The Difference Between Dhikr and Du'a

Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) and Supplication (Du'a) Are Closely Connected

Dhikr (the remembrance of Allah) and du'a (supplication) are closely connected. Whoever supplicates to Allah is remembering Him, and whoever remembers Allah also includes the meaning of supplication and seeking from Him. For this reason, some forms of dhikr mentioned in the Qur'an and the Sunnah are described as supplications even though they do not contain an explicit request.

The scholars explained that praising Allah inherently includes asking Him and hoping for His favor. When a servant praises Allah and acknowledges His perfection, he is also expressing his own need, dependence, and poverty before his Lord.

Is Saying "La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah" Dhikr or Du'a?

The Muslim's statement:

"La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah"
(There is no power and no strength except through Allah.)

is a form of dhikr and praise of Allah because it affirms that all movement, strength, and ability exist only by Allah's will and power.

At the same time, it is also a supplication and a plea for Allah's help, because it expresses the servant's acknowledgment of his weakness and his need for Allah's assistance in both religious and worldly affairs.

For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described it as one of the treasures of Paradise, and it is among the greatest expressions of reliance upon Allah and seeking His help.

The Meaning of "La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah"

The meaning of this blessed phrase is that a servant has no ability to change from one condition to another, no power to obey Allah, avoid sin, or endure trials except through Allah's help and support.

Therefore, it combines several profound meanings:

• Praising and glorifying Allah.
• Acknowledging the servant's weakness and complete dependence on Allah.
• Seeking Allah's help, guidance, and success.

Ruling on Raising the Hands While Saying "La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah"

If a Muslim intends this phrase as a supplication and seeks Allah's help through it, then it is permissible and recommended to raise the hands just as one raises them during other supplications, especially at times when du'a is more likely to be accepted.

This is because the phrase is not merely a verbal remembrance but also contains a request for Allah's assistance, and seeking His help is among the greatest forms of supplication.

Conclusion

• Saying "La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah" is an act of remembering and praising Allah.
• It is also a supplication and a request for Allah's assistance.
• Its meaning is to acknowledge that all power, strength, and success belong solely to Allah.
• It is permissible to recite it during times when supplications are accepted.
• Raising the hands while saying it is permissible if it is intended as a supplication and a request to Allah.

And Allah knows best.