Why Abundant Zikr is Necessary.

[Abu Hafsat]

 A general scientific principle states that whenever a vacuum is created, something comes in to fill it and therefore the vacuum does not stay as is. Similarly, when we sit and strive to remove all thoughts from our heart the aim is to create a void that will hopefully be filled with thoughts of Allah.

Darkness and light cannot coexist in the same space. Hence the more we strive to rid our hearts of filth, the hope is that Divine Light, goodness and blessing will enter to replace the darkness that was there. At this juncture, it is instructive to note that whenever, in the Holy Qur'an, we find the command to practice Zikr, the word is accompanied with the adjective signifying abundance -- Zikr-Kathir.

                  ''O you who believe! Celebrate the Praises of Allah, and do this often'' (Ahzab, 33:41)

 What then is meant by abundant Zikr? At all times a person is either lying down, sitting, or on his feet. Abundant Zikr refers to remembering Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, at all times in all these states. To clarify this, the elders usually present the example of a man who falls ill and is running in high fever. Under this scenario his doctor prescribes antibiotics 3 times a day for 7 days, so that it would take a total of 21 pills to cure the fever. Now, if this person breaks this sequence and has 1 pill every 3 days; even if he were to have a total of 22 his illness will not be cured. The illness may not be cured, even though the person takes more of the medication, why? ... Despite the accuracy of the diagnosis and the medicine, it was not taken in the quantity prescribed by the physician, and so the person remains ill. This indicates that quantity counts for a lot of matters, especially here. Even if a patient skips a dose of his medication just one time, the doctor tells him to start the course again from the beginning for effectiveness.

Consequently, quantity in Zikr is absolutely crucial for a seeker on the path. A little Zikr hardly does the seeker much benefit.

         ''Little do they hold Allah in remembrance'' (Nisa'i, 4:142)

 

The result of this is: --

     ''(They are) distressed in mind even in the midst of it; being (sincerely) for neither one group nor

      for another; whom Allah leaves in straying, never will you find for him the way'' (Nisa'i, 4:143)

 

A person whose Zikr is insufficient becomes a victim of doubt. He does not tread with confidence the path that leads him to his destination -- his feet falter and he constantly changes direction. On the other hand, abundance of Zikr eliminates the darkness of the heart; thus, our elders tell us that the filth of thought (fikr) is only removed by the abundance of remembrance (Zikr). Constant remembrance leads to spiritual connection (nisbah) to Allah, Jallah-Jalalahu, and cleanses a person completely when it permeates the body. Such a person submits his entire being to Allah Ta'ala and his life and death become only for Allah..... And Allah does not let down such a person who so completely gives himself up to Him.