DHIKR/REMEMBRANCE

Dhikr has many meanings in the Arabic language. Dhikr under discussion here is the remembrance of Allah (s.w.t.). The word “Dhikr” has been used in the Glorious Qur’an for more than 26 times. Some of the Ayahs includes:

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah152, Therefore, remember Me, and be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me.”

Surah ale-Imran Ayah 191, “Who remembers Allah while standing, sitting, reclining on their sides and contemplating on the creation of the heavens and the earth and say, “O our Lord, you have not created all this in vain ,Glory be to You. Save us from the punishment of the Hell.”

Surah al-A’raf Ayah 205, “And remember your Lord deep within yourselves, in humility and awe, and not in a loud voice, in the mornings and evenings and do not be of heedless ones.”

Surah al-Anfal Ayah2, “Verily believers are only those who when Allah is mentioned, their hearts are thrilled, and when unto them are recited His signs they increase them in faith, and they rely only on Allah.”

Surah al-Ra’d Ayah 28, “And those who believe, and their hearts are set by Allah’s remembrance; certainly, by Allah’s remembrance (only) are the hearts set at rest.”

Surah Ta-Ha Ayah 14, “Verily I, I (alone)am Allah: there is no god but I: worship thou (only) Me and establish prayer for My remembrance!”.”

Surah al-Ah’zab Ayah 21, “The Messenger of Allah is certainly an excellent example (of conduct) for him and have hope in Allah and in the Day of Judgement and who remember Allah very often.”

Surah al-Zukhruf Ayah 36, “We shall make Shaitan the companion of whoever turns blind toward the remembrance of the Beneficent.”

Surah al-Ju’mah Ayah 10, “When the prayer ends, disperse through the land and seek the Grace of Allah. Remember Allah often so that perhaps you may be successful.”

Surah al-Munafiqun Ayah 9, “Believers, do not let your wealth and children divert you from remembering Allah. Whoever is diverted will suffer a great loss.”

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “One who remembers Allah (s.w.t.) he is in the company of Allah (s.w.t.).” 

Dhikr is divided in “Dhikr-e-Lisani” or “remembrance by tongue” and “Dhikr-e-Qalbi” or “remembrance at heart”. Some of the important Dhikr are:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim”, “La Ilaha Illallah”, “Subhana Malikal Quddus”, “Subhana Behamdehi”, “Alhamdu Lillaha Kama Hua Ahlu” , “Allahu Akbar” , “SubhanAllahe Wal Hamdulillahe Wa La Ilaha IllallahuWallahuAkbar” , “Tasbih-e-Zahra” (Allahu Akbar 34 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, SubhanAllah 33 times) , “la Haula Wala Quwwata Illah Billah”, “Ayatal Kursi”, “Salawaat”, La Ilaha Illah Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin”

               Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (English translation) by S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali and Ayatullah                                 Agha H.M.M. Pooya

     Anecdotes of Reflection by Sayyid Ali Akbar Sadaqat

    Maulana Amir Mukhtar Faezi (Baitul Ilm recording)