What are the types of dhikr in Islam?

Dhikr is broadly of the tongue and of the heart. By wording, the main types are tasbih (SubhanAllah), tahmid (Alhamdulillah), takbir (Allahu Akbar), tahlil (La ilaha illa Allah), istighfar (Astaghfirullah), salawat (blessings on the Prophet ﷺ), hawqala (La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah), and recitation of the Quran.

What is the difference between dhikr of the tongue and dhikr of the heart?

Dhikr of the tongue is saying the words of remembrance aloud or quietly. Dhikr of the heart is being conscious of Allah — remembering Him, His names and His greatness inwardly. The ideal is both together.

Guide · Dhikr

Types of dhikr in Islam: the main categories explained.

Q: What is the highest form of dhikr?

Scholars say recitation of the Quran is the greatest dhikr, and La ilaha illa Allah is the best of remembrance. The most complete dhikr is that of the tongue and heart together — saying the words while being present with their meaning.

The Zikar Team · 6 min read · Published 10 Jun 2026

"Dhikr" covers a wide range of worship — from a single whispered phrase to reciting the Quran. Scholars group it in a few helpful ways. Here are the main types of dhikr in Islam, with an example of each, so you can see how the pieces fit together.

1. Dhikr of the tongue vs dhikr of the heart

The most basic division is by where the remembrance happens:

Dhikr of the tongue — saying the words of remembrance aloud or quietly.
Dhikr of the heart — being conscious of Allah inwardly, remembering His greatness, names and presence.

The complete dhikr is both together: the tongue says the words while the heart is present with their meaning. Words without presence are still rewarded — but presence is the goal.

2. The four pillars of verbal dhikr

By wording, four short phrases form the core of daily dhikr — sometimes called the baqiyat as-salihat (the enduring good deeds):

Tasbih — سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ SubhanAllah, "Glory be to Allah."
Tahmid — الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ Alhamdulillah, "All praise is for Allah."
Takbir — اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ Allahu Akbar, "Allah is the Greatest."
Tahlil — لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ La ilaha illa Allah, "There is no god but Allah."

The Prophet ﷺ said these four are "the most beloved words to Allah." Read their full meaning & virtues →

3. Istighfar — seeking forgiveness

Asking Allah's pardon: Astaghfirullah ("I seek the forgiveness of Allah"). The Prophet ﷺ did this more than seventy times a day. Full istighfar guide →

4. Salawat — blessings on the Prophet ﷺ

Sending peace and blessings on the Prophet ﷺ, such as Allahumma salli wa sallim 'ala Nabiyyina Muhammad. Each one brings ten blessings from Allah, and it is a dhikr never rejected.

5. Hawqala — declaring reliance on Allah

لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah — "There is no power or might except with Allah." — described by the Prophet ﷺ as "a treasure from the treasures of Paradise"

6. Quran — the greatest dhikr

Allah calls the Quran itself a dhikr (Quran 15:9). Reciting it is the highest form of remembrance — the words of Allah, returned to Allah.

7. Time- and place-bound adhkar

Many dhikr are tied to a moment in the day — and these are some of the most rewarding to keep. You can tap and count each one for free:

Morning adhkar — after Fajr until sunrise
Evening adhkar — after Asr until Maghrib
After-salah adhkar — after every obligatory prayer
Before-sleep adhkar — the bedtime routine

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest form of dhikr?

Reciting the Quran is the greatest dhikr, and La ilaha illa Allah is the best phrase of remembrance. The most complete is dhikr of the tongue and heart together.

How many types of dhikr are there?

There's no single fixed number — scholars classify dhikr by location (tongue/heart) and by wording (tasbih, tahmid, takbir, tahlil, istighfar, salawat, hawqala, Quran). The categories above cover the main forms a Muslim uses daily.