuka Allah.
“Allah is the Greatest. O Allah, let this crescent bring us security, faith, peace, Islam and success in what You love and are pleased with. Our Lord and your Lord is Allah.”
— Narrated by At-Tirmidhi (no. 3451) — Authenticated by Al-Albani, from Talhah ibn ‘Ubaydillah رضي الله عنه
When feeling sorrow or anxiety
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي عَبْدُكَ، ابْنُ عَبْدِكَ، ابْنُ أَمَتِكَ، نَاصِيَتِي بِيَدِكَ، مَاضٍ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ، عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤُكَ، أَسْأَلُكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ سَمَّيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ، أَوْ أَنْزَلْتَهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ، أَوْ عَلَّمْتَهُ أَحَدًا مِنْ خَلْقِكَ، أَوِ اسْتَأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِي عِلْمِ الْغَيْبِ عِنْدَكَ، أَنْ تَجْعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيعَ قَلْبِي، وَنُورَ صَدْرِي، وَجَلَاءَ حُزْنِي، وَذَهَابَ هَمِّي
Allahumma inni ‘abduka, ibnu ‘abdika, ibnu amatika, nasiyati biyadika, madin fiyya hukmuka, ‘adlun fiyya qada’uk, as’aluka bikulli ismin huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka, aw anzaltahu fi kitabika, aw ‘allamtahu ahadan min khalqika, aw ista’tharta bihi fi ‘ilmil-ghaybi ‘indaka, an taj’alal-Qur’ana rabi’a qalbi, wa nura sadri, wa jala’a huzni, wa dhahaba hammi.
“O Allah, I am Your servant, the son of Your servant and the son of Your female servant. My fate is in Your hands, Your judgement over me is carried out, and Your decree concerning me is just. I ask You by every name that belongs to You, by which You have named Yourself, or revealed in Your Book, or taught to one of Your creatures, or kept in Your knowledge of the unseen, to make the Quran the spring of my heart, the light of my chest, the removal of my sorrow and the end of my anxiety.”
— Narrated by Ahmad (no. 3704) — Authenticated by Al-Albani in Sahih Al-Jami’ (no. 1260), from ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud رضي الله عنه. The Prophet ﷺ said that Allah will remove the sorrow and anxiety of whoever says it and replace them with joy.
11. At bedtime
Bedtime is the last moment of the day — and the Sunnah provides supplications that protect believers while they sleep and allow them to fall asleep in a state of dhikr.
The supplication before sleeping
بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya.
“In Your name, O Allah, I die and I return to life.”
— Narrated by Al-Bukhari (no. 6312), from Hudhayfah ibn Al-Yaman رضي الله عنه
Tasbih before sleeping
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ (× 33) — الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ (× 33) — اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (× 34)
Subhanallah (× 33) — Alhamdulillah (× 33) — Allahu Akbar (× 34)
“Glory be to Allah (33 times), praise be to Allah (33 times), Allah is the Greatest (34 times)”
— Narrated by Al-Bukhari (no. 3113) and Muslim (no. 2727), from ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه. Fatimah رضي الله عنها asked the Prophet ﷺ for a female servant to help her with her work. He taught her this dhikr instead, saying that it was better for her.
The supplication for protection during sleep
اللَّهُمَّ بِاسْمِكَ أَحْيَا وَبِاسْمِكَ أَمُوتُ
Allahumma bismika ahya wa bismika amut.
“O Allah, in Your name I live and in Your name I die.”
You also recite the last three surahs of the Quran (Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas) three times each, blowing into your hands and passing them over your body — an authentic Sunnah:
— Narrated by Al-Bukhari (no. 5017), from ‘A’ishah رضي الله عنها: ‘Every night, when going to bed, the Prophet ﷺ would cup his hands together, blow into them, recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, then pass his hands over as much of his body as he could, beginning with his head, face and the front of his body. He did this three times.’
12. General dhikr to repeat throughout the day
Beyond supplications for particular situations, the Sunnah encourages constant remembrance of Allah throughout the day — quietly or in the heart — in all circumstances.
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ
Subhanallahi wa bihamdih — ‘Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him.’
Al-Bukhari (no. 6405) and Muslim (no. 2731) — The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Two phrases that are light on the tongue, heavy on the scales and beloved to the Most Merciful: Subhanallahi wa bihamdih, Subhanallahil-‘adhim.’
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ
La ilaha illa Allah — ‘There is no deity except Allah.’
Al-Bukhari (no. 6403) and Muslim (no. 2691) — The best words to say according to the Prophet ﷺ.
لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ
La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah — ‘There is no strength or power except through Allah.’
Al-Bukhari (no. 4205) and Muslim (no. 2704) — The Prophet ﷺ described it as a treasure of Paradise.
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ
Astaghfirullah — ‘I ask Allah for forgiveness.’
Al-Bukhari (no. 6307) — The Prophet ﷺ repeated it more than 70 times a day.
صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ مُحَمَّدٍ
Salla Allahu ‘ala an-nabiyyi Muhammad — ‘May Allah bless Prophet Muhammad.’
Al-Bukhari (no. 3370) — Allah says: ‘Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon them ten times.’
All your Islamic resources in one place
Hadiths, supplications, a prayer guide, prayer times, a Qibla compass and much more — available free of charge on the Horizons Islamiques platform and app.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Should supplications be recited in Arabic, or can we say them in our own language?
For supplications transmitted in the Sunnah, it is strongly recommended to recite them in Arabic — the language in which the Prophet ﷺ taught them. However, if you do not yet know Arabic, you may say them in your own language while learning them, except for the formulas within prayer, which must be in Arabic. The aim is to gradually learn the authentic Arabic formulas, as they are more rewarding and more consistent with the Sunnah.
What is dhikr, and how does it differ from du'a?
Dhikr (ذِكْر) means remembrance of Allah in general — any words that mention Allah, glorify Him, praise Him or affirm His oneness. Expressions such as Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar and La ilaha illa Allah are dhikr. Du’a (دُعَاء) specifically means supplication — asking Allah for something. Supplications for particular situations (when entering home, before eating, and so on) often combine dhikr and du’a. Both are acts of worship in their own right and can be practised at any time.
Can we make dhikr in our hearts without moving our lips?
Yes, dhikr in the heart is valid and rewarding. However, scholars explain that dhikr accompanied by movement of the lips is more complete and more rewarding than purely mental dhikr. For supplications linked to particular situations (before eating, when entering home, and so on), it is preferable to say them quietly. In public or in situations where speaking is not possible, dhikr in the heart is sufficient.
Is forgetting a supplication for a particular situation a sin?
No. Supplications for particular situations are recommended Sunnah practices, not obligations. Forgetting them is not a sin. What matters is making the effort to learn them and gradually include them in your routine. For some, such as Bismillah before eating, the Prophet ﷺ taught a formula to make up for it (Bismillahi fi awwalihi wa akhirih) for those who forget to say it at the beginning. Religion is made easy, not burdensome.
How many times should each supplication be repeated?
It depends on the supplication. Some have a set number in the Sunnah: tasbih after prayer (33 repetitions of each expression), the surahs before sleeping (3 times each), and bedtime tasbih (33+33+34). Others have no set number and can be repeated as often as you wish: La ilaha illa Allah, Astaghfirullah, Subhanallah, and so on. There is no limit to general dhikr — the Quran says: ‘O you who believe, remember Allah abundantly.’ (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:41).
What are the best times of day for dhikr?
Any time is good for dhikr, but certain times have particular value: after Fajr prayer until sunrise (the time for morning adhkar), after Asr prayer (evening adhkar), the last third of the night (the Prophet ﷺ said that Allah descends to the lowest heaven and answers supplications — Al-Bukhari no. 1145), and between the adhan and the iqamah (a time when supplications are answered, according to At-Tirmidhi no. 212). These times do not restrict dhikr — they give it added significance.
How can we memorise supplications gradually without becoming discouraged?
The best method is to learn one supplication at a time, in its natural context. Begin with the shortest and most frequent ones: Bismillah before each meal, Alhamdulillah after each meal, the supplication upon waking, the bedtime supplication and the supplication when leaving home. Once these five supplications become second nature, move on to the next ones. The Horizons Islamiques app can help with audio for the correct pronunciation of each supplication. Within a few weeks, your entire day can become a continuous act of worship.
Sources and references
Quran:
Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:8) — ‘Remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him’
Surah Al-Ahzab (33:41) — ‘Remember Allah abundantly’
Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:13–14) — Source of the supplication when boarding a vehicle
Hadiths:
Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 142) and Muslim (no. 375) — Supplication when entering the toilet (from Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه)
Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 614) — Supplication after the adhan (from Jabir ibn ‘Abdillah رضي الله عنه)
Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 3113) and Muslim (no. 2727) — Fatimah’s رضي الله عنها bedtime tasbih (from ‘Ali رضي الله عنه)
Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 3282) and Muslim (no. 2610) — Supplication against anger (from Sulayman ibn Sard رضي الله عنه)
Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 5017) — Surahs before bedtime (from ‘A’ishah رضي الله عنها)
Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 5656) — Supplication when visiting someone who is ill (from Ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنهما)
Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 6224) — Supplication when sneezing (from Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه)
Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 6312) and Muslim (no. 2711) — Supplication upon waking (from Hudhayfah and Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنهما)
Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 6403) and Muslim (no. 2691) — The best words: La ilaha illa Allah
Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 6405) and Muslim (no. 2731) — Subhanallahi wa bihamdih: two phrases that are light on the tongue and heavy on the scales
Sahih Muslim (no. 591) — Seeking forgiveness after prayer (from Thawban رضي الله عنه)
Sahih Muslim (no. 597) — Tasbih 33/33/34 after prayer (from Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه)
Sahih Muslim (no. 713) — Supplications when entering and leaving the mosque
Sunan Abu Dawud (no. 30), At-Tirmidhi (no. 7), Ibn Majah (no. 300) — When leaving the toilet — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Sunan Abu Dawud (no. 2357) — Supplication when breaking the fast — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Sunan Abu Dawud (no. 2602), At-Tirmidhi (no. 3446) — Supplication when boarding a vehicle — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Sunan Abu Dawud (no. 3106), At-Tirmidhi (no. 2083) — Supplication for someone who is ill × 7 — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Sunan Abu Dawud (no. 3730), At-Tirmidhi (no. 3455) — After drinking milk — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Sunan Abu Dawud (no. 3767), At-Tirmidhi (no. 1858) — Bismillah before eating — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Sunan Abu Dawud (no. 4020), At-Tirmidhi (no. 1767) — A new garment — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Sunan Abu Dawud (no. 4023), At-Tirmidhi (no. 3458) — After a meal — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Sunan Abu Dawud (no. 5095), At-Tirmidhi (no. 3426), An-Nasa’i (no. 5486) — Leaving home — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Sunan Abu Dawud (no. 5096) — Entering home — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Sunan At-Tirmidhi (no. 3451) — The crescent moon — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Musnad Ahmad (no. 3704), Sahih Al-Jami’ (no. 1260) — Supplication when feeling sorrow — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Musnad Ahmad (no. 3748), Sahih Al-Jami’ (no. 1307) — Supplication in front of a mirror — Authenticated by Al-Albani
An-Nasa’i, As-Sunan Al-Kubra — Ayat Al-Kursi after prayer — Authenticated by Al-Albani
Further references:
An-Nawawi, Al-Adhkar — A classic reference on supplications from the Sunnah
Ibn Al-Qayyim, Al-Wabil As-Sayyib — On the virtues of dhikr and its spiritual effects
Said ibn ‘Ali Al-Qahtani, Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim) — A reference collection of authentic daily supplications
Explore Horizons Islamiques
Access the Quran, hadiths, authentic supplications and our Islamic tools — available free on iOS and Android.