Dhikr is the remembrance of Allah and one of the most important aspects of Islamic spirituality. It involves the recitation of phrases that extol and praise Allah, such as “Subhan Allah” (Glory be to Allah), “Al-Hamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah), and “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
“Surely, peace and tranquillity of the minds come with the remembrance of Allah [i.e. by being heedful of His Commands in all walks of life]”. [Surah 13: Verse 28]
We can fortify our faith, develop inner peace and deal with life’s obstacles more skillfully, by bringing zikr into our daily lives.
The Significance of Allah’s Dhikr in Islam:
Before incorporating Zikr into your daily routine, it is essential to grasp its true meaning and significance. For Muslims, Dhikr is a form of worship that is equally important to daily prayers and reading the Quran.
Zikr can be done anywhere, at any time, unlike salah, which must be done at specific times and needs purity requirements.
Zikr is a means of attaining the love of Allah. As Ibn al-Qayyim said,
“Indeed Allah has made a means for attaining everything. He has made continuous remembrance (dhikr) the means for love. So, whoever wants the love of Allah, then let him fervently remember Him.”
In this world, zikr illuminates the heart, face, and the rest of the body. It will be a nūr (light) for the believer in their grave and on the Day of Judgement, guiding them to Paradise.
It can be done in different ways with thoughts of Allah in the heart, such as repeating his specific name on the fingers or prayer beads (tasbihah).
Benefits of Making Dhikr Daily Part of Life:
The impact of integrating Allah dhikar into your regular life can be profound. It brings numerous benefits that extend beyond the spiritual realm to influence your emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety:
Studies have indicated that regular zikr practice can result in lower stress levels and better mental health. This is due to Zikr’s ability to promote mental calmness and tranquilly, which makes it a useful therapy for treating depression and psychological disorders. Your capacity to concentrate and focus will therefore improve, increasing your output and efficiency.
Greater Appreciation and Gratitude
Dhikr encourages having thankfulness and admiration for all of life’s blessings. You may acquire more satisfaction and adopt a positive outlook by giving praise and worship to Allah on a regular basis.
Enhanced Spiritual Connection
A potent technique for establishing your spiritual ties to Allah is zikr. Your faith and sense of purpose will grow stronger as a result of it helping to centre your heart and mind on the only Creator.
Protection from Negative Thoughts and Emotions
By keeping Allah in constant reminder, you build your defences against negative influences and develop a happier outlook. It helps you to forbid wrongdoings because it increases your fear of Allah’s anger.
Promote Self-Awareness and Reflection
To help you gain a better knowledge of who you are and where you fit in the world, Zikr promotes self-analysis and thinking about oneself. Positive transformation and personal progress may result from this heightened self-awareness.
Direction and Wisdom
When things are unclear, Zikr can offer direction and advice. You can get insight and awareness via Zikr, which can assist you in overcoming obstacles in life and making better decisions.
Path to Knowing Allah
To obtain Allah’s affection, one must practise Zikr. Allah SWT says in the Quran:
“Then remember Me, I will remember you.”(2:152)
Allah SWT reveals his divine personality to only those who perform his Dhikr all the time and urge to know him. It is the best opportunity to be one of his favourite servants and to have a strong relationship with him.
Tips for Making of Routine Habit of Allah Dhikr
In this fast-paced world and busy schedules, it can be challenging to prioritize zikr in our daily routine.
Start with Small Steps:
Zikr may seem like it requires hours of attention, which can be difficult, particularly for people with hectic schedules. It is important to take small steps to start while adapting to anything. Begin with feasible, 5- to 10-minute sessions, and as you get more accustomed to the practice, progressively extend the duration.
Create a Zikr Schedule:
Consistency is a key to developing a zikr habitual behaviour. Establish a regular zikr time and location, then follow it. This could take place before bed, during your lunch break, or during your morning or evening prayer time. Just like with any other vital appointment, your Zikr time is non-negotiable.
Choose a Quiet and Comfortable Space
Your experience might be greatly affected by the setting in which you do zikr. Pick a peaceful, cosy area where you can concentrate without being disturbed. This may be a quiet area outside, a corner of your house, or a nearby mosque. To create a feeling of sacred space, make sure your seating area is tidy and relaxed, and think about laying down a prayer mat or rug.
Employ a Range of Methods
Try out a number of strategies to see which one suits you best. Several well-liked methods consist of:
Tasbih: Reciting words or 99 names of Allah with a tasbih bead or by counting on your fingers
Dhikr with Movement: To assist in keeping focus and energy levels up, combine zikr with physical movement. Some examples of this include swaying or turning your head.
Quranic Recitation: repeat and learn the verses from the Quran
Dua: Making personal prayers and demands to Allah.
Focus on Your Breath
When you sit to perform the Dhikr of Allah, pay attention specifically to your breathing pattern. Try to feel the sensation of the air moving in with the word ALLAH and HOO when out of your body. This can help relax your mind and perform Zikr with every breath.
Use Technology
You may enhance your Zikr practice with a plethora of applications, videos, and internet resources in the modern digital age. Utilize these tools to:
Set Reminders: Receive notifications to remind you of your Zikr time.
Access Guided Zikr Sessions: Follow along with experienced guides or scholars.
Track Your Progress: Monitor your consistency and set goals for yourself.
Make it a Family Affair
Dhikr is not just a personal practice; it can strengthen your relationships with those you love. Invite people to participate with you in your Zikr sessions to foster a sense of community and mutual spiritual development.
Be Patient and Persistent
Zikr’s habit requires time and effort to develop. Treat yourself with kindness and don’t give up if you miss a session or find it difficult to concentrate. Recall that the purpose of zikr is to develop a closer relationship with Allah rather than to arrive at a particular state. Recognise and appreciate your little successes, and keep practising in spite of obstacles.
Seek Guidance and Support
Getting instructions from experienced scholars, imams, or spiritual mentors can be beneficial in deepening your understanding and practice of zikr. try to Attend workshops, seminars, or online courses to learn new techniques, and make connections with people who have similar religious aspirations.
Make it a Lifestyle
You can make remembrance a part of your life in a number of ways:
- Take part in Zikr while doing chores like driving, cleaning, or cooking.
- When faced with stress or confusion, use It as a coping strategy to achieve calm and clarity.
- Listen to guided sessions or recite passages from the Quran throughout your everyday commute.
Conclusion:
Incorporating Zikr into your daily routine requires strong dedication, tolerance, and persistence. As Dhikr draws one closer to Allah and fosters the development of a positive personality, Islam urges Muslims to participate in it constantly, even when they have to deal with everyday duties.
