As we enter the blessed month of Ramadan, we must recognize the immense value of every single moment. Each second presents us with an opportunity—an opportunity to engage in the remembrance of Allah, to seek His forgiveness, and to earn rewards that are multiplied many times over. It can also be a moment wasted or, worse, a moment spent in sin.

Ramadan is a time when the doors of mercy are wide open, and the Shayateen are chained. It is a time to prioritize acts of worship and reflection, ensuring that we make the most of this sacred month.

What is the Best Form of Dhikr in Ramadan?

Many people wonder what the best form of remembrance (dhikr) is during this holy month. When we read the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regarding different forms of dhikr, we might feel overwhelmed by the numerous options available.

• Some ahadith highlight the virtues of seeking forgiveness (istighfar), making it seem like we should do nothing else but repeat Astaghfirullah constantly.
• Other narrations emphasize the immense rewards of glorifying Allah through phrases like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar, which are described as the seeds of Jannah.
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) also taught that the most beloved form of remembrance is keeping the tongue moist with La ilaha illallah.
• Additionally, sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet (salawat) is emphasized, particularly on Fridays, which are the most beloved days to Allah.

With so many beneficial forms of dhikr, the question arises: Which one should we prioritize in Ramadan?

Balancing Between Istighfar and Glorification

The pious predecessors provided a beautiful analogy to help us understand the relationship between seeking forgiveness and glorifying Allah. They said that if you have a garment that is stained, you do not embellish it before cleaning it. Likewise, before we beautify our record with SubhanAllah and Alhamdulillah, we should cleanse it with Astaghfirullah.

Thus, istighfar holds a special place in our worship. However, it should not be done at the expense of other forms of dhikr. Rather, we should strike a balance, ensuring that we are both purifying our hearts and filling them with the remembrance of Allah.

The Ultimate Act of Worship: Quran Recitation in Salah

When we examine the life of the Prophet ﷺ, we see that the best form of remembrance is the recitation of the Quran, especially within salah. This is because salah combines multiple forms of worship:

• Reciting Quran: The ultimate form of dhikr.
• Sujood (Prostration): The best position to make dua.
• Tasbeeh (Glorifying Allah): Praising Him in ruku’ (bowing) and sujood.
• Seeking Forgiveness: A constant element in salah.

Thus, the most powerful way to engage in dhikr during Ramadan is to spend time in salah, particularly the night prayer (Qiyam-ul-Layl and Taraweeh).

Following the Example of the Prophet (peace be upon him)

The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) nights in Ramadan varied in their focus. Some nights, he would prolong his standing (Qiyam), reciting long portions of the Quran. Other nights, he would immerse himself in sujood, engaging deeply in dua and dhikr.

This teaches us that we have flexibility in our worship. Some nights, we may feel inclined to recite the Quran more. Other nights, we may be overwhelmed by our emotions, leading us to prolong our sujood and make heartfelt dua. The key is to remain engaged in remembrance and not waste a single moment.

Practical Tips to Maximize Dhikr in Ramadan

1. Begin with Istighfar: Make it a habit to seek forgiveness regularly, especially before and after prayers.
2. Recite the Quran Daily: Even if it is a small portion, connect with the words of Allah consistently.
3. Prioritize Salah and Night Prayer: Make an effort to perform extra prayers, particularly Tahajjud.
4. Keep Your Tongue Moist with Dhikr: When walking, cooking, or before sleeping, repeat SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar.
5. Send Salawat Upon the Prophet (peace be upon him): Especially on Fridays, make an effort to say Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad frequently.
6. Make Sincere Dua in Sujood: Pour your heart out to Allah, asking for His mercy and guidance.

Ramadan is a time of immense blessings, where every moment carries the potential for great reward. The best way to engage in remembrance is to follow the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him): balancing Quran recitation, salah, istighfar, and dua.

The key is to remain engaged in worship, ensuring that we do not let these precious days slip away.

May Allah grant us the ability to make the most of every moment this Ramadan and accept our deeds. Ameen.