A personal reflection on how regular dhikr (remembrance of Allah) has helped me find inner peace and calm in my daily life.
Finding Peace Through Dhikr: My Personal Experience
I want to share something personal with you - how incorporating dhikr into my daily routine has genuinely changed my life. This isn't about being preachy; it's about sharing what actually worked for me.
What Is Dhikr?
Dhikr means "remembrance" - it's the practice of remembering Allah through recitation, whether it's saying "SubhanAllah" (Glory be to Allah), "Alhamdulillah" (Praise be to Allah), or reciting verses from the Quran.
My Journey
A few years ago, I was going through a really stressful period. Work was overwhelming, personal life was chaotic, and I felt constantly anxious. I knew I should be praying more, but honestly, I was struggling to even find peace during my prayers.
Starting Small
I started with something simple - saying "SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar" 33 times each after Fajr prayer. It took maybe 5 minutes, but those 5 minutes became the calmest part of my day.
The Change I Noticed
After a few weeks, I started noticing something interesting. Those moments of dhikr were creating little pockets of peace throughout my day. When I felt stressed, I'd find myself naturally saying "Alhamdulillah" or "Insha'Allah" - and it actually helped.
Different Types of Dhikr
I've learned that dhikr doesn't have to be formal or complicated:
- Morning Dhikr: Starting the day with remembrance
- Tasbih: Using prayer beads while commuting
- Evening Dhikr: Reflecting on the day before bed
- Spontaneous Remembrance: Just remembering Allah throughout the day
The Science Behind It
There's actually research showing that repetitive prayer or meditation can reduce stress and anxiety. But for me, it's more than that - it's the spiritual connection, the feeling that I'm not alone in whatever I'm facing.
Making It a Habit
The key for me was making it easy:
- I keep a small tasbih in my car
- I have a dhikr app on my phone
- I set reminders for evening dhikr
- I don't beat myself up if I miss a day
What I've Learned
Dhikr isn't about perfection - it's about consistency and intention. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference. It's not about the quantity, but the quality of your connection with Allah.
If you're struggling with stress or just want to feel more connected, I'd encourage you to try it. Start small, be consistent, and see how it feels. You might be surprised.