Hizb-ul-Bahr (حزب البحر) – The Story and Significance
Hizb-ul-Bahr (حزب البحر), meaning “The Litany of the Sea,” is a powerful supplication (du’a) composed by Shaykh Abul Hasan ash-Shadhili (1196–1258 CE), the founder of the Shadhili Sufi order. This prayer is known for its deep spiritual power, divine protection, and ability to bring blessings.
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1. The Story Behind Hizb-ul-Bahr
The origin of Hizb-ul-Bahr is tied to a miraculous event in Shaykh Abul Hasan ash-Shadhili’s life.
The Journey and the Storm
Shaykh Abul Hasan ash-Shadhili was on a sea voyage with his companions when they encountered a violent storm.
The storm threatened to capsize the ship, and the passengers were filled with fear.
At that moment, the Shaykh received divine inspiration (Ilham) and was instructed to recite a special supplication.
As soon as he recited the words of Hizb-ul-Bahr, the storm miraculously calmed, and the ship safely reached its destination.
Divine Revelation
Shaykh Abul Hasan ash-Shadhili later explained that the words of the prayer were revealed to him through spiritual insight (Kashf) and that it contained secrets of divine protection and blessings.
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2. The Text of Hizb-ul-Bahr (Selected Verses & Meaning)
The full text of Hizb-ul-Bahr is long, but here are some key parts:
> بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”
> اللَّهُمَّ يَا عَلِيُّ يَا كَبِيرُ، يَا حَلِيمُ يَا عَلِيمُ، أَنْتَ رَبِّي وَعِلْمُكَ حَسْبِي، فَنِعْمَ الرَّبُّ رَبِّي، وَنِعْمَ الْحَسْبُ حَسْبِي
“O Allah! O Exalted One! O Great One! O Most Forbearing! O All-Knowing! You are my Lord, and Your knowledge is sufficient for me. What a great Lord You are, and what a sufficient protector You are!”
> نَصْرٌ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَفَتْحٌ قَرِيبٌ، وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
“Help from Allah and a near victory, and give glad tidings to the believers.” (Quran 61:13)
> وَاسْتَفْتَحُوا وَخَابَ كُلُّ جَبَّارٍ عَنِيدٍ
“They sought victory, and every stubborn tyrant was disappointed.” (Quran 14:15)
> حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ، عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ
“Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but Him. In Him, I put my trust, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.” (Quran 9:129)
This powerful litany contains divine names, Quranic verses, and supplications seeking protection, victory, and divine assistance.
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3. The Spiritual Power of Hizb-ul-Bahr
The Shadhili Sufi Order and many Islamic scholars consider Hizb-ul-Bahr a prayer of immense spiritual significance. It is recited for:
A) Protection from Danger
Calming storms (physical and spiritual) – just as it saved the Shaykh from drowning, it is believed to protect from calamities, dangers, and difficulties.
Protection from enemies and oppression – it is often recited in times of war, conflict, or personal danger.
B) Seeking Divine Help and Victory
The Quranic verses in the prayer indicate that it is a supplication for success in difficult times.
It was reportedly recited by warriors and rulers before battles to seek Allah’s help.
C) Healing and Blessings
It is said to remove spiritual blockages, grant inner peace, and open doors to divine mercy.
Many Sufi scholars recommend it for those struggling with hardships, anxiety, or negative forces.
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4. The Influence of Hizb-ul-Bahr in Islamic History
Many Sufi saints and scholars have incorporated Hizb-ul-Bahr into their daily spiritual practices.
Some Muslim naval commanders were known to recite it before heading into battle, believing it brought divine assistance.
Even today, Muslims around the world recite it for safety during travel, personal protection, and overcoming obstacles.
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5. How to Recite Hizb-ul-Bahr?
It is traditionally recited after Fajr (morning) prayer or before travel.
Many people recite it daily as a spiritual shield.
Sufi teachers recommend that it should be recited with sincerity and full faith in Allah’s power.
Aal-e-Qutub Aal-e-Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi 