Muslims observe evening adhkar as a regular form of remembrance of Allah, seeking protection, well-being, forgiveness, peace, and stronger reliance upon Him.
The evening remembrance includes Quranic verses, prophetic supplications, and other forms of dhikr that are repeated according to the numbers reported in the Sunnah.
Ayat al-Kursi in the Evening Adhkar
Ayat al-Kursi is recited once as part of the evening remembrance. It is one of the most significant verses of the Quran and is commonly included in a Muslim’s daily protection and remembrance routine.
Surah Al-Ikhlas and the Two Protective Surahs
Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas are recited three times in the evening. These surahs are among the well-known forms of remembrance used to seek Allah’s protection from harm and evil.
Prophetic Evening Supplications
Among the evening adhkar is the supplication:
“We have entered the evening, and the kingdom belongs to Allah...”
Another well-known remembrance is:
“I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, Islam as my religion, and Muhammad ﷺ as my Prophet.” It is recited three times.
Muslims may also recite Sayyid al-Istighfar, beginning with:
“O Allah, You are my Lord; there is no deity except You. You created me and I am Your servant...”
It is recited once in the evening.
Remembrance of Allah’s Oneness and Gratitude
Among the evening remembrances is the supplication beginning:
“O Allah, I have entered the evening calling You and the bearers of Your Throne to witness...”
It is recited four times.
Another supplication expresses gratitude for Allah’s blessings:
“O Allah, whatever blessing has come upon me or any of Your creation this evening is from You alone, without partner...”
It is recited once.
Supplications for Well-Being and Protection
Among the evening supplications is:
“O Allah, grant well-being to my body; O Allah, grant well-being to my hearing; O Allah, grant well-being to my sight...”
It is recited three times.
Another important supplication asks Allah for forgiveness and well-being in this life and the Hereafter:
“O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and the Hereafter.”
A further protective remembrance is:
“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.”
It is recited three times.
Reliance on Allah and Seeking Refuge
Among the evening adhkar is:
“Allah is sufficient for me. There is no deity except Him. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.”
It is recited seven times.
Another supplication begins:
“O Allah, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Lord and Sovereign of everything...”
Muslims may also increase their remembrance through seeking forgiveness and sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. One commonly recited form of dhikr is:
“Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him.”
It may be repeated one hundred times.
When Should Evening Adhkar Be Recited?
Evening adhkar are generally recited during the evening period. Many Muslims recite them after Asr and before sunset, while scholars differ regarding the precise beginning and ending of the appropriate time for some individual adhkar.
The central purpose is to maintain remembrance of Allah, reflect on the meanings of the supplications, and strengthen reliance upon Him rather than treating the words as mere repetitions.
Is It Necessary to Recite All Evening Adhkar?
A Muslim does not have to recite every remembrance at once. The person can maintain the established adhkar according to their ability while giving attention to authentic Quranic and prophetic forms of remembrance and observing the prescribed repetition counts where applicable.
What are the main evening adhkar?
They include Ayat al-Kursi, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, Sayyid al-Istighfar, and supplications for protection, well-being, and reliance on Allah.
How many times are the three protective surahs recited?
Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas are recited three times in the evening.
Can evening adhkar be recited after Asr?
Yes. Evening remembrance is commonly recited after Asr and before sunset, within the evening period.
How many times is Sayyid al-Istighfar recited in the evening?
It is recited once in the evening.
Is it permissible to recite only some evening adhkar?
A Muslim may remember Allah according to their ability, while striving to maintain the established adhkar consistently.
