Connecting with Allah: A Simple and Powerful Way to Recite the 99 Names of Allah

Integrate the Names of Allah into Your Daily Routine with a Balanced 15-Minute Practice of Dhikr and Du’a. 

A Structured Way to Recite the 99 Names of Allah: Connecting Through Regular Practice

One of the best ways to connect with Allah through His 99 Names is to incorporate them into your daily routine, especially around prayer times. Here's a method I follow and recommend, which balances dhikr (remembrance) and duas (supplications) in a meaningful way:

1. Daily Recitation at Each Prayer Time (15 mins total):

• Divide your 15-minute session into two parts: 7.5 minutes of dhikr and 7.5 minutes of duas. This ensures you engage in both remembrance and supplication, creating a balanced practice.

Dhikr (7.5 mins):

• Recite the Names of Allah. Focus on reciting each Name 33 times working through the 99 names and then beginning at the beginning again when the 99 are complete.
• For instance, if you feel particularly drawn to a Name or the advice of the Ahle bayt (As) is for a particular number for some niyyat, you can recite it more times.  The important thing is to work through the 99 names as they activate different parts of our third eye as well as creating those qualities in us and making us aware of the beautiful name of Allah both on a conscious and subconscious level.  These names become our character.

• Recite the Names in sets (e.g., 3 or 5 Names at a time). Reflect on their meanings:
  • Ar-Rahman: Reflect on Allah’s mercy.
  • Al-Malik: Contemplate His sovereignty.
  • Al-Quddus: Think of His purity.

Du'a (7.5 mins):

• After your dhikr, spend the remaining 7.5 minutes making dua (supplication). Ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for yourself and your loved ones. Some daily supplications could include:
  • Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah) – recite 100 times.
  • La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah) – recite 100 times.
  • Salawat (Sending blessings upon the Prophet SAW) – recite 100 times.
  • You can also personalize your dua for particular needs—whether it's for protection, health, or guidance.

2. Focused Daily Recitations (Once a Day):

• Each day, select a specific set of 100 recitations for deeper focus:
  • Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness)
  • La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah)
  • Salawat (Sending blessings upon the Prophet SAW)
• This set can be done once a day, outside of the prayer times, as a special devotional practice.

3. Special Prayers for Family and Children:

• For your loved ones, especially children, you can focus on Names of Allah that resonate with protection and blessings, like:
  • Ya Hafiz (The Preserver)
  • Ya Rahman (The Merciful)
• Include regular dua for their well-being and spiritual growth.

4. Flexibility and Consistency:

• Consistency is key: Even if your recitations are brief, repeat them regularly to foster a deeper connection with Allah’s Names.
• Don’t worry if you miss a prayer timing dhikr; just keep returning to the practice as often as possible.

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This method allows you to engage with both the Names of Allah and supplications in a structured yet flexible way. Over time, this practice will not only strengthen your connection with the divine attributes but also bring peace and spiritual growth into your life.