The word Zikr means
remembrance. In Pre-Islamic Arabic poetry, poets were using this concept for
remembering of their beloved. However, when Islam was introduced, the concept
embraced the meaning of remembering Allah. It was through the recitation of one
and more than one beautiful names and attributes of Allah.
However, if reflected on the literal meaning of word “Zikr”, it is a remembrance
(Yad). The proper and correct moment of using this word is when a person has
experienced a forgotten thing or it is not in his concentration. In contrast,
Anything which a person not even experience and out of his information circle,
for this situation the use of word Zikr is inappropriate.
Even though, in every Abrahimic religion the concept of God exists, for example
according to Gospel of Matthew Hazrat Essa (P.B.U.H) says “Come to me, all you
who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”(11:28) In Islam, about
the oneness of God the Holy Quran says; when thy Lord drew forth from the
Children of Adam “Am I not your Lord (who cherishes and sustains you)?”- They
said: “Yea! We do testify!” (7:172)
However but today in this material life human being has forgotten his commitment
because of over-involvement in materialistic desires (self surviving, in
pressure of social relationships and worldly problems) perhaps the only solution
is Zikr remembrance of God in the light of divine guidance.
Allah says to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) in the Holy Quran “Therefore do remind
them, for you are only a reminder. (88:21) this shows the role of the prophet is
to make people remind of their promise which they made to God in the spiritual
realm before their birth in the material world. Moreover, it also makes them
realize the importance of divine guidance. However, if a believer believes that
this mediation and divine guidance is not important and one can achieve this
status from own efforts. He is mistaken. A wonderful sub continent literature
prose tells us “Everybody takes the name of a beloved, but nobody can find a
beloved, by taken name it can found nobody will offer their heads in love of
submission.
This passage itself shows parallel with Zikr; Actions in the form of good deeds
and to obey the divine guidance are also important in Holy Quran Allah says: “O
believers! Remember Allah as a frequent remembrance, and glorify Him morning and
evening.” This whole Surah Al-Ahzab teaches us the list of good qualities of men
and women to obey. The most important lesson of this chapter is to obey the
commands of God according to his guidance. Surely God has prepared for them
forgiveness and a great reward (33:35).
Surely, a key for happiness and peace is prayers and God affirms this in Holy
Quran: `Alaa, bezikrillahe tatmainnul qulub` `by recollecting God, hearts are
assured. ` (13:28); in fact happiness comes within the heart, This world is full
of examples of names who keep running for the worldly goods reach a point when
they realize that all this achievements’ has not brought and happiness and
satisfactions.
Remembering him from the heart has its own benefits Allah says in Quran `Fazkurni,
azkurkum` -`remember me, and I will remember you` (2:152). It has the energy to
counter the evils. According to narrations once Hazrat Fatima Khatoon-e- Janat
requested her father, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) for the helper in
order to help her in household works. At that time her father asked her if she
would like a gift which was better than servants and worth more than everything
in this world, upon her ready agreement. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) told her to
recite this Tasbhi at every difficulty the Great Ecstasy. Say “Sub-han-al-lah“,
“Alhamdu-lillah” and “Allahu Akbar” thirty three times each after every
(compulsory) prayer.”
For spiritual practices Quran provides innumerable sets of Dua, Prayers and
Tasbhiyat each word function as the word of God, everything relates to its
divine author is of great importance. In this regard Sufi masters have composed
countless collections of Prayers in Arabic in order to attain spiritual
happiness and peace.
In many Sufi orders, the use of prayer for protection from natural and man-made
disasters is more prevalent. The master of Sufi order gives different
instructions and teaches Tasbhiyat to chant after prayers which bring great
spiritual and physical benefits. To increase love for God, to be forgiven of
sins, to exile evil thoughts, to ease a woman’s birth pangs, and for solving
financial issues etc.
Of the countless formula of God Remembrance, many traditions can be found in
every form of genre such as devotional literature, sayings of saints, Hadiths,
In fact Holy Quran tell us “The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings
therein, declare His glory: there is not a thing but celebrates His praise; And
yet ye understand not how they declare His glory! Verily He is Oft-Forbear, Most
Forgiving!” (17:44).
In contemporary societies; why one should need the Zikr. This contemporary era
is full of temporal problems such as economic recession, inflation,
unemployment, financial stresses, family disharmony etc. In these circumstances
Human being needs the inner strength in order to cater these challenges of life.
The continuous Zikr is a source which gives inner satisfaction and power to face
with temporal problems. Furthermore, it flourishes body and soul so that one can
get peace and happiness.