Dhikr is mentioned in many places in the Holy Qur'an, and in most verses. It is also mentioned in numerous ahadith.
Dhikr literally means Remembrance, mentioning, and recollection, to rehearse, to celebrate or commemorate, and in our context, the Remembrance of Allah. It includes tasbih (glorifying), takbir (exalting), tahmid (praising), proclaiming one’s helplessness and destitution before Him in prayer and supplication, and praising and praying upon the Prophet
The idea behind Dhikr is the Remembrance of Allah. It is to purify our hearts and souls and uplift our spirits. All words of praise and glory to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala), whether spoken out loud, or silently in one's heart, are known as dhikr. When people do dhikr, their hearts turn to the highest ideals and are free from the temptations of sin. If one continues to keep the remembrance of Allah in one's heart day and night, the human soul is strengthened.
It is food for the soul, and a polish of the heart, so invigorates it. And with an invigorated soul it becomes easy to overcome one's base instincts, overcoming the nufs, and to vanquish the Devil. Thus one is able more easily to avoid sins and the good deeds increase. Obviously this is true only if the words come from the heart and not just from the tongue.
Dhikr, being imital or verbal remembrance of Allah is so consoling, pleasant and such an easy form of worship that one can perform it continuously at all times and with great benefit. It is known that the sahabiyaat had tongues filled with continuous dhikr, that they would have to bite their tongues while relieving themselves to stop themselves from making Dhikr!
Our weekly routines demand much time and effort. Every new day brings old challenges and the work never ends. If its not school, University, or work, then its the homework, exams, or bills. It is only too easy to become swept away with the dunya and become devoid of any upliftment for the soul, and as a result have hardened hearts.
Making dhikr is a simple act when you consider all of the ways to do it. Sitting down facing the Ka'ba, in deep contemplation, with a tasbih, is one way, however, there are an infinite number of ways. As you are walking down the street, just repeat to yourself, Subhan’Allah! Perhaps when you are going to start your automobile, as you turn the key, say Bismillah. As you are shopping, repeat Allahu Akbar, to yourself. The point is to attempt to be more conscious of Allah (Ta'ala), to bring Him to mind.
Invoking and calling upon Allah (Ta'ala) will bring forth His favors. One who remembers Him even while going about his or her daily affairs and pre-occupations will find all obstacles removed in both this world and the next. His company will always be felt, and He will befriend one left alone and in need of friendship. If one remembers and mentions Him during times of ease and comfort, His Mercy will reach one during times of trouble and pain.
The Prophet
May Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) make us among the Dhaakireen (those who remember him); those most fortunate servants who oft engage in His dhikr, and among those who have tranquil, peaceful hearts.
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has commanded us to remember him always.
"Remember me, I shall remember you." [surah al-Baqarah; 2:152].
Dhikr
Islam is made up of Islam, Iman and Ihsan. Dhikr can encompass all these areas. Since it involves all forms of worship to our Creator. Our duty is to worship Allah (Ta'ala), and so any thought or action, even if just waking up early in the morning, can form part of the dhikrullah.
Dhikr has the ability to awaken a peron's soul. It cleanses the heart from all else but Allah and increases His love in the heart. And so, one is able to come closer and closer to their Maker.
A man once complained to the Prophet , "The laws of Islam are too heavy for me, so tell me something that I can easily follow," the Prophet, peace be upon him, told him, "Let your tongue be always busy with the remembrance of Allah."
It doesnt have any prescribed timings, such as salah, or fasting, and this only adds to easiness. From the small three year old child; reciting adhkar (pl. du'a) before going to sleep, to the Old man reciting the beautiful Names of Allah (Ta'ala) during the day. Both being dhikr. said "Everything has a polish, which takes away rust. The polish of the heart is dhikr." A peron's heart is susceptable to becoming hard. This hardness can only be softened by the remembrance of Allah. One who is devoid of dhikr and remembrance of Allah, becomes dry and stiff and as lifeless as a dried up leaf. If you step on it, it will crumble into pieces, but if you moisten it, it will revive, and become invigorated.
Ameen.
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