Hizbul Bahr
Dua Hizbul Bahr, also known as the “Litany of the Sea,” is a powerful invocation attributed to Imam Abul Hasan ash-Shadhili, the founder of the Shadhili Sufi order. This sacred litany holds great significance in Islamic spiritual practices, particularly within Sufi traditions.
Origin and Significance
Imam Shadhili reportedly received this litany directly from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in a dream during a pilgrimage journey when his voyage was delayed by unfavorable winds[1]. The Prophet ﷺ instructed him to “Guard it, for it contains the Supreme Name of Allah”[5]. This divine origin contributes to the litany’s revered status among practitioners.
Contents and Structure
The Hizbul Bahr consists primarily of Quranic verses and authentic prophetic invocations[1]. It includes repetitions of divine names and attributes, with special emphasis on the repetition of “Ha Meem” seven times, which is said to unlock the secrets of seven Quranic chapters beginning with these letters[8].
Benefits and Uses
Practitioners attribute numerous spiritual and worldly benefits to the recitation of Hizbul Bahr:
- Protection from harm and evil influences
- Dispelling of jinn and negative energies
- Providing security and peace to the fearful and anxious
- Healing of the sick
- Fulfillment of lawful needs and desires
- Spiritual illumination and unveiling of divine secrets
- Protection during sea voyages and travels
Recitation Methods
There are various recommended ways to recite Hizbul Bahr:
- Daily recitation: Twice daily, preferably after Fajr and Asr prayers[3].
- Intensive practice (Chillah): Reciting 360 times over 3 or 12 days[8].
- Specific need: Reciting with focused intention for a particular purpose[4].
When reciting for a specific need, it is advised to focus one’s intention at the words “wa sakhkhir lana hadha l-bahr” (“and subject to us this sea”)[4].
Important Considerations
- Spiritual guidance: It is recommended to practice under the guidance of a qualified spiritual teacher (sheikh)[1].
- Intention: The focus should be on sincere remembrance and connection with the Divine, rather than treating it as a magical formula[4].
- Presence of heart: Reciters are encouraged to memorize and recite from the heart, with full attention to the One being addressed[4].
Hizbul Bahr remains a cherished spiritual practice, offering solace, protection, and divine connection to those who engage with it sincerely and consistently.
Citations:
[2] https://freeonlineislamicstudies.blogspot.com/p/hizbul-bahr-t-he-hizbul-bahr-litany-of.html
[3] https://wazifaforlove2018.wordpress.com/2015/09/12/benefits-of-reading-hizbul-bahr/
[4] https://www.shadhiliyyah.sg/awrad-litanies/hizbul-bahr
[5] https://voiceofeast.net/2021/06/16/dua-hizbul-bahr-the-litany-of-the-sea/
[6] https://salawaat.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/hizbul-bahr-arabic-text4.pdf
[7] https://masnoonwazaifcollection.blogspot.com/2017/08/hizbul-bahr-benefits.html
[8] https://nalaynshareef.co.uk/the-hizbul-bahr-litany-of-the-sea/
[9] http://sajadaliuk.blogspot.com/2012/10/hizbulbahr-english-transliteration.html