Dalael-us-Suluk

CHAPTER 15

THE SUPREMACY OF ZIKR

Zikr- Superior to All Forms of Worship

A s a reward for ALLAH’s zikr, the Quran promises the believer a bounty par-excellence:

Therefore remember Me, I will remember you…                            (2:152)

This promise is exclusively for the one engaged in zikr and it is obvious that none can be luckier than him who is remembered by ALLAH. It also explains His declaration:

Truly zikr is the most superior… (29:45)

S ince no form of worship is superior to ALLAH’s zikr, the highest reward, “I will remember you…” has been reserved for those who remember Him.

The Prophet’s Constant Occupation in Zikr

N arrates Hadrat A‘ishah, “The Prophet remained occupied in zikr kul-e ahyanehi (all of his time).”

Note that the expression ahyan, preceded by kul, means continuous zikr without a break, whereas the Quran speaks of the numerous engagements of the Prophet ,

Surely you have by day a chain of business. (73:7)

M oreover there are some occasions when oral zikr is not possible (e.g. during meals, sleep, or conversation), while in some, oral zikr is prohibited (e.g. while answering the call of nature); on such occasions the Prophet probably adopted Zikr-e Qalbi. 

The Prophet Graded Zikr Superior to all Worship

Abu Saeed Khudri records his conversation with the Prophet, “I asked him what type of worship would be held in the highest esteem on the Day of Judgement?” He replied, “Those who constantly remember ALLAH will be the most esteemed ones.” I sought a clarification whether they would also surpass the one who strives in the way of ALLAH. The Prophet replied, “If the said striver wields his sword against infidels till it breaks and is himself besmeared with blood, even then those who remember ALLAH would surpass him.”                               Kitab az-Zikr p: 19


Zikr- Superior to both Physical and Fiscal Worship

   H adrat Abu Dardah quotes the Prophet, “Should I not inform you of the most virtuous deed, far superior and rewarding, which shall raise you highest in His esteem, which is better than spending gold and silver in His cause, and is also preferable to waging war against infidels and seeking their extermination?” The Companions replied that they would be honoured to know it. The Prophet said, “Zikr is by far the best deed.”

Kitab az-Zikr p:20.

Zikr is the Believer’s Fortress

T he Prophet once addressed his Companions, “I command you to constantly remember ALLAH. It will provide you with protection like a fortress to a fugitive pursued by a fast moving enemy. Likewise, zikr is the only effective refuge against the onslaughts of the devil.”

Shunning Zikr is Synonymous with Allegiance to the Devil

And he who loses sight of or shuns zikr, We assign to him a devil who becomes his (constant) companion . (43:36)

The devil has engrossed them to forget zikr. They are the devil’s party . (58:19)

B oth of these verses clearly establish that shunning zikr amounts to cultivating friendship with the devil. Therefore a heedless person leaves ALLAH’s party and enters that of the devil.

May ALLAH protect us all.