Do you know what Dhikr is?

Do you know what Dhikr is?

Dhikr, or remembrance, is a term that encompasses a wide range of practices in Islam. Linguistically, it means to remember, mention, or invoke. In the Islamic context, it refers to the remembrance of Allah through specific phrases, prayers, or reflections. Dhikr can be performed verbally, mentally, or even physically, as seen in the act of Salah (prayer), which is itself a form of Dhikr. Dhikr, Salah and other forms of remembrance of Allah (SWT) all come under the umbrella term of ‘taqwa’.

Taqwa, is the Islamic term for being conscious of Allah (SWT). To constantly be mindful of the existence of Allah. This reminder serves as an ever-present whisper, urging us to be mindful of our actions to avoid sin, or to seek repentance as soon as we've erred. To put it plainly, Taqwa is the inner protection and internal lock which prevents a person from committing sins. There are further types of Taqwa and methods through which your taqwa can be strengthened, two of which are Dhikr and Salah.

The significance of Dhikr is highlighted throughout the Qur'an. One of the clearest references is found in the Holy Quran, where Allah states:

 "So remember Me; I will remember you." [2:152]

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of Dhikr—when a believer remembers Allah, Allah, in turn, bestows His mercy and blessings upon them. The following verse accentuates how prayer is the most basic route to getting guidance, protection, and response from The All Mighty. 

“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” [2:153]

Similarly, numerous Ahadith highlight the virtues of Dhikr. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "The best of your deeds is the remembrance of Allah". Evidently, this simple yet profound act is highly valued in Islam, as it keeps the believer connected to their Creator at all times. 

Unlike formal prayer, Dhikr—or Adhkar, which is the plural of Dhikr—offers the unique flexibility of being practiced in any place, at any time, and in any circumstance. Whether you are commuting, working, or even resting, the remembrance of Allah through Dhikr can seamlessly be integrated into the flow of daily life. It's a powerful tool for finding inner peace and staying connected to God. For instance, many Muslims choose to engage in Dhikr after completing their obligatory prayers, smoothly blending together two very basic and important forms of Adhkar and making it a regular part of their spiritual routine. By doing so, they not only extend the state of mindfulness achieved during prayer but also carry that spiritual focus throughout their day, allowing Dhikr to become a habit proves beneficial in the form of becoming a consistent source of tranquility and divine closeness to the Lord.

To facilitate you in this process, DEENIN would like to offer the Ebadat Prayer Rug with Backrest. Discover comfort and convenience during your prayer and Dhikr time. Specifically designed to provide back support to people looking to sit back and immerse themselves in connecting with their Lord. Provided in 3 vibrant colours, the Ebadat Prayer Rug with Backrest also is made with extra foam padding to ensure maximum comfort during your prayers. To top it all off, its foldable and compact feature allows its storage process to be completely hassle-free making it a great addition to your homes. 

How to do Dhikr?

“Dhikr keeps the Muslim’s tongue and heart busy with the good of remembrance of Allah”. Hence, the easiest way to incorporate the habit of Dhikr in our day to day life is by making the simplest words roll off the tip of your tongue. Simple phrases like "SubhanAllah" (Glory be to Allah), "Alhamdulillah" (Praise be to Allah), and "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) are recommended to be repeated at any time possible-as many times possible. This statement is proven by a hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) as he said, 

“Whoever says, ‘Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi,’ one hundred times a day, will be forgiven all his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea. (Sahih al-Bukhari 6405)

Moreover, the repetitive practice of Dhikr not only multiplies a believer's good deeds but also serves as a safeguard against falling into sin. This highlights that Dhikr is not merely a reactive measure but also a proactive one, actively steering the believer toward righteousness and away from wrongdoing. 

Though seemingly an effortless and miniscule task, the practice of Dhikr holds an immense amount of weight not only in the believer’s spiritual health but also is a crucial determinant in the outcome for the believer on the Day of Judgement as the remembrance of Allah (SWT) is one of the deeds that will be weighed, and it has the power to tip the scales in favor of the believer. By making Dhikr a regular part of their life, a Muslim accumulates good deeds and earns the pleasure of Allah (SWT), which will be of immense value in the Hereafter.  

To look at it from another angle, the act of giving is heavily emphasized in Islam. This can be in the form of exchanging tangible commodities or sharing knowledge, acts of kindness, etc. Spreading the word of the importance of dhikr to your fellow Muslim brothers and sisters is considered an act of giving as well. Take that a step further, by gifting them products that will motivate them to make dhikr a habit. 

Since we are indirectly encouraging an increase in the remembrance of Allah (SWT), bringing us all closer to the Divine Power and elevating our spiritual journey. The Prophet (PBUH) himself stated, 

"Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like one who did it."