Main Topic
The Purpose and Spirit of Dhikrullah (Remembrance of Allah)
Key Lessons
- Dhikr serves as a polish for the spiritual heart, removing the rust and spiritual blockages caused by sin and worldly distractions.
- The primary purpose of dhikr is not merely fulfilling a ritual, but instilling a continuous, practical consciousness of Allah Ta'ala throughout the daily 24 hours.
- Coupling dhikr with couplets or poetry is meant to evoke love and feeling, acting like spice to enhance devotion rather than being an essential ritual requirement.
- True reliance (Illallah) means recognizing that Allah Ta'ala alone brings about harm and benefit, as illustrated through the accounts of Musa Alayhis Salam and Ibrahim Alayhis Salam.
- Seeking Allah's pleasure above the approval of people ensures divine protection and sufficiency, whereas seeking people's approval at the expense of Allah's pleasure leaves a person helpless.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Hadith mentioning that everything rusts, and the polish for the heart is the remembrance of Allah.
- Historical accounts of Musa Alayhis Salam being brought up safely in Pharaoh's palace and Ibrahim Alayhis Salam placing complete reliance on Allah when thrown into the fire.
- Hadith recorded from Ummul Mu'minin Aisha Radiyallahu Anha advising Muawiyah Radiyallahu Anhu: "Whoever seeks the pleasure of Allah despite the anger of the people, Allah will suffice him against the people; and whoever seeks the pleasure of the people despite the anger of Allah, Allah will hand him over to the people."
Practical Advice
- Strive for abundance in dhikr (Kasratul Dhikr) so that it facilitates perpetual obedience (Dawamat-Ta'ah) in everyday life.
- Politely excuse yourself from sinful social customs or illicit interactions with short, respectful explanations without unnecessary lingering.
- Show patience, forbearance, and mercy toward spouses and family members out of respect and reverence for Allah Ta'ala.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb