Golden Words of Allah (episode 20)

By Abdullahi Yusuf

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All perfect praise be to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, the Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Allah says concerning; Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr)

The Quran places great emphasis on the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr), highlighting it as a core aspect of worship and a way to maintain a close relationship with the Creator. Dhikr is more than just verbal repetition of Allah’s names; it includes deep contemplation, reflection, and an awareness of God’s presence in every aspect of life.

1. Constant Remembrance is Commanded:

The Quran encourages believers to remember Allah constantly in every situation, whether in hardship or ease.

Quranic reference: “So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (Quran 2:152).

Hadith reference: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The example of the one who remembers his Lord in comparison to the one who does not remember his Lord is like that of the living and the dead.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, 6407).

2. Dhikr Brings Peace and Tranquility:

The Quran explains that the remembrance of Allah brings peace and tranquility to the hearts of the believers.

Quranic reference: “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Quran 13:28).

Hadith reference: “There is a polish for everything that takes away rust; and the polish for the heart is the remembrance of Allah.”

(Sunan al-Bayhaqi, 2498).

3. Success is Linked to Dhikr:

Believers are reminded that success in this world and the hereafter is closely tied to the frequent remembrance of Allah:

Quranic reference: “And the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (Quran 33:35).

Hadith reference: “Shall I not inform you of the best of your deeds, the purest of them with your Master, the highest of them in your ranks, better for you than spending gold and silver, and better for you than meeting your enemy, striking their necks, and them striking your necks?” They said, ‘Of course.’ He said, ‘The remembrance of Allah.’”

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 3377)

4. Neglecting Dhikr Leads to Loss:

The Quran warns against neglecting the remembrance of Allah, describing it as a path that leads to misguidance and spiritual harm:

Quranic reference: “And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.” (Quran 20:124).

Hadith reference: “The most severely punished people on the Day of Resurrection will be those whom Allah has made to forget His remembrance.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3792).

5. Remembrance in All Situations:

The Quran encourages believers to engage in Dhikr in all circumstances: standing, sitting, or lying down. This all-encompassing practice of remembrance helps maintain consciousness of Allah at all times.

Quranic reference: “Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’” (Quran 3:191).

Hadith reference: “The Prophet (PBUH) used to remember Allah at all times.” (Sahih Muslim, 373).

6. Dhikr in Times of Difficulty:

In moments of distress or trial, the Quran advises believers to turn to the remembrance of Allah as a means of finding patience and strength:

Quranic reference: “And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.” (Quran 11:115).

Hadith reference: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Remember Allah during times of ease, and He will remember you during times of difficulty (Musnad Ahmad, 2803).

In conclusion, Dhikr is a vital practice in Islam, deeply rooted in both the Quran and Hadith. It brings peace, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah, while also serving as protection from life’s challenges. By engaging in regular remembrance, believers can cultivate a deeper spiritual connection and achieve success in both this life and the hereafter.

And Allah knows best…

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