The real Zikr

"In reality, Zikr is obedience to Allah Ta'ala. Whoever has obeyed Allah Ta'ala, he has definitely made Zikr. On the other hand, a person who does not obey Allah Ta'ala, is not a Zaakir although he does a lot of Tasbeeh and a lot of Tilaawat-ul-Qur'aan." [Hazrat Saeed Bin Jubair (RadiyallahuAnhu].

A person who takes into consideration Halaal and Haraamin all aspects of his life is a Muttaqi, that is, a person who has Taqwa. Such a person always thinks of Allah Ta'ala. He thinks well before doing anything. He studies carefully whether the matter is permissible or not. Such a person is much better than a person who does Tasbeeh and Tilaawat day and night but does not abstain from sins. In this aspect, the person who abstains from sin is a true Zaakir because he possesses the very essence of Zikr. As for a person who is careless in regards to Deen, he is a superficial Zaakir. He seems to be a Zaakir but Zikr has not yet penetrated his heart. It is praiseworthy to note that although such a Zikr is not satisfactory, it is not useless either. It is still better than not doing Zikr and committing sin. But we should continue doing Zikr so that it penetrates the heart. When Zikr enters the heart, the person feels disgust for sins and feels the freshness and joy of Ibaadah.

Everything comes with time. If a person wants to become a real Zaakir, this can seldom occur overnight. This necessitates stability, perseverance and vigilance for a considerable amount of time so as to develop that. Attaining the ideal is not the result of only one day. A lot of pain and effort is required to attain it to that degree. We should continue to do Zikr in the form and way that we are currently carrying it out along with a determination to improve it. We should not be discouraged of its actual form as everything is imperfect and hasflaws in its preliminary stage. The inarticulation that was encountered in childhood, has somehow contributed to the eloquence of the person. The stumbling while walking in childhood contributed enormously in the long jump, high jump etc. which can be carried out easily today. So we should persevere in doing Zikr unceasingly even if it does not seem so effective initially. Everything can improve with effort and continuity.

[English version of "Véritable zikr" – Al Jamiat Vol.8 No.1]