27 September, 2025
Remembrance of Allah (dhikr) is one of the most beloved acts of worship in Islam. Just as Muslims are encouraged to begin their day with morning adhkār, they are also guided to end the day with evening azkar. These supplications provide protection, spiritual strength, and blessings during the night. For every Muslim, building the habit of evening remembrance is an important part of daily worship.
The word azkar is the plural of dhikr, which means remembrance. Evening azkar are the set of Qur’anic verses, duʿāʾ (supplications), and phrases of glorification that Muslims are encouraged to recite in the late afternoon or early evening. They serve as protection and as a way to keep one’s heart attached to Allah during the night.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regularly recited specific supplications at these times, teaching his companions to do the same. For this reason, many Muslims refer to them as azkar evening, which simply means remembrance at night.
The importance of evening adhkār is highlighted in the Sunnah:
-
Protection from Harm: They act as a shield against Shayṭān and other evils.
-
Spiritual Peace: Evening remembrance calms the mind and soul before rest.
-
Continuity of Worship: Just as the day begins with morning adhkār, it ends with evening azkar, completing the cycle of remembrance.
-
Forgiveness and Reward: Each word of dhikr carries reward, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah.
Here are some well-known adhkār recommended for the evening:
| Dhikr | Arabic Text | Translation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayat al-Kursī (2:255) | اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ... | Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence… | Nasā’ī |
| Three Quls | Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ, Surah Al-Falaq, Surah An-Nās (recited 3 times each) | Protects from evil until morning | Bukhari, Muslim |
| Supplication of Contentment | رَضِيتُ بِاللَّهِ رَبًّا وَبِالْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ نَبِيًّا | I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, Islam as my religion, and Muhammad as my Prophet. | Tirmidhi |
| Protection from Harm | بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ (3 times) | In the Name of Allah, with Whose Name nothing on earth or in the heavens can cause harm, and He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing. | Abu Dawud |
Islamic scholars mention that the time for azkar evening begins after ʿAṣr (late afternoon) and extends until Maghrib (sunset). Some extend it further until the end of the evening. The important point is consistency: making sure you recite them every day before going to bed.
-
Protection During the Night: Safeguards against fear, anxiety, and harm.
-
Peaceful Sleep: Prepares the mind and soul for restful sleep.
-
Strengthening Faith: Reminds the believer of Allah’s presence even in private hours.
-
Daily Connection: Keeps a rhythm of worship—starting the day with morning adhkār and ending with evening remembrance.
Connect to Prayer: Attach evening azkar to ʿAṣr or Maghrib prayer.
-
Start Small: Begin with Ayat al-Kursī and the three Quls.
-
Family Recitation: Gather as a family for reciting evening adhkār together.
-
Use a Guide or App: Authentic dhikr books or Islamic apps can help.
-
Reflect on Meanings: Understanding what you say deepens your connection with Allah.
-
Rushing: Dhikr should be recited with sincerity and reflection.
-
Skipping: Missing adhkār regularly weakens consistency.
-
Not Learning Meanings: The impact of remembrance is greater when you know its meaning.
Q1: Is Surah Fatiha part of evening azkar?
A: Surah Al-Fātiḥah is not specifically reported as part of the evening adhkār in authentic narrations. However, reciting it is always a source of blessing, as it is the greatest chapter of the Qur’an.
Q2: When to recite evening azkar?
A: Evening azkar are recommended after the ʿAṣr prayer and can be recited until sunset (Maghrib). Some scholars allow extending them until the early night.
Q3: When to recite the evening azkar time?
A: The best time is between ʿAṣr and Maghrib. However, if one forgets, they may still recite them later in the evening before sleep to benefit from their blessings.