Sarah What is Zikri-Illahi? • Arabic word that means remembrance. When used for Allah, it refers to the way of remembering Allah. Importance of the subject • Allah says “Remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue.” (29:46) Need of greater attention to Zikr in our community • Laxity results, in part, from western education Sarah • Nawafil makes up any defects in obligatory prayers on the Day of Judgment. • Saying namaz slowly is more worthy of acceptance. Misguided forms of Zikr: • Sufis shout and yell Allah’s name • Some dance to the sounds of Qur’anic verses Zikr verses mesmerism 1Q. What does the Qur’an say about the importance of Zikri-Ilahi? 1A. Chapter 29 Verse 46: “Remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue.” 2Q. How do you make up for any inadequate obligatory prayers? 2A. Offer Nawaffil prayers. Farah • The pleasure derived from practices such as mesmerism is similar to the pleasure derived from opium or cocaine. • True Zikr is true remembrance of Allah and not just silly practices that anyone could do. • Zikr should not be performed with a loud voice because Allah will always hear you. • The Holy Prophet (saw) liked to listen to poetry but not as a form of Zikr. Farah Characteristics of True Zikr • Have true fear of Allah • Your skin should creep with fear of Allah • Hearts should be tender • Prostrate and worship Allah Four kinds of Zikr • The prescribed prayers • Recitation of the Holy Qur’an • Reciting Allah’s attributes • Publicly proclaiming the attributes of Allah 3Q. True or False. It is acceptable in Islam to perform Zikr in a loud voice. 3A. False 4Q. Name the 4 kinds of Zikr 4A. Saying Salat, Reciting the Holy Qur’an, Reciting Allah’s attributes, and publically proclaiming Allah’s attributes. Salma • The Holy Qur’an should be recited daily – Slowly – Understand what you are reading – Allah rewards you for your effort • Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, and Takbeer • Examples • Holy Prophet (saw) highly esteemed forms of Zikr • Precautions of Zikr – Don’t overdo it – Be in a state of comfort – Perform in a state of humbleness and fear of Allah – Practice makes perfect – Lack of interest can be beneficial