What is the ruling on the following practices in WhatsApp groups: encouraging dhikr by specifying certain numbers and sending them in the group with honoring of those who excel; collectively reciting a daily portion of the Quran while sharing reflections; and teaching children dhikr through a weekly competition and specifying a daily page from the Mushaf? And what is the most suitable modification for effectively encouraging dhikr and Quran recitation for adults and children?

Reciting the Quran and remembering Allah are among the greatest deeds, and "the one who points to good is like the one who does it." However, what has become widespread in WhatsApp groups, such as engaging in dhikr (definition) (remembrance of Allah) with specific numbers and informing others of one's actions, is disliked and contains corruptions:

1. Specifying dhikr with a certain number falls under the category of additive Bid'ah (innovation). 2. It leads to showing off (riya') and self-admiration ('ujb), whereas it is better to conceal one's good deeds. 3. One can remind others of good by spreading hadiths about virtues without mentioning numbers. As for each person informing others of what they have remembered or recited, this is not appropriate, and there is a fear of self-admiration or showing off.

Shaykh Abd al-Rahman al-Barrak was asked about "competition tables" in acts of worship, and he replied that they are an innovation (bid'ah) because they involve boasting, self-admiration, and displaying deeds which are better kept secret.

Children should not be asked to report the number of times they have performed dhikr, nor should competitions be arranged among them for this purpose, due to the corruption of riya' and 'ujb that it entails, and because it trains them to consider people's opinions in their acts of worship, turning worship into a mere number. However, teaching reading and memorization by having the teacher specify a certain amount to be recited, and then the students recite it, is permissible.