Dua for remembrance after salam

The last step in prayer is known as Tasleem, more popularly remembered as Salam. It marks the end of the prayer. In fact, by saying Salam (Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah), the believer comes out of the state of a unique worship, called Prayer or Salah. While the entire process, movements, postures, and specific recitations at each step, involve complete devotion and closeness to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, the moments immediately after completing the prayer are also considered some of the most virtuous times. The majority of scholars, across all Islamic Jurisprudences, are of the view that this is a high time to supplicate, because the believer has just come out of the state of prayer and has not yet indulged in any worldly matters. Hence, they recommend that one must utilize this special opportunity to make personal duas. Although it is not a compulsory part of prayer, it is one of the highly emphasized Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ to recite dua after finishing Salah.

In Islamic terminology, dua after Salam is referred to as “remembrance after prayer”, or more commonly just “Dhikar”. Generally, supplication and Dhikar are most liked by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as mentioned in different verses of the Quran. Here are a few Quranic references, highlighting the significance of Dua and Dhikar:

  • The 103rd verse of Surah An-Nisa says (When you have finished the Prayer, remember Allah -standing, and sitting, and reclining).
  • The 28th verse of Surah Ar-R’ad describes (Such are the ones who believe (in the message of the Prophet) and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in Allah's remembrance do hearts find rest).
  • The 10th verse of Surah Al-Juma’aa narrates (But when the Prayer is ended, disperse in the land and seek Allah's Bounty, and remember Allah much so that you may prosper).

Although the above verses are related to different contexts, one thing is common in them: "the remembrance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is the best practice and key to success”. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ has also emphasized much on this important act of worship. He himself used to recite some specific duas after prayer, as mentioned in several Hadiths.

The dua for remembrance after salam ensures the elevation of the ranks of a believer and is one of the best forms of worship. The prayer itself is remembering your Lord as one stands before Him. But the time after salam is one of the most beneficial times for a believer to remember Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and afterward make a dua citing any of his desires and wishes.


The number of times the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has been reiterated both in the Quran and Hadith is countless. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had advised his companions numerous times to remember Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) throughout the day to please Him and gain the elevation of ranks and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). 


The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to praise Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) immediately after offering the salam by glorifying His attributes (Sunan Abi Dawud 1512). Another dua for remembrance that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to recite after the Taslim emphasizes the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and heralds the absolute authority that He possesses over everything and the great Might that He retains (Sahih al-Bukhari 6330). The same has been reported in (Sahih al-Bukhari 7292).

Remembrance or dua after Salam includes:

  • Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness)
  • Praising, glorifying, and declaring the greatness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ 
  • Recitation of the Quranic Surahs and verses, such as Ayatul Kursi, Surah Al-Kafirun, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas
  • Making personal supplications

A highly virtuous and most powerful dhikar was taught by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, saying that whoever recites it after prayer, their sins will be washed away. Hadith 597a of Sahih Muslim provides the details of this Dhikar (remembrance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as follows:

Translation - If anyone extols Allah after every prayer thirty-three times, and praises Allah thirty-three times, and declares His Greatness thirty-three times, ninety-nine times in all, and says to complete a hundred:" There is no god but Allah, having no partner with Him, to Him belongs sovereignty and to Him is praise due, and He is Potent over everything," his sins will be forgiven even If these are as abundant as the foam of the sea.

Scholars explain this Hadith as follows:

  • Extol Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ refers to saying “Subhanallah” 33 times
  • Praise Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ refers to saying “Alhamdulillah” 33 times
  • Declare Greatness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, refers to saying “Allahu Akbar” Scholar” 33 times or 34 times to make the total 100. Alternatively, you can recite "La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir” to make the total 100, instead of reciting Allahu Akbar for the 34th time.

This dhikar is highly recommended after every Fard prayer, though it can also be performed after completing any of the Prayers.

Hisnul Muslim

Remembrance after salam

Prayer Duas

1
(1)أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ(2)اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلاَمُ، وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ، تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالإِكْرَامِ

'Astaghfirullaaha.(1)Allaahumma 'Antas-Salaamu wa minkas-salaamu, tabaarakta yaa Thal-Jalaali wal-'Ikraam.(2)

I seek the forgiveness of Allah. (Three times)(1)O Allah, You are Peace and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Owner of majesty and honor.(2)

[Hisnul 66] [Muslim 1/414.]

2
لَا إلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، اللَّهُمَّ لَا مَانِعَ لِمَا أَعْطَيْتَ، وَلَا مُعْطِيَ لِمَا مَنَعْتَ، وَلَا يَنْفَعُ ذَا الْجَدِّ مِنْكَ الْجَدُّ

Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa kulli shay'in Qadeer, Allaahumma laa maani'a limaa 'a'tayta, wa laa mu'tiya limaa mana'ta, wa laa yanfa'u thal-jaddi minkal-jadd.

None has the right to be worshiped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things. O Allah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none may give what You have withheld; and the might of the mighty person cannot benefit him against You.

[Hisnul 67] [Al-Bukhari 1/255, Muslim 1/414.]

3
لاَ إلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، لَا حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلَاَّ بِاللَّهِ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَاَّ اللَّهُ، وَلَا نَعْبُدُ إِلَاَّ إِيَّاهُ، لَهُ النِّعْمَةُ وَلَهُ الْفَضْلُ وَلَهُ الثَّنَاءُ الْحَسَنُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ

Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa kulli shay 'in Qadeer. Laa hawla wa laa quwwata 'illaa billaahi, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu, wa laa na'budu 'illaa 'iyyaahu, lahun-ni'matu wa lahul-fadhlu wa lahuth-thanaa'ul-hasanu, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu mukhliseena lahud-deena wa law karihal-kaafiroon.

None has the right to be worshiped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things. There is no power and no might except by Allah. None has the right to be worshiped but Allah, and we do not worship any other besides Him. His is grace, and His is bounty and to Him belongs the most excellent praise. None has the right to be worshiped but Allah. (We are) sincere in making our religious devotion to Him, even though the disbelievers may dislike it.

[Hisnul 68] [Muslim 1/415.]

4
(1)سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ(2)لَا إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

Subhaanallaahi, walhamdu lillaahi wallaahu 'Akbar.(1)Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamduwaHuwa'alaakullishay'inQadeer.(2)

Glory is to Allah, and praise is to Allah, and Allah is the Most Great. (Thirty-Three times each)(1)None has the right to be worshiped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things.(2)(Whoever says this after every prayer will be forgiven his sins even though they be as the foam of the sea.)

[Hisnul 69] [Muslim 1/418.]

5
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّـهُ أَحَدٌ، اللَّـهُ الصَّمَدُ، لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ، وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ. قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَ‌بِّ الْفَلَقِ، مِن شَرِّ‌ مَا خَلَقَ، وَمِن شَرِّ‌ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ، وَمِن شَرِّ‌ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ، وَمِن شَرِّ‌ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ. قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَ‌بِّ النَّاسِ، مَلِكِ النَّاسِ، إِلَـٰهِ النَّاسِ، مِن شَرِّ‌ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ، الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ‌ النَّاسِ، مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ.

Qul huwa Allahu ahad, Allahu assamad, Lam yalid walam yoolad, Walam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad. Qul a'aoothu birabbi alfalaq, Min sharri ma khalaq, Wamin sharri ghasiqin ithawaqab, Wamin sharri annaffathatifee al'uqad, Wamin sharri hasidin itha hasad. Qul a'aoothu birabbi annas, Maliki annas, Ilahi annas, Min sharri alwaswasi alkhannas, Allathee yuwaswisu fee sudoori annas, Mina aljinnati wannas.

Recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas

[Hisnul 70] [Al-Ikhlas:1-4, Al-Falaq:1-5, An-Nas:1-6.]

6
اللَّهُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لاَ تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلاَ نَوْمٌ لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ مَن ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِهِ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلاَ يُحِيطُونَ بِشَىْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلاَّ بِمَا شَاءَ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضَ وَلاَ يَؤُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ

Allaahu laa 'ilaaha 'illaa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyoom, laa ta'khuthuhu sinatun wa laa nawm, lahu maa fis-samaawaati wa maafil-'ardh, man thal-lathee yashfa'u 'indahu 'illaa bi'ithnih, ya'lamu maa bayna 'aydeehim wa maa khalfahum, wa laa yuheetoona bishay'im-min 'ilmihi 'illaa bimaa shaa'a, wasi'a kursiyyuhus-samaawaati wal'ardh, wa laa ya'ooduhu hifdhuhumaa, wa Huwal-'Aliyyul- 'Adheem.

Allah! There is none worthy of worship but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.

[Hisnul 71] [An-Nasa'i (Hadith no. 100), Ibn As-Sunni (Hadith no. 121,Sahihul-Jami' As-Saghir 5/339, Silsilatul al-Ahadith as-Sahihah 2/697.]

7
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحَدْهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu yuhyee wa yumeetu wa Huwa 'alaa kulli shay'in Qadeer.

None has the right to be worshiped but Allah alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise. He brings life and He causes death, and He is Able to do all things. (Ten times after the Maghrib and Fajr prayers.)

[Hisnul 72] [At-Tirmizi 5/515, Ahmad 4/227, Zadul-Ma'ad 1/300.]

8
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْماً نَافِعاً وَرِزْقاً طَيِّباً، وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً

Allaahumma 'innee 'as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.

O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted. (Recite after the Fajr prayer.)

[Hisnul 73] [Ibn Majah, Sahih Ibn Majah 1/152, Majma' az-Zawaid 10/111.]

Dua After Salam in Arabic

While you can recite any of the authentic Dua, as reported in different Hadiths, the most emphasized and recommended Dua for recitation after Salam are as follows, as mentioned in authentic Hadiths:

  • Arabic Text of Istighfar - أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ – The Prophet used to recite it three times immediately after Salam, then other supplications.
  • Arabic Text of Subsequent Dua - اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلاَمُ، وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ، تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالإِكْرَامِ – The Prophet used to recite this Dua after Istighfar.
  • Arabic text of Ayatul Kursi - اللّٰهُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ۚ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَؤُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ – The Prophet also used to recite Ayatul Kursi after Salam in prayer.

There are so many other Duas that can be recited at this stage.

Dua After Salam in Transliteration

The transliteration of the above-mentioned Duas is as follows:

  • Astaghfirullah
  • Allahumma Antas-Salam wa minkas-salam, tabarakta ya Dhal-Jalali wal-Ikram
  • Allaahu laa 'ilaaha 'illaa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyoom, laa ta'khuthuhu sinatun wa laa nawm, lahu maa fis-samaawaati wa maafil-'ardh, man thal-lathee yashfa'u 'indahu 'illaa bi'ithnih, ya'lamu maa bayna 'aydeehim wa maa khalfahum, wa laa yuheetoona bishay'im-min 'ilmihi 'illaa bimaa shaa'a, wasi'a kursiyyuhus-samaawaati wal'ardh, wa laa ya'ooduhu hifdhuhumaa, wa Huwal-'Aliyyul- 'Adheem.

Dua After Salam in English

English versions of the above-mentioned Duas are as follows:

  • I seek the forgiveness of Allah.
  • O Allah, You are Peace and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Owner of majesty and honor.
  • Allah! There is none worthy of worship but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Highest, the Greatest.

Dua After Salam with Meaning

  • This Dua is known as Istighfar. It is a sort of repentance, which we recite for seeking Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ forgiveness for every wrongful act done previously.
  • In this Dua, we praise and seek peace from Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, admitting that He Himself is Peace, and Holds the Powers to dispense Peace.
  • Ayatul Kursi is one of the most virtuous and powerful supplications, and happens to be one of the longest verses of the Quran. It is all about praising Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, acknowledging His Authority, Status, and Powers. Here we also acknowledge that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is the Creator and Owns everything, including Earth and Skies, and everything in between.

The Etiquettes of Reciting Dua for Remembrance After Salam


The basic etiquette around the dua for remembrance after salam is to make it as soon as a believer finishes his prayer. He should recite the Taslim as well as other duas mentioned in Hadith. It is generally believed that one should make his dua after praising Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), then sending Durood upon the   Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and finally making the dua and mentioning all his needs and desires to the Lord of the worlds. The chances of the dua being accepted in such a manner are always high. And Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) knows best.

The etiquette of making Dua for remembrance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ includes the following:

  • Make Duas, preferably selected from the authentic Hadiths.
  • Try to memorize the Arabic version of these Duas, so that you can recite them without any difficulty.
  • Recite silently and slowly, while reflecting on their meaning. When we recite a Dua with a clear understanding of its theme and purpose, it creates relevance, as opposed to mechanical repetition of words.
  • Remembrance should be done with sincerity, entirely for seeking Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, not for showing off.
  • Dua for remembrance after Salam must be recited with complete concentration, from the core of your heart.
  • Although it is not compulsory, preferably, you should face Qibla while making dua for remembrance. At least one should start remembrance (dhikar) while facing Qibla, and then turn your face, if necessary.


Dua for Remembrance After Salam Benefits 


As already mentioned, the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is one of the best forms of worship. Best in the sense that a believer can achieve the approval of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and His pleasure with the acts of His servant. What bigger achievement and benefit for a Muslim than to achieve such a great reward?


In addition, the dua for remembrance after salam helps the person in gaining good deeds. It increases the ranks of a believer and keeps him away from tough situations and trials. It is a way of gaining sustenance and prosperity from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and keeps a believer away from poverty. The remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) provides a Muslim with protection from the torments of Hellfire and grave.

FAQs:

As per sunnah, a believer should recite any duas of remembrance as soon as he offers the salam and ends the prayer.
The remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) or Dhikr is one of the best forms of worship as per the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
No, a believer should don his tongue with the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) at all times and whenever he is free.

Any Dua can be recited after Salam, as reported in authentic Hadith collections. This should be done immediately after making Salam, without indulging in any other activity.

The Sunnah practice is to say “Astaghfirullah” three times, followed by “Allahumma Antas-Salam wa minkas-salam, tabarakta ya Dhal-Jalali wal-Ikram". After that, you can also recite any other Dua or any recommended Surahs or verses from the Quran, such as Ayatul Kursi.

No, remembrance after Salam in prayer is not obligatory but a highly emphasized Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.

There is no fixed duration for the performance of remembrance after Salam. However, it is recommended to do it for a reasonable time period. At least spare a couple of minutes for this highly virtuous act.