Is it understood from the phrase "Shall I not tell you of something better and more excellent than your remembrance [dhikr] of Allah by night and day?" that the dhikr mentioned in the hadith is superior to absolute remembrance throughout one's life?
The hadith reported by An-Nasa'i, Ibn Khuzaymah, Ibn Hibban, Al-Tabarani, and Al-Bazzar from Abu Umamah, in which the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to him: "Shall I not tell you something better or more (rewarding) than your remembrance of Allah night and day, and day and night? Say: 'Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah) as many times as the number of what He has created, Subhanallah filling what He has created, Subhanallah as many times as what is in the earth and the heavens, Subhanallah filling what is in the heavens and the earth, Subhanallah filling what He has created, Subhanallah as many times as what His Book has enumerated, and Subhanallah filling everything,' and say: 'Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) likewise.'"
This dhikr (remembrance) is superior to other forms of remembrance, even if they were to occupy one night and day for an entire lifetime. This is due to the honor of its wording, the majesty of its meanings, and the profound faith-based meanings that fill the heart of the one who recites it. Al-Shawkani pointed out that this indicates the greatness of the dhikr mentioned in the hadith, and that it is superior to absolute dhikr. Some scholars call it 'multiplied dhikr.'
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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