Cordoba Quran - Prayer and dhikr are two practices that are the key to a servant's peace of mind and closeness to Allah. In everyday life, both are not just a routine of worship, but a form of spiritual communication that strengthens faith and enlivens the heart. However, in order for prayer and dhikr to be more meaningful, there are manners and procedures that we need to understand and practice.

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The Meaning of Prayer and Dhikr

Linguistically, prayer means supplication. In Islam, prayer is a form of acknowledgment that humans are weak and completely dependent on God. Meanwhile, dhikr means remembrance, that is, remembering God with the tongue, heart, and actions. Allah says in the Quran:

فَاذْكُرُوْنِيْٓ اَذْكُرْكُمْ

" So, remember Me, I will remember you ." (QS. Al-Baqarah [2]: 152)

This verse shows that dhikr is not just words on the lips, but also a heart awareness that continues to bring Allah into every step of life.

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Manners in Prayer

Praying is not just about making requests, but also showing humility before the Creator. Here are some etiquettes that need to be maintained:

1. Start by praising Allah and offering prayers

Before asking, start the prayer by praising Allah and offering salawat to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Prophet said, "Every prayer is suspended between heaven and earth until the salawat is recited to the Prophet." (HR. Tirmidhi)

2. Pray with a devout heart and full of confidence

Don't pray with a negligent heart. Be assured that God is All-Hearing and that every prayer will be answered, even if in different ways.

3. Pray in a pure state and facing the Qibla

Although not obligatory, performing ablution and facing the Qibla shows sincerity and good manners in praying.

4. Raise your hand and lower your voice

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to raise his hands when praying. A soft voice conveys greater humility before God.

5. Close the prayer with blessings and "Amen"

After making your request, end the prayer by reciting the salawat and the phrase "Aamiin" which means "O Allah, grant it."

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The Correct Way to Pray

Here are some simple steps to make your prayers more organized and devout:

1. Purify yourself and look for an efficacious time , such as the last third of the night, between the call to prayer and iqamah, or when you prostrate in prayer.
2. Start by praising Allah and offering prayers.
3. Say your prayers sincerely, without rushing, and from the heart.
4. Pray for others too, because prayers for others will come back to us.
5. Close with hope and confidence, that Allah will give the best.

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Manners in Dhikr

Dhikr can be done anytime and anywhere. However, to be more valuable in the sight of Allah, there are several etiquettes worth observing:

1. Dhikr with heart and tongue

Perfect dhikr is not only said, but also felt. The hearts that are present will grow a sense of love and fear of Allah.

2. In a state of purity

Even though it can be done without ablution, dhikr in a pure state is more important and adds solemnity.

3. Dhikr after obligatory prayers

The Prophet taught dhikr after prayer such as Subhanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 33 times.

4. Morning and evening dhikr

This practice protects oneself from distractions and provides calm throughout the day. Readings such as Ayat Kursi , Surah Al-Ikhlas , Al-Falaq , and An-Nas are highly recommended.

5. Dhikr with full calm

Do not rush. Say each word with appreciation so that the meaning really enters your heart.

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The Virtues and Benefits of Prayer and Dhikr

These two practices bring a lot of goodness, both for this world and the hereafter. Some of them:

• Get closer to Allah. The more often we pray and dhikr, the stronger our spiritual connection with the Creator.
• Soothe your heart. Allah says, "Only by remembering Allah does the heart become calm." (QS. Ar-Ra'd: 28)
• Resists evil and disaster. Prayer can be a protector from various difficulties and trials.
• Brings blessings. A life filled with prayer and dhikr will be filled with blessings and inner peace.
• Erases sins and increases degrees. Every recital of dhikr becomes a reward that increases a servant's closeness to Allah.

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Tips for Consistent Prayer and Dhikr

1. Set aside a specific time. Make prayer and remembrance a routine, for example, after prayer or before bed.
2. Use tools like digital prayer beads to help you count your prayers and maintain focus.
3. Invite your family to pray together. Congregational prayer can foster peace and strengthen family bonds.
4. Read prayers and dhikr with an understanding of their meaning. The more you understand their meaning, the deeper their impact on your heart.

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Prayer and dhikr are gentle paths to inner peace and strength. By maintaining proper etiquette and procedures, these practices will not only become habits but also a source of closeness to God. Start with small steps: praying after each prayer, dhikr before bed, and bringing God into the presence of God with every breath. Indeed, a heart that constantly remembers God will never feel alone.

"Whoever remembers Me in himself, I will remember him in Myself." (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim) . And Allah knows best.

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Also Read: Prayers for Devotion in Prayer and Other Worship

Also Read: Al-Qur'an Prayers Verse Munajat: Morning Evening Dhikr for All Requirements

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