Dhikr, or “Remembrance,” is one of the most profound and transformative practices in Islam. It is not merely a ritualistic act but a deeply spiritual endeavour that connects the believer to Allah. The Quran repeatedly emphasises the importance of remembering Allah, as in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152): “So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” This divine command carries a profound implication: when Allah says, “Remember Me,” it presupposes that human beings already know Him. This knowledge is ingrained in the fitra, the innate disposition of every human being to recognise and worship Allah. However, in the distractions of worldly life, some forget Allah, while others become so engrossed in material pursuits that they neglect their innate connection to Him.
The Primordial Covenant and Fitra
In the state of azali, before the creation of the physical world, all human souls were gathered and bore witness to Allah as their Lord. This is mentioned in Surah Al-A’raf (7:172): “And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam, from their loins, their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying], ‘Am I not your Lord?’ They said, ‘Yes, we have testified.'” This covenant establishes the concept of fitra, the natural state of purity and submission to Allah, which is often obscured by the distractions and temptations of this world.
For Islamic therapists and counsellors, the concept of fitra is central to their work. Their role is to help clients reconnect with their innate nature, to awaken their hearts to the remembrance of Allah, and to guide them back to His teachings. This process involves helping individuals recognise the blessings Allah has bestowed upon them and encouraging them to express gratitude (shukr) for these gifts. By reawakening the fitra, therapists assist clients in overcoming the spiritual amnesia that often results from worldly distractions or neglect of divine commandments.
Islamic Counselling: Reconnecting with Fitra
Islamic counselling can incorporate the following questions to help clients reflect on their purpose in life, their relationship with Allah, and the reality of the Hereafter. These questions are designed to guide clients toward a deeper understanding of their spiritual identity and responsibilities, helping them realign their lives with the teachings of Islam. For example:
- Purpose and Existence:
– “What is the purpose of your existence, and how does it align with the worship of Allah?”
– “How do you perceive your role as a servant of Allah in this world?”
– “What steps can you take to ensure that your daily actions reflect your purpose as a believer?”
- Relationship with Allah:
– “How do you perceive your relationship with Allah, and what steps can you take to strengthen it?”
– “What are the barriers that prevent you from feeling close to Allah, and how can you overcome them?”
– “How can you incorporate Dhikr and other acts of worship into your daily routine to enhance your connection with Allah?”
- Awareness of the Hereafter:
– “How does the awareness of the Hereafter influence your daily actions and decisions?”
– “What are you doing to prepare for the Day of Judgment, and how can you improve your preparation?”
– “How can you balance your worldly responsibilities with your spiritual obligations?”
These questions are designed to help clients reflect on their spiritual state and take actionable steps toward reconnecting with their fitra. The goal is to help them remember Allah in a meaningful way, not just through words but through their actions and intentions.
The Essence of Dhikr
Dhikr, in its truest sense, pertains to the heart. It is the act of remembering Allah with sincerity and presence of mind. While the tongue may articulate words of remembrance, the heart must be fully engaged for Dhikr to be meaningful. The Qur’an emphasises the importance of mindful remembrance (7:205): “And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech-in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.” This verse highlights the need for internalised remembrance, where the heart is fully connected to Allah.
Even mechanical Dhikr, though not as profound as mindful remembrance, is not entirely futile. It serves as a starting point for drawing closer to Allah, as it engages at least one organ-the tongue-in His service. Over time, this practice can lead to greater spiritual awareness and presence of heart.
The Merits of Dhikr
The merits of Dhikr are innumerable. The Qur’an assures us that when a servant remembers Allah, Allah remembers them in return. This reciprocal relationship is a source of immense spiritual comfort and motivation. As mentioned in (2:152), “So remember Me; I will remember you.” This divine promise underscores the intimate connection between the believer and Allah through the act of remembrance.
Dhikr is not confined to verbal recitation; it extends to obedience and submission to Allah’s commandments. The commentator Said ibn Jubayr emphasised that true remembrance of Allah is reflected in one’s actions. He stated, “He who has not obeyed Him has not remembered Him, even though he has kept himself externally busy in offering supererogatory prayers and reciting His praises.” This perspective is supported by a hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه), in which the Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah the Almighty said: ‘I am as My servant thinks of Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself. And if he remembers Me in a gathering, I remember him in a gathering better than it.'” (Bukhari/ Muslim).
Dhikr as Obedience and Submission
True remembrance of Allah is inseparable from obedience to His commandments. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized this in a hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه): “Whoever obeys me has obeyed Allah, and whoever disobeys me has disobeyed Allah.” (Bukhari/Muslim). This hadith emphasises that obedience to the Prophet’s teachings is a manifestation of remembrance and submission to Allah.
The Qur’an further elaborates on this in (3:31): “Say, [O Muhammad], ‘If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.’’ Following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ is thus an integral part of Dhikr, as it aligns one’s actions with divine guidance.
The Transformative Power of Dhikr
Dhikr has the power to transform the heart and elevate the believer to a state of divine proximity. The Companion Mu’adh ibn Jabal (رضي الله عنه) highlighted the unparalleled significance of Dhikr, stating that no good deed compares to it in winning Allah’s pleasure and protection from His wrath. This is supported by the Quranic verse in (13:28): “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured.”
Through Dhikr, believers find peace, clarity, and strength to navigate the challenges of life. It serves as a constant reminder of Allah’s presence, mercy, and guidance, helping individuals stay grounded in their faith and purpose.
Dhikr is far more than a ritual; it is a means of reconnecting with the divine essence within us, the fitra that Allah instilled in every human soul. It is a return to the primordial covenant, a reaffirmation of our recognition of Allah as our Lord. For those who have forgotten or become distracted, Dhikr serves as a powerful tool to reawaken the heart and realign one’s life with divine guidance. Through Dhikr, we not only remember Allah but also invite His remembrance, mercy, and blessings into our lives. As we strive to remember Him in our hearts, words, and actions, we draw closer to the ultimate purpose of our existence: to worship Allah and seek His pleasure.
When Allah says, “Remember Me,” it is a call to return to the knowledge of Him that is already embedded in our fitra. It is a reminder that we are not strangers to Allah; rather, we have known Him since the beginning of creation. The task before us is to awaken that knowledge, to live by it, and to let it guide us in every aspect of our lives.
