ZonEMvS

“He who reads one letter of the Quran for him there is one virtue and the reward on this virtue is equal to that on ten other virtues. When I say Alif-Laam-Meem this I do not mean that is one letter but that is Alif one letter, Laam another Meem the third.”

Yet another Tradition, as related by Hazrat Abu Imama, reads:

“O People, read the Quran. On the Day of Judgment the Quran will intercede for those who will have been reading it (in their lives).”

Some Suggestions

1. There is no need for those in whose hearts Zikr of Allah has come to dwell permanently as a result of constant endeavor and become a part of their existence to follow a set routine or to make a special effort in this respect. But if common people like us want to strengthen their bond with Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa) and to partake of its auspiciousness and blessedness they must practice the Zikr at a fixed time and in a fixed number according to their individual circumstances. Better still, they should seek the advice of a spiritual guide while choosing a Zikr formula, for them. Or, they can select a Kalima from the Kalimas we have given above which may be most suited to their temperament. Time should also be set aside daily for the reading of the Quran.

2. As far as possible, the meaning of the Kalima used for Zikr should be kept in mind during the recitation. The Zikr should be done with an active awareness of Divine Glory and Magnificence and with the feeling and the belief that Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa) was near, right there, listening to every word that was being recited.

3. Wazu is not necessary for Zikr. It can be done freely without the Wazu. The reward will not suffer because of it. But the effulgence and spiritual effectiveness of the Zikr is very much enhanced when it is done with Wazu.

4. It has been seen earlier that the third Kalima (“Subhanallah - Alhamdulilah - La ilaha illallah - Allahuakbar”) is the most comprehensive one among all the Kalimas. If it is adopted for recitation it can fulfill all the needs. This writer has seen that spiritual mentors generally prescribe it to their disciples along with Darood Sharif and Istighfar.

Dua

When it is definite and beyond dispute that whatever happens in the world happens by the Will of Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa) and that everything that exists lies absolutely in His power and control, it is manifestly natural for us to supplicate to Him in our needs, big as well as small. Followers of all religions beseech Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa) and address their petitions to Him. But in Islam it is a matter of paramount importance.

States the Quran:

And your Lord says: “Call on Me: I will answer (your Prayer).”

Say (to the rejectors): my Lord is not uneasy because of you if ye call not on Him.