On Taking Permission Before Reciting a New Dhikr

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

If we come across a new dhikr or dua should we take permission before reciting it?

If it is from the Sunnah there is no need to take permission. Likewise there is no need to take permission before reciting the duas and adhkar of the great Imams of the Ummah as long as the meaning is clear and they are easy to read.

That being said, If someone is able to take a specific dhikr from a Shaykh who is known to be firm in the path then that will yield special benefits. It is always best to consult your shaykh before taking on a new wird as he knows what is most suitable for your spiritual state.

The focus should be on presence of heart and consistency. The purpose of dhikr and other acts of worship is to purify the heart and enable it to focus on the One being worshipped and remembered and thus gain direct knowledge of Him.