AHAADITH OF Dhikr (1-12)

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho anho) narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said, “Almighty Allah says, ‘I treat my slave (man) according to his expectations from Me, and I am with him when he remembers me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him in My heart; if he remembers Me in a gathering, I remember him in a better and nobler gathering (i.e. of angels) if he comes closer to Me by one span, I go towards him a cubit’s length, if he comes toward Me by a cubit’s length, I go towards him an arm’s length, and if he walks towards Me, I run unto him.”

Note: There are several points elaborated in this Hadith. The first point is that Allah deals with a man according to his expectations from Him. One should therefore always be hopeful of the mercy and benevolence of Almighty Allah and never be despondent of His blessings. Certainly, WE are extremely sinful and justly deserve punishment on account of our evil deeds, yet in no case should we feel despondent of the mercy of Allah, as He may perhaps totally forgive us.

“Lo! Allah forgiveth not if a cosharer (partner) be ascribed unto Him and forgiveth all save that to whom He will.” But Almighty Allah may or may not forgive; that is why the ‘Ulama’ say that true belief lies in between hope (of forgiveness of Allah) and fear (of His wrath). The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) once visited a young Sahabi (companion), who was breathing his last, and asked him how he was feeling. He replied, “O! Messenger of Allah, I am hopeful of the mercy of Allah, and yet I am afraid of my sins.” Therefore the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said “When the heart of a Believer is filled with these two feelings of hope and fear, Almighty Allah fulfils his hope and saves his hope and saves him from what he is afraid of.”

It is mentioned in one Hadith that a believer thinks of his sin, as if he is sitting under huge rock that is threatening to fall on him, while for a transgressor his sin is no more than a fly which is easily scared off, i.e., he takes his sins very lightly. In short, one should be appropriately afraid of ones sins, and at the same time remain hopeful of Allah’s mercy.

Hazrat Ma’az (Radiallaho anho) died of Plague and, in the moments of death agony, he fainted many times whenever he regained consciousness for a moment, he would say, “Oh Allah! Thou Knowest that I love Thee. By Thy Honor and Glory, Thou Knowest this very well.” Just before breathing his last, he said, “O Death, you are a welcome guest but have come at a time when there is nothing in the house to eat.” Then he said, “O Allah! Thou Knowest very well that I always feared Thee, and today I die hopeful of Thy forgiveness. O Allah! I enjoyed life, not in digging canals and planting gardens, but in remaining thirsty in the hot weather, in undergoing hardships for the sake of Islam, and in taking part in the gatherings engaged in Zikr under the supervision of the Ulama.”

Some Ulama have written that the fulfilment of expectations promised by Almighty Allah in the aforesaid Hadith is in its most general sense. It carries assurance not only in respect of forgiveness but also in respect of prayers, health, wealth and safety. For instance when a person prays to Allah sincerely believes that Allah shall accept his prayer, then his prayer is actually accepted, but if he has doubt (that his prayer would not be accepted), it is not accepted. Thus, in another hadith it is stated that the prayer of a person is granted so long as he does not say that his prayer is not granted. The same is true in the case of all blessings relating to health, prosperity, etc. according to one Hadith, if a destitute person discloses his hunger to everybody, he is not relieved of his poverty, but if he shows submission to Gracious Allah, his condition may soon change for the better. However hoping for the better from Almighty Allah is one thing, and being over-confident of His help and forgiveness is another thing. Almighty Allah has warned us against such an attitude in several verses of the Holy Qur’an e.g.

“Let not the deceiver (the Satan) beguile you in regard to Allah.” i.e. one should not be misled by the Devil to commit sins just because Allah is the most Merciful and the Forgiver. There is another verse,

“Hath He knowledge of the Unseen, or hath he made a pact with the Beneficent. No, never.”

The second point in this hadith is “Whenever a slave of Mine remembers Me, I am with him.” In another Hadith, it is stated “So long as one’s lips move in My remembrance I remain with him.”i.e. Almighty Allah bestows His special care and mercy on him during all this time.

The third point is that Almighty Allah mentions him with favor to the angels, which signifies the value of Zikr. Firstly, this is because Allah created man such that inherently he is liable to be good as well to g o astray, as given below in Hadith No. 8. Submission on his part therefore deserves special appreciation. Secondly, at the time of Aadam’s Creation, the Angels (who have no instinct for doing evil) could not understand the creation of man and had contended that he would cause blood-shed and trouble in the world, while they are always there to praise and glorify Almighty Allah. Thirdly, man’s worship of Allah and submission to His will is more commendable than that of the Angels, because he does so on account of his faith in the unseen which, however is actually seen b the angels. It is to this fact that Allah refers in the Holy Book: “How would the man have not worshipped if he had actually seen the Paradise and the Hell.” It is for this reason that Almighty Allah praises the noble deeds of those that worship and glorify Him without seeing.

The fourth point contained in the above in the above-mentioned Hadith is that if a man increases his devotion to Almighty Allah, the increase in His mercy and kindness upon him is proportionately far greater. “Getting near” and “running” signify immediate increase in His blessings and mercy. Thus, it is up to a person that, if he wants to enjoy more kindness and favors from Almighty Allah, he should increase his devotion to Him.

The fifth point in the above mentioned Hadith is that the Angels have been stated to be superior to man, while it is commonly known that man is the best creation of Allah. One reason for this has already been explained in the translation (of the hadith), that the angels are superior because they are innocent and are unable to commit sins. Secondly, they are superior because they are better tan the majority of men, including even the majority of believes; and yet some selected Believers like the Prophets (Alayhim Salam) are superior to the angels. There are other reasons as well, which are however left out in order to prevent the discourse from getting too long.

HADITH NO-2

A sahabi once said, “O Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), I know that the commandments of Sahriat are many, but of these tell me the one that I may practice assiduously throughout my life.” The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), replied, “Keep your tongue always moist (i.e. busy) with the ‘Zikr’ of Allah. According to another Hadith, Hazrat Moaaz has said, “Once at the time of my departure from Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), I asked him to advise me of that action which is most pleasing to Almighty Allah: whereupon he replied, “At the time of your death, your tongue should be busy with ‘Zikr’ of Almighty Allah.”

Note:-By “my departure”, hazrat Muaaz (Radhiallaho anho) refers to the occasion when he was appointed by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) as the Governor of Yemen and sent there for teaching and propagating Islam. It was at the time of that farewell that Rasulullah (sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had given him some parting instructions.

By saying that “the commandments of Sahriat are many”, the Sahabi had meant that although observance of every commandment is imperative, to specialize and attain perfection in each and every one is difficult; and so he wanted that Rasulullah (sallallaho alaihe wasallam), may recommend him something of over-riding importance which he might hold fast to, and practice at al times and in all conditions of sitting, standing or walking.

According to another hadith, a person who possesses the following four things is truly blessed, from the worldly as well as spiritual point of view-

(1) A tongue ever absorbed in the Zikr of Almighty Allah.

(2) A heart filled with gratitude of Allah.

(3) A body capable of undergoing hardships.

(4) A wife who does not betray her husband’s trust in respect of her chastity and his (husband’s) wealth.

The phrase ‘Moist tongue’ according to some Ulama means excessive utterance (of Zikr) and, idiomatically, it is used to convey excessive glorification and praise. But in my (author’s) humble opinion it can have another meaning as well. It is always very sweet and pleasant to talk of one’s beloved, as is the common feeling and experience of every lover. On this basis, the phrase (moist tongue) would, therefore mean that one should glorify with love the name of Almighty Allah, so as to feel love’s sweetness in the mouth I have observed many times that when some of my religious elders do Zikr aloud, the flavor of the sweetness enjoyed by them is so transmitted to the listeners that their mouths also feel the sweetness and they share the ecstasy likewise. But this phenomenon is possible only where there is a genuine yearning for Zikr, and the tongue is accustomed to excessive Zikr. It is stated in one Hadith that the proof of one’s love for Almighty Allah lies in one’s love for the Zikr of Allah, and in the same way lack of Zikr betrays lack of attachment with almighty Allah.

Hazrat Abu Darda (Radhiallaho anho) said, “That those who keep their tongues wet with the Zikr of Allah, will enter paradise smiling.

Hadith No.-3

Rasulullah (sallallaho alaihe wasallam) once said to his companions, “Shall I tell you something that is the best of all deeds, constitutes the best act of piety in the eyes of your Lord, will elevate your status in the Hereafter, and carries more virtue than the spending of gold and silver in the service of Allah or taking part in JIHAD and slaying or being slain in the path of Allah.” The Companions begged to be informed of such an act. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied, “It is the Zikr of Almighty Allah.”

Note: This hadith is a generalized statement; otherwise, at times of specific need and emergency Sadaqa (charity) and Jihad (fighting in the path of Allah) etc, become more desirable, as stated in some other Ahaadith. These acts become more important during the hour of need, but the Zikr is for all times and therefore generally more important and virtuous.

According to another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said, “for everything there is a purifier or cleanser. (For instance, soap is used for cleaning the body and the clothes, while a furnace is used for purifying iron). The Zikr of Almighty Allah cleanses and purifies the heart, and provides the best protection against retribution in the Hereafter.” This hadith describes Zikr as the purifier of the heart, and as such it also establishes superiority of Zikr over all other actions, because the value of every act of worship depends upon Ikhlas (sincerity of the intention), which in turn depends on the heart. Therefore, according to some pious, the Zikr in this hadith implies the Zikr of the heart as against the Zikr by the tongue. By the Zikr of the heart, they mean that the heart remains always conscious of, and in communication with Almighty Allah. This state of the heart is doubtless superior to all kinds of worship, because when this state is attained, then omission of any kind of worship is just not possible. All parts of the human body, internal and external, are controlled by the heart and submit completely to the being to whom the heart is attached; the conduct of true lovers bears ample testimony to this fact.

There are many more Ahaadith that describe the superiority of Zikr over all other actions. Somebody enquired of Hazrat Salman (Radiallaho anho) as to what action of man is most virtuous. He replied, “Have you not read in the Holy Qur’an, (Certainly the Zikr of Allah is most exalted”). Hazrat Salman (Radiallaho anho) had referred here to the first Ayat of Part 21 of the Holy Qur’an. The author of ‘Majalis-ul-Abrar’, while commenting on this Hadith, has written that Zikr of Allah is described to be superior to Sadaqa, Jihad, and all forms of worship, because it is an end in itself, and all types of worship constitute only a means to achieve this end. Zikr is of two kinds: one is done by word of mouth and the other is in the form of deep meditation and contemplation. It is the latter form of Zikr that is implied in the Hadith, which states that meditation for one moment is better than doing worship for seventy years. Hazrat Sohail (Radiallaho anho) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said, “The reward of Zikr of Allah is seven hundred thousand times more than that for spending wealth in the path of Allah.”

Thus, in conclusion, it is evident that Jihad and Sadaqa etc. assume more importance and become more virtuous due to the need of the hour. The Ahaadith, which describe their superiority, are therefore understandable. For instance it is stated in one Hadith that standing up for a short while in the path of Allah is more valuable than offering Salaat at home for seventy years. Although Salaat is unanimously admitted to be the best form of worship, yet taking part in Jihad at the time of an invasion by the infidels carries far greater reward.

HADITH NO-4

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), said, “There are many a people who do Zikr of almighty Allah, while lying comfortably in their soft beds, and for this, they will be rewarded with the highest positions in Paradise by Almighty Lord.”

Note: Generally, the greater the sufferings and hardships one undergoes in the cause of religion, the higher will be his status in the Hereafter. But the Zikr of Allah is such a blessed act that, even if it is done in soft beds in this world, it will bring high rewards and elevated positions in the Hereafter. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had said, “If you keep yourselves busy in Zikr all the time, the angels will shake hands with you in your beds as well as on your way.”

Once Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, “The Mufred have gone far ahead.” “Who are the Mufred?” enquired the Sahabah. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied, “It is those who are intensely devoted to the Zikr of Allah.” On the basis of this Hadith, the pious have stated that the kings and rulers should not be prevented from Zikr of Allah, for they, by this means, can attain a lofty rank in the Hereafter.

Hazrat Abu Darda (Radiallaho anho) says, “Glorify Almighty Allah during the time of prosperity and happiness, and it will help you in times of distress and trouble.” Hazrat Salman Farsee (Radiallaho anho) said, “If a person remembers Allah in times of peace, pleasure and prosperity, then whenever he is in trouble and difficulty, the angels, being familiar with his voice, recognize him in his helplessness and intercede before Almighty Allah (for his forgiveness); but, if one who does not remember Allah in his time of pleasure and happens to pray for help at the time of difficulty, the angels find his voice to be quite unfamiliar and therefore do not intercede for him.”

Hazrat Ibn-I-Abbas (Radiallaho anho) said, “Paradise has eight gates, one of which is exclusively reserved for those who are engaged in Zikr.” It is said in one Hadith, “A person who constantly does Zikr of Allah is immune from hypocrisy in faith”, and according to another Hadith, “He is loved by Almighty Allah.”

nce during his return journey to Medina Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, “Where are those who have gone ahead.” The Companions said, “The fast travelers have gone ahead”; then Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, “Those who remain ahead are the persons who remain constantly absorbed in Zikr. Whoever desires to enjoy himself in Paradise, should do Zikr of Allah excessively.”

HADITH NO-5

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, “The contrast between a person who glorifies Almighty Allah and one who does not remember Him is like that between the living and the dead.”

Note:

Life is dear to all, and every one fear death. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) meant to say that one, who does not remember Allah, though (bodily) alive, is spiritually dead and his life is but worthless. A Persian couplet quoted here by the Author means, “(The lover says) My life (of loneliness) is no life; his is the life who lives in contact with the beloved.” Some Scholars have stated that the example refers to the condition of the heart: the heart that remembers Allah is really alive, while the one that does not, is described as dead. Some Scholars say that the contrast is in respect of gain and loss. A man who harasses a Zakir is as if he harasses a living being, and will be avenged for this neglectful, ill-treats a dead body, which cannot avenge itself. Some Pious say that the Hadith refers to the eternal life of Zakirs, because those who glorify Allah constantly with sincerity never really die, but instead remain (spiritually) alive even after passing away from this world. The ‘Zakirs’ also enjoy a special life after death, like the Martyrs, mentioned in a verse of the Holy Qur’an:

(Nay, they are alive in the eyes of their Sustainer).

Hakim Tirmizi writes, ‘Zikr moistens the heart and softens it. A heart that is devoid of Zikr becomes dry and hard, due to the excessive heat of lust and base desires. All parts of the body likewise become stiff and abstain from submission to Allah; if you try to bend them, they break like a dry piece of wood, which can be used as firewood only.

HADITH NO-6

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said, “if a person has a lot of wealth and distributes it amongst the needy, while another person is only busy with the Zikr of Allah, the latter who is engaged in Zikr, is the better of the two.”

Note:

Spending in the path of Allah is a splendid virtue, but Zikr of Allah is more virtuous. How lucky are those well-to-do persons who, in addition to spending for the pleasure of Allah, remain also devoted to His Zikr.

According to one hadith, Almighty Allah also does ‘Sadaqa’ every day, i.e. showers his favors on the people, and everybody gets what he deserves, but the luckiest is the person who is favored with the ability to do His Zikr. People who are engaged in different occupations, such as trade, farming and service, should spare some time for Zikr every day and thereby earn great rewards. It should not be difficult to devote an hour or two out of 24 hours, exclusively for this noble purpose.

A lot of our time is wasted in frivolous pursuits, and some of this can be easily spared for this most useful work.

In another Hadith, the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said, “the wisest of all people are those who keep track of time, with the help of the sun, the moon, the stars, and the shadows, for doing Zikr regularly.”

Now-a-days we can determine time with the help of watches, yet one should be able to judge time with the help of these natural agents, so that no time gets wasted in case the watch stops or goes out of order. In another Hadith, it is stated that the place where Zikr is done takes pride over other parts of the Earth.