The Goodly Word by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyya; The Abundant Downpour by his student, the eminent scholar Ibn al-Qayyim; Gift to Those Who Remember by Imam al-Shawkānī; and Gift to the Virtuous by Imam Shaykh ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz ibn Bāz—may Allah have mercy on them all—along with many other valuable and beneficial works written on this important subject by scholars of earlier and later generations1.

Their writings in this field vary: some relate reports with their chains of transmission, while others omit the chains; some are lengthy and exhaustive, while others are concise, moderate in scope, or carefully refined.

It is well known that Muslims devote considerable attention and care to these remembrances associated with their daily and nightly practice. Many of them, however, may not distinguish between what is authentic and reliably established from the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—and what is weak and not established from him. They may also be unaware of the meanings and noble purposes of these great remembrances, thereby missing their tremendous benefit and profound effect. Ibn al-Qayyim—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “The best and most beneficial remembrance is that in which the heart accords with the tongue, which belongs to the Prophetic remembrances, and whose meanings and purposes the one engaged in remembrance keeps consciously in mind.”2 Thus end his words—may Allah have mercy on him.

Allah willing, I shall discuss a fine and blessed selection of those remembrances associated with a Muslim’s daily and nightly practice, explaining, as far as possible, their profound wisdom, sound guidance, and noble meanings. I seek help, success, and right direction from Allah alone, and I ask Him—glorified is He—to grant us and you success in every good that He loves and with which He is pleased.