The Book of Remembrances (Kitab al-Adhkar): Your Complete Guide to Authentic Islamic Supplications
Introduction: In our fast-paced modern world, maintaining a constant connection with Allah can feel challenging. How do we remember our Creator throughout the day—during our morning routine, at work, while traveling, or before sleep? The answer lies in a timeless masterpiece compiled over 800 years ago: The Book of Remembrances (Kitab al-Adhkar) by Imam Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi. This comprehensive guide to dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and du'a (supplication) has transformed the spiritual lives of millions of Muslims worldwide. Whether you're a beginner seeking to establish a dhikr routine or an advanced student of Islamic knowledge, this book offers authentic, practical guidance rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. In this detailed review, we'll explore why this classic work remains essential reading for every Muslim household in 2025.
Why The Book of Remembrances Matters for Muslims Today
In an age of digital distractions and constant connectivity, the practice of dhikr—remembering and glorifying Allah—has never been more crucial for spiritual wellbeing. The Book of Remembrances addresses a fundamental need: how to maintain awareness of Allah throughout every moment of daily life.
Dhikr and du'a lie at the very heart of our din, forming the essential relationship between creature and Creator. As part of the Sunnah or Prophetic Way, these practices serve as divinely appointed means of approaching Allah Most High for all our needs. More importantly, they help us strengthen our tawhid—the existential and cognitive Unity that is the hallmark of Muslim spirituality.
What makes this book particularly relevant today is its comprehensive nature. Unlike scattered collections or apps that offer random supplications, Kitab al-Adhkar presents a complete system of remembrance covering every situation a Muslim encounters: waking up, entering the masjid, eating meals, facing difficulties, seeking knowledge, traveling, and countless other daily activities.
The book also addresses the vital principles of speaking only what is good and avoiding the sins of the tongue—issues that have become even more pressing in the age of social media, where words spread instantly and can cause immense harm or benefit.
About the Author: Imam Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi
To appreciate the Book of Remembrances fully, one must understand the towering scholarly stature of its compiler, Imam Muhyi al-Din Abu Zakariyya Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi (631-676 AH / 1233-1277 CE).
Early Life and Education: Born in the village of Nawa in Syria, Imam an-Nawawi displayed exceptional intelligence and piety from childhood. At age 19, he moved to Damascus to pursue Islamic knowledge, where he studied under the greatest scholars of his time. His dedication was legendary—he would sleep only briefly, spending most nights in worship and study.
Scholarly Contributions: Despite his relatively short life of just 45 years, Imam an-Nawawi produced an extraordinary body of work that continues to benefit Muslims worldwide. His most famous works include:
- Riyadh al-Salihin (The Gardens of the Righteous) - a beloved collection of hadith organized by topic
- Al-Arba'in al-Nawawiyyah (The Forty Hadith of an-Nawawi) - memorized by millions of Muslims
- Al-Minhaj - his monumental commentary on Sahih Muslim
- Al-Majmu' - an extensive work on Shafi'i jurisprudence
- Kitab al-Adhkar - the work under review
Character and Piety: Imam an-Nawawi was known for his extreme asceticism, refusing gifts from rulers and living a simple life dedicated entirely to knowledge and worship. He never married, devoting himself completely to serving Islam through scholarship and teaching. His sincerity and God-consciousness shine through every page of his writings.
Methodology: What distinguishes Imam an-Nawawi's scholarship is his meticulous attention to authenticity, clarity of expression, and practical applicability. He didn't simply compile narrations; he verified their chains of transmission, explained difficult terms, and provided guidance on proper implementation. This rigorous yet accessible approach makes his works timeless.
Key Themes and Lessons in The Book of Remembrances
1. Comprehensive Coverage of Daily Life: The book organizes supplications and remembrances according to different times, places, and situations. From the moment you wake until you sleep, from entering your home to traveling abroad, Imam an-Nawawi provides authentic prophetic guidance for maintaining Allah's remembrance.
2. The Spiritual Significance of Dhikr: The book doesn't merely list supplications; it explains their profound spiritual benefits. Readers learn how dhikr purifies the heart, brings tranquility, protects from evil, and draws one closer to Allah. Each section includes relevant Quranic verses and hadith explaining the virtues of specific remembrances.
3. Etiquette of Supplication: Imam an-Nawawi teaches the proper manners of making du'a: the best times, the recommended postures, the importance of sincerity, and the conditions for acceptance. This transforms supplication from mere words into a powerful spiritual practice.
4. Protection Through Remembrance: Many sections focus on adhkar that provide spiritual protection—morning and evening remembrances that shield believers from harm, supplications for protection from the evil eye, and invocations that ward off Satan's whispers.
5. Guarding the Tongue: A significant portion addresses the ethics of speech in Islam. Imam an-Nawawi details the sins of the tongue—backbiting, slander, lying, mockery—and provides practical guidance for cultivating beneficial speech and silence.
6. Remembrance in Worship: The book includes extensive sections on dhikr during and after the five daily prayers, during Hajj and Umrah, while fasting, and in other acts of worship, helping readers maximize the spiritual benefits of their ibadah.
7. Dealing with Life's Challenges: Readers find authentic supplications for times of difficulty, illness, anxiety, fear, and hardship. These provide both spiritual comfort and practical tools for navigating life's trials with faith and patience.
Who Should Read This Book?
Beginners in Islamic Knowledge: If you're new to Islam or seeking to deepen your practice, this book provides an accessible entry point into authentic Islamic spirituality. The clear organization and comprehensive coverage make it easy to incorporate prophetic supplications into your daily routine gradually.
Practicing Muslims Seeking Spiritual Growth: For those already committed to their faith, the Book of Remembrances offers a pathway to transform routine actions into acts of worship. Every mundane activity becomes an opportunity for dhikr and drawing closer to Allah.
Students of Islamic Knowledge: Serious students will appreciate Imam an-Nawawi's scholarly rigor, his authentication of hadith, his explanations of rare words and names, and his notes on the sources of narrations. This edition includes all the author's statements about hadiths he related personally from his teachers.
Parents and Educators: The book serves as an invaluable resource for teaching children authentic Islamic practices. Parents can use it to establish family routines of morning and evening adhkar, mealtime supplications, and bedtime remembrances.
Converts to Islam: New Muslims often struggle to find authentic, comprehensive guidance on daily Islamic practices. This book provides exactly that—a complete manual for living a life of remembrance based purely on Quran and Sunnah.
Anyone Seeking Inner Peace: In our anxiety-filled modern world, the practice of dhikr offers profound psychological and spiritual benefits. The remembrance of Allah brings tranquility to hearts, as the Quran states: "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest" (13:28).
Detailed Chapter Breakdown and Content Overview
The Book of Remembrances is organized into comprehensive chapters covering every aspect of a Muslim's life. This 602-page masterpiece includes:
Opening Chapters - Foundations of Dhikr: The book begins by establishing the immense virtues of remembering Allah, citing numerous Quranic verses and authentic hadith. Imam an-Nawawi explains the different types of dhikr, their spiritual ranks, and the proper etiquette for engaging in remembrance.
Daily Remembrances: Extensive sections cover morning adhkar (to be recited after Fajr), evening adhkar (after Asr), and bedtime supplications. These include the famous protective verses and phrases that the Prophet ﷺ taught his companions, such as Ayat al-Kursi, the last verses of Surah al-Baqarah, and the Mu'awwidhatayn (Surahs al-Falaq and an-Nas).
Remembrances Related to Prayer: Detailed coverage of adhkar before, during, and after the five daily prayers, including the opening supplications (du'a al-istiftah), the tashahhud, salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ, and the comprehensive post-prayer remembrances that many Muslims recite daily.
Supplications for Various Occasions: The book provides authentic du'as for entering and leaving the home, the mosque, the bathroom; for eating and drinking; for wearing new clothes; for looking in the mirror; for traveling; for rain; for visiting the sick; and dozens of other daily situations.
Remembrances for Worship: Specific sections address dhikr during Ramadan, on Fridays, during Hajj and Umrah, while giving charity, and during other acts of worship. These help readers maximize the spiritual benefits of their ibadah.
Protective Supplications: Comprehensive coverage of adhkar for protection from evil, the evil eye, magic, Satan's whispers, harmful creatures, and various dangers. These include the famous Ruqyah (spiritual healing) supplications from authentic sources.
Supplications for Difficulties: Authentic du'as for times of anxiety, fear, debt, illness, calamity, and hardship. These provide both spiritual comfort and practical tools for navigating life's challenges with faith.
The Ethics of Speech: Extensive chapters on guarding the tongue, avoiding backbiting (gheebah), slander (nameemah), lying, mockery, and other sins of speech. Imam an-Nawawi provides both prohibitions and positive alternatives, teaching what to say and when to remain silent.
Remembrance of Death and the Hereafter: Sections on visiting graves, supplications for the deceased, and remembrances that keep one mindful of death and the Day of Judgment—essential for maintaining spiritual perspective.
Special Features of This Edition: This Turath Publishing edition includes the complete Arabic text of every supplication in clear Arabic script, full romanization for those learning Arabic, and elegant English translations. The scholarly apparatus includes Imam an-Nawawi's original notes on hadith authentication, explanations of rare words, and additional scholarly commentary by the editor, Muhammad Isa Waley.
Comparison with Similar Books on Islamic Supplications
While several excellent books on Islamic supplications exist, the Book of Remembrances holds a unique position in Islamic literature. Here's how it compares to other popular works:
Vs. Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim): Hisnul Muslim by Sa'id ibn Wahf al-Qahtani is an excellent, concise collection of authentic supplications organized by situation. It's more compact and easier for beginners to carry and use daily. However, Kitab al-Adhkar is far more comprehensive, including detailed scholarly commentary, explanations of virtues, discussions of authenticity, and coverage of the ethics of speech. Think of Hisnul Muslim as an essential pocket guide, while the Book of Remembrances is the complete reference library.
Vs. Al-Adhkar by Ibn al-Jazari: Ibn al-Jazari's work on remembrances is also highly regarded, but Imam an-Nawawi's compilation has achieved wider acceptance and usage across the Muslim world. An-Nawawi's methodology is more systematic, his authentication more rigorous, and his explanations more accessible to general readers.
Vs. Riyadh al-Salihin: Interestingly, Imam an-Nawawi himself authored both works. Riyadh al-Salihin is broader, covering all aspects of Islamic character and practice through hadith. Kitab al-Adhkar is more focused specifically on supplications and remembrances, making it more detailed in this particular area. Many scholars recommend owning both.
Vs. Modern Supplication Apps: In the digital age, numerous apps offer daily adhkar with notifications and tracking features. While these provide convenience, they lack the depth, scholarly commentary, and comprehensive coverage of the Book of Remembrances. The ideal approach combines both: use apps for daily reminders while studying the book for deeper understanding.
Unique Advantages of Kitab al-Adhkar: What sets this work apart is the combination of comprehensiveness, authenticity, scholarly rigor, and practical applicability. Imam an-Nawawi doesn't just list supplications; he teaches you how to live a life of remembrance, explains the spiritual significance of each practice, and provides the tools to verify authenticity yourself.
How to Get the Most from This Book
Start Small and Build Gradually: Don't try to memorize everything at once. Begin with the essential morning and evening adhkar, then gradually add supplications for other situations as they become habitual. Consistency with a few remembrances is better than sporadic practice of many.
Create a Study Schedule: Dedicate specific time each week to studying the book, not just using it as a reference. Read Imam an-Nawawi's explanations of the virtues and benefits of each dhikr. Understanding the "why" behind practices increases motivation and sincerity.
Use the Trilingual Format: This edition's inclusion of Arabic, romanization, and English translation serves multiple purposes. Beginners can start with romanization while learning Arabic script. Advanced students can study the Arabic directly while referring to the English for nuanced meanings.
Memorize Strategically: Focus on memorizing the Arabic of frequently used supplications—morning/evening adhkar, post-prayer remembrances, and protection supplications. The act of memorization itself is worship, and reciting in Arabic carries special barakah (blessing).
Implement Immediately: As you learn each supplication, put it into practice right away. Place bookmarks on pages you're currently working on. Keep the book accessible in your prayer area, bedroom, or study.
Teach Others: Share what you learn with family members, especially children. Establishing family routines of dhikr creates a spiritually enriching home environment and helps with your own retention and practice.
Reflect on Meanings: Don't let dhikr become mere repetition. Regularly reflect on the meanings of what you're saying. This transforms mechanical recitation into heartfelt worship that truly impacts your spiritual state.
Study the Scholarly Notes: Don't skip Imam an-Nawawi's comments on hadith authentication and the editor's additional notes. These provide valuable insights into Islamic scholarship and help you develop critical thinking about religious sources.
Create Personal Checklists: Based on the book's content, create daily, weekly, and situational checklists of adhkar you want to maintain. Track your consistency and gradually expand your practice.
Join a Study Circle: If possible, study the book with others—whether family, friends, or a formal study group. Discussing the content deepens understanding and provides accountability for implementation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is this book suitable for beginners who are new to Islamic practices?
A: Absolutely! While comprehensive and scholarly, the Book of Remembrances is written in accessible language with clear explanations. The trilingual format (Arabic, romanization, and English) makes it perfect for beginners. Start with the basic morning and evening adhkar sections and gradually explore other chapters as you become comfortable.
Q2: How is this different from Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim)?
A: Hisnul Muslim is a concise, pocket-sized collection ideal for daily reference and memorization. The Book of Remembrances is far more comprehensive, including detailed scholarly commentary, explanations of virtues, discussions of hadith authenticity, and extensive coverage of speech ethics. Many Muslims benefit from owning both—Hisnul Muslim for portability and quick reference, and Kitab al-Adhkar for in-depth study.
Q3: Are all the supplications in this book authentic?
A: Yes. Imam an-Nawawi was extremely rigorous in his methodology, including only supplications from the Quran and authentic hadith. He provides notes on the sources and chains of transmission. The editor, Muhammad Isa Waley, has added additional scholarly notes on authenticity. This is one of the most reliable sources for authentic Islamic supplications.
Q4: Do I need to know Arabic to benefit from this book?
A: No. This edition includes full English translations of all supplications and explanatory text. It also provides romanization of the Arabic, allowing you to pronounce and eventually memorize the original Arabic even if you can't read Arabic script yet. However, the inclusion of Arabic text makes it valuable for those learning the language.
Q5: How long does it take to read or study this book?
A: The Book of Remembrances is designed as a lifelong reference, not a book to read once and set aside. You might spend a few weeks reading through it initially to understand its scope and organization. However, the real value comes from ongoing study and implementation—returning to different sections as needed, memorizing key supplications, and deepening your understanding over months and years.
Q6: Can I use this book to teach my children about Islamic supplications?
A: Definitely! Many parents use this book as a primary resource for teaching children authentic adhkar. Start with simple, short supplications for daily activities (eating, sleeping, entering/leaving home), then gradually introduce longer remembrances as children grow. The clear organization makes it easy to find age-appropriate content.
Q7: What's the difference between the paperback and hardback editions?
A: Both editions contain identical content—all 602 pages with the same text, Arabic, romanization, and translations. The hardback edition (₹1,300) features a more durable cover binding that will withstand frequent use over many years, making it ideal for family libraries or intensive study. The paperback (₹950) offers the same content at a more economical price point.
Q8: Is ilmStore.in the only authorized seller in India?
A: Yes, ilmStore.in holds exclusive publishing rights for The Book of Remembrances in India, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. This ensures you receive authentic Turath Publishing quality and supports the legitimate distribution of Islamic literature in the region.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
In a world filled with distractions and spiritual challenges, The Book of Remembrances (Kitab al-Adhkar) by Imam an-Nawawi stands as a timeless beacon guiding Muslims toward a life of constant connection with Allah. This is not merely a book of supplications—it's a comprehensive manual for transforming every moment of daily life into an opportunity for worship, reflection, and spiritual growth.
Why This Book Deserves a Place in Every Muslim Home: Whether you're a new Muslim seeking authentic guidance, a parent wanting to establish Islamic practices in your family, a student of knowledge pursuing deeper understanding, or simply a believer yearning for greater closeness to Allah, this book addresses your needs. Its combination of scholarly rigor and practical applicability is rare and precious.
The Investment in Your Spiritual Life: At just ₹950 for the paperback edition, this represents an investment in your spiritual development that will pay dividends for a lifetime. Unlike books you read once and shelve, the Book of Remembrances becomes a constant companion—a reference you'll return to daily, weekly, and throughout your life's journey.
A Legacy to Pass Down: This is the type of book that becomes a family heirloom, passed from generation to generation. The knowledge and practices it contains have been transmitted for over 800 years, and by bringing it into your home, you become part of that blessed chain of transmission.
Our Recommendation: Don't delay in acquiring this essential work. The Book of Remembrances is not a luxury for the spiritually elite—it's a necessity for every Muslim seeking to live according to the Sunnah. Start with the paperback if budget is a concern, or invest in the hardback for long-term durability. Either way, make this purchase a priority in your Islamic library.
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Begin your journey toward a life of constant remembrance today. Let Imam an-Nawawi's masterpiece guide you in transforming every moment—from waking to sleeping, from joy to difficulty, from solitude to community—into an opportunity to remember, glorify, and draw closer to Allah Most High.
May Allah accept this work from Imam an-Nawawi, benefit all who read and implement its teachings, and make us among those who remember Him abundantly. Ameen.