Back to search

Were the remembrances that were recited with a specific number and increase with the intention of memorization, yet contrary to the Prophetic Sunnah, a reason for preservation from Allah during that period?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Firstly: If these thoughts are persistent and cause anxiety, a psychologist should be consulted to assess them and ensure they are not obsessive thoughts requiring treatment.

Secondly: Whoever increases the number of adhkar (remembrances) due to doubt about their validity, or due to waswas (whispers from Satan), or thinking that they will not benefit from them except by repetition, will be rewarded for reciting them, and this increase is excused, as they did not intentionally violate the Sunnah.

Thirdly: As for whoever intentionally exceeds the prescribed number without excuse: 1. For adhkar intended for protection and healing (such as Al-Fatiha and the Mu'awwidhat - chapters of refuge): The matter is broad, and repeating them with the intention of memorization and protection is permissible. 2. For prescribed devotional adhkar (such as post-prayer adhkar): One should adhere to the number mentioned in the Sunnah, except for what the Sunnah indicates allows for an increase, such as saying "Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi" (Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him) and "La ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lahu..." (There is no god but Allah alone, without partner) one hundred times, in which case exceeding one hundred is permissible.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy