What is Zikr?
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In the article "What is greater than Salat" the writer tells us that Zikr is greater than Salat. He, then further explains that Zikr is remembring God's commandments all the time that are found in the Qur'an. Can we than conclude that Zikr is the Qur'an because The Qur'an calls itself "Afzal al Zikr"?
For some Zikr is reciting Allah's name over beads. Surely that is not the kind of Zikr that is greater than Salat!
Thanks.
Mubashir
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peace,
Generally, in al quran, the purpose behind an act/building/offering/etc is greater than the act/building/offering/etc, hence the ranking zikr > slw.
From PRL http//www.studyquran.co.uk/PRLonline.htm
= Thaal-Kaf-Ra = to remember/commemorate/recollect, study in order to remember, remind, bear in mind, mindful, mention/tell/relate, magnify/praise, admonish/warn (e.g. dhikra is the 2nd declenation and it is stronger than dhikr), preach, extol, give status.
nobility/eminence/honour, fame, good report, cause of good reputation, means of exaltation.
Male/man/masculine (dhakar, dual - dhakarain, plural - dhukur).dhakara vb. (1)
perf. act. 3135, 1746, 26227, 3321, 7455, 8012, 8715
impf. act. 2152, 2235, 3191, 4142, 6138, 1285, 1863, 1967, 2034, 2136, 2160, 2228, 2234, 3713, 4044, 4313, 7456
impv. 240, 247, 263, 2122, 2152, 2198, 2198, 2200, 2203, 2231, 2239, 341, 3103, 4103, 54, 57, 511, 520, 5110, 769, 769, 774, 774, 786, 7171, 7205, 826, 845, 1242, 146, 1824, 1916, 1941, 1951, 1954, 1956, 2236, 339, 3334, 3341, 353, 3817, 3841, 3845, 3848, 4621, 6210, 738, 7625
perf. pass. 6118, 6119, 82, 2235, 3945, 3945, 4720
impf. pass. 2114, 6121, 2240, 2436
noun verb 2200, 2200, 358, 591, 763, 769, 1242, 12104, 1328, 1328, 156, 159, 1643, 1644, 1828, 1870, 1883, 18101, 192, 2014, 2042, 2099, 20113, 20124, 212, 217, 2110, 2124, 2124, 2136, 2142, 2148, 2150, 21105, 2371, 23110, 2437, 2518, 2529, 265, 2945, 3341, 3611, 3669, 373, 37168, 381, 388, 388, 3832, 3849, 3887, 3922, 3923, 4141, 435, 4336, 4344, 5329, 5417, 5422, 5425, 5432, 5440, 5716, 5819, 629, 639, 6510, 6851, 6852, 7217, 775, 8127, 944
pcple. act. 11114, 3335, 3335
pcple. pass. 761dhakar (pl. dhukur) - 336, 3195, 411, 4124, 4176, 6139, 6143, 6144, 1697, 26165, 4040, 4249, 4250, 4913, 5321, 5345, 7539, 923
dhikra n.f. - 668, 669, 690, 72, 11114, 11120, 2184, 26209, 2951, 3843, 3846, 3921, 4054, 4413, 4718, 508, 5037, 5155, 7431, 7943, 804, 879, 8923
tadhkirah n.f. - 203, 5673, 6912, 6948, 7319, 7449, 7454, 7629, 8011
dhakkara vb. (2)
impf. act. 2282
impv. 670, 145, 5045, 5155, 5229, 879, 8821
perf. pass. 513, 514, 644, 7165, 1857, 2573, 3215, 3222, 3619, 3713
n.vb. 1071
pcple. act. 8821tadhakkara vb. (5)
perf. act. 7201, 3337
impf. act. 2221, 2269, 37, 680, 6126, 6152, 73, 726, 757, 7130, 857, 9126, 103, 1124, 1130, 1319, 1425, 1452, 1613, 1617, 1690, 1741, 2044, 2385, 241, 2427, 2550, 2562, 2762, 2843, 2846, 2851, 324, 3537, 37155, 3829, 399, 3927, 4013, 4058, 4458, 4523, 5149, 5662, 6942, 7935, 804, 8710, 8923Lane's Lexicon, Volume 3, page 134, 135, 136, 137
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Another point of view for our consideration
SALAT
By Mirghani Hamed (e-mail [email protected])Salam to all.
This is a text about salat. It is not purely my own work but rather a result of the blessed sharing of knowledge and ideas and thoughts. We ask God to increase our knowledge to help us keep on the way till we meet with Him
In 1184,85 we read about a messenger by the name Shuaib, sent to his people with the following<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT 0px; PADDING-LEFT 5px">1. To serve God alone (a3budul lah)
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Not to give short measure to weight no matter how it seems to cause prosperity. Its final result is terrible.
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Not to withhold from the people the things which are their due.
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Not to commit evil in the land ending with mischief on it.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The same story is repeated in 26176-190.
Their reaction to this which is mentioned in 1187, says
"Ya shuaib, a salawatuka tamuruka an natruka ma ya3budu aba~ana aw an naf3ala fi amwalina ma nashaa/ O shuaib do your salawat command you that we LEAVE WHAT OUR FATHERS SERVED, and that WE DO WITH OUR PROPERTIES WHAT WE WANT. Understanding this word (salawat) as a ritual prayer would, with no doubt, cause confusion and would make this passage very unclear. As this was revealed to the Arabs at the time of the messenger, it is impossible to think that they were confused and did not know what "salawat" is? So, what is the problem? What does this word really mean in Arabic? Before having to answer this, let us go and have a look at 911,12. The first part of this chapter (9) and good part of the previous chapter deals with a specific group of people who disbelieved. They had an oath with the believers. We understand that, while they were on an oath with the believers, they mocked to expel the messenger and started a campaign against him (913, 830) Those people were given a period of time to re-think, although their position is quite clear. " But if they repent and wa aqamus salata wa atuz zakata then they are your brothers in Deen (system) Thus do We explain the signs in detail to those who understand." 911 "but if they violate their oath after their covenant and attack your Deen,,- fight the chiefs of disbelieve/rejection as they respect no oaths that they may be restrained." 912 We see that in 911/12 violating the oath and covenant stands opposite to iqamatus salat. So what is salat? What does SALAT in Arabic mean? SALAT means commitment. In the Book it refers to upholding/observing God?s limits. We can see clearly the link between commitment and observing of limits. Here is the definition of the word "commitment" in English taken from Longmans Dictionary.
Commitment Responsibility or promise to follow certain beliefs or a certain course of action. The state of being committed; deeply felt loyalty to a particular aim, belief, ..etc.
Every system requires commitment otherwise it fails.
So, in 1184-87, Shuaib was offering his people another direction in life (other than the inherited) with the One True God on it to be followed. These new commitments are causing trouble to their whole system of life.
They cried " O Shuaib, do your commitments (this new set of action and behavior) command you that we leave off what our fathers served and that we leave off doing what we like with our property"?
Now let us go back and check verses 911 and 912. We see that it is; -if they maintain commitment and approach purification (being committed, leads to purification). And not violate their oath and covenant.
In 835 we read about their commitment to destroy/damage (mukaa) and to turn people away from the Path (tasdiya) (check 834, and 836).
Other related meanings
To follow close (as if feared to lose the followed just as the little kid attached to his mother in the market place, upholding part of her cloth in fear of losing her) represents one of the meanings derived from commitment/salat. One committed to a specific cause is its follower.
Meeting, is also a possible meaning of this word, as it (meeting) requires that two parts or more come together.
Support carries the notion of attachment, link and connection, which are all possible meanings of this word. This defines its significance. A follower of a particular belief is its supporter as well.
Analysis of some verses with the word SALAT and other related verses
"Recite what has been revealed to you from/of the Book and aqimis salat, for salat restrains/prevents from shameful and evil deeds (fahshaa and munkar) and keeping God in mind is greater and God knows what you do." 2945
Here we read that SALAT RESTRAINS /PREVENTS FROM fahisha and munkar (shameful and evil deeds) Upholding commitments and/or Following God closely on the Path or observing His limits prevents from shameful and evil deed. Fulfilling a specific ritual at certain times does not prevent from shameful deeds and evil. Millions who have been observing their regular prayers, have been also committing gross sins and violations of basic orders. It is being committed and observing commitments that prevents from the shameful deeds and evil as observing Gods limits and following Him closely stands opposite to following Satan?s footsteps "O you who have believed, follow not Satans footsteps; and he who follows Satans footsteps (let them know) that he commands SHAMEFUL AND EVIL DEEDS (fahisha and munkar) and were it not for Gods grace and mercy, He would not have purified any of you (ma zak ka) but God purifies who wills and God hears and knows everything." 2421
As we can see the above verse 2421 stands opposite to 2945.
Following Satan leads to shameful and evil deeds.
Following God closely prevents from shameful and evil deeds.
The other assertion in 2945 states; " wala dhikrul lahi akbar.." which I translate as keeping God on mind is greater.
Keeping God on mind is greater as following close and observing His limits (as means) leads to Keeping God on mind.
Just to remind that the concept and meaning of DHIKRUL LAH is greater that lip service or repeated Words. Dhikrul alah is process that keeps going on as long as we live. So KEEPING GOD IN MIND is the Goal/Aim for SALAT which is the means here.
In the same lane of this understanding stands the following pair of verses
"But after them followed a posterity who lost SALAT and followed after lusts, they will surely to face destruction." 1959
"Except whose who repent and believe and work righteousness; for these will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least." 1960
And;
But after them followed a posterity that inherited the Book, but they chose the vanities of this world, saying " we will be forgiven." And if similar vanity came their way they would again seize them. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them that they say not about God but the Truth and study what is in the Book? But best for whose who fear God is the home of the hereafter. Will you not understand? 7169
And those who uphold the Book and maintain commitment/obligation we shall not cause the reward of the righteous to perish. 7170
In the first set (1959,60) we read about a following of lusts. The corresponding idea in 7169 to Following of lusts is represented in " they chose the vanities of this world" and their persistence on this " and if a similar vanity came their way they would again seize it". It is important to notice that these people who chose the vanities of this world actually inherited the Book. But it obvious that they did not choose to uphold it and maintain commitments in relation to this Book (its teaching). The next verse (7170) confirms this as it speaks about those who uphold the Book and maintain commitments, as opposite to those mentioned in the previous verse (7169) who, although inherited the Book, they chose the vanities of this world.
So, following Satans steps is no good as he (Satan) commands shameful and evil deeds (2421). This results in the losing of SALAT and the following of lusts (1959) and determines the choosing of the vanities of this world. But, following God closely, that is being committed to that course of life (iqamatus salat) prevents from shameful and evil deeds (2945). God commands what is good. Ponder over the following verses 1690, " Verily, God commands justice, the doing of good (righteousness) and giving to kith and kin, and He forbids shameful and evil deeds (yanha anil fahshawal munkar ) and injustice; He instructs you that you may keep (this) in mind."
1991, "And fulfil the covenant of God when you make the covenant and break not your oaths after you have confirmed them, when you have made God your surety; for God knows all that you do."
Here we have another set of verses to give more insight to the word salat;
"Verily, God and His forces (malaika) support the announcer/prophet. O you who have believed, support him and surrender in full measure." 3356
This is the verse that give credit, according to the traditional understanding, to the well established concept that we have to do SALAT (ritual prayer???) on the prophet repeating the phrase SALA ALLAHU ALEYHI WASALAM.
It is obvious that the verse speaks about ACTION and not a LIP SERVICE. It says "God and His forces yusaloona alan nabiy!?" God and his forces do not keep saying SALALAHU ALA NABIY and ask the believers to do the same. God and His forces support the prophet a well as those who believed with him;
"He it is Who supports you and His forces in order to bring you out from darknesses into light; and He is full of mercy to the believers." 3343
And He asked the believers to support the prophet in his mission, that is, to support Gods cause. (3356) This is the obvious and logical relation "O you who have believed, if you help (the cause of) God, He will help you and plant your feet firmly" 477 see also 7157, 381, 940, 874 and many other verses throughout the Book. So, it is very simple idea. As we mentioned above, To be a follower of a certain belief requires to be its supporter as well. In other words, the notion SUPPORTER is another aspect of the word FOLLOWER and vice versa. In general, the whole idea of submission to God is represented as a Path/Way/Course. These words/notions are not chosen by chance and they represent a deep and live concept. We follow God closely on that Path focusing on Him and keeping Him in mind and thus purifying ourselves. We do not follow God on the Path/Way physically but by means of observing His limits and maintaining commitment. The idea is very simple, powerful, and live. Being aware of God = fearing Him = being committed to His cause (following close) = keeping Him in mind = purifying the self. 3518 "Nor can a bearer of a burden bear anothers burden. If one heavily laden should call another to bear his load, not the least portion of it can be carried (by the other) even though he be nearly related. You can warn only those who FEAR THEIR LORD UNSEEN AND (WHO) OBSERVE LIMITS/MAINTAIN COMMITMENT and whoever PURIFIES himself do so for himself and to God is the return)
Observing God?s limits and/or commitments requires fearing God. Gods fearing is practically and logically linked to observing his limits. In this verse as well as many others, we see the strong link between COMMITMENT and PURIFICATION. So, SALAT is commitment where commitment is the natural result and/or the outcome of the relation God and man. There are other words in Arabic which are synonyms for the word Salat (as lizoom/iltizam), but I think that the significance of this word lays in the fact that it links many related ideas within Gods system and it carries the notion of movement (contra to stagnation), and of an alive relation between the follower and what is followed. The word iltizam does not carry the idea of movement. It is more appropriate in use as attachment.
The relation between READING (quraan) and COMMITMENT (salat)
We know that the Quran/Reading is the Book revealed to Gods messenger with the DUTY/ OBLIGATION/ COMMITMENT (2885) to reveal it to people as it was not a private communication (619). The fact that this aspect of the Book (Reading) is emphasized all over the Book and it is the one, with Which, it is most popular makes us think deeply on its significance. So, having this accent on Reading, repeated to us many times, we can clearly identify it as a book that is to be read on regular basis. In the following verses we will GW shed more light GW on this relation between commitment and the Reading. 17106, "and (it is) a Reading which we have divided (into parts) that you read it to men at intervals, we have sent it down at stages." 2885, " Verily He who has ordained/made obliged the Reading on you will return you back to meeting. Say my Lord knows best who brings true guidance and who is manifest error." 2791, " I have been commanded to serve the Lord of this city who has made it forbidden and to Him belong all things and I have been commanded to be of those who submit. And to rehearse the Reading (atluwal quraan), and if any accept guidance, they do it for the good of their own souls and if any astray, say " I am only a warner." 7204, "When the Reading (quraan) is read (quria) listen to it with attention, and hold your peace; that you may receive mercy." 8421, "And when the Reading is read to them they do not pay respect/show admiration/feel deep inner submission." 619, "And this Reading has been revealed to me to warn you with it and to whom it may reach.." 4126, "The unbelievers say - Do not listen to this Reading and talk at random in the midst (of its reading) that you may gain the upper hand.-" 4629, " Behold, We turned towards you a company of Jinns to listen to the Reading and when they stood in the presence thereof, they said, -listen in silence- AND WHEN THE READING WAS OVER (fa lama qudiya) they returned to their people to warn them." From all these verses (and many similar ones) we see that the aspect READING of the Book has been emphasized. This is due to the fact that warning is through reading. Reading is the main method of its delivery to people. We can see from the above verses that the word is about an organized session(s) dedicated to Reading Gods Book as means of reminding people and delivering the message to them.
Please pay attention to the words (falama qudiya/when it (the Reading) is over) which puts great accent on an organized session with a beginning and end.
The phrase (lama qudiya/when it is finished/done/over) is mentioned in relation to SALAT in 4103, 6210.
I personally believe that they are two sessions dedicated to this purpose (Reading). Mentioned by names (salatul isha and salatul fajr). I believe verses 1778 and 11114 refer to this.
The best connection to SALAT and READING
SALATUL FAJR/ DAWN DUTY/OBLIGATION = QURANUL FAJR/ DAWN READING
Add to this 17 106 up to 17110 where we read about having the moderate voice for Reading.
So, these sessions for reading are SALAT (obligation/commitment).
So, SALAT is simply used in this case to cover the meaning of Reading putting an emphasis on the fact that Reading is an obligation/duty that has to be done. Just as when the word FAHISHA which means SIN can be used for ZINA which is literally ADULTERY to put an accent on the fact that adultery IS a great sin.
What I wan to say is that in God`s system, Reading is a Commitment.
Just as Jihad does not literally mean fighting, but fighting is one form of Jihad the same goes for Zakat which does not mean literally spending but spending is a form of purification. Zina/adultery does not literally mean sin/evil deed but adultery IS a great sin. I hope the above comparisons explains this understanding.
So, salat in this sense is simply a commitment done by the believers.
Another important link between Reading and SALAT is the fact that for reading two words are used QARA? and TLW.
Tilawat means to follow close/come after. When we read (do tilawat) we follow the sequence of ideas and notions presented in what is read. Salat is to follow close these ideas in life.
May be one needs years of work and contemplation to really understand the significance of reading (in general and in particular) to the human prosperity and development.
Reading is simply one of the highest human intellectual and mental activities.
adopted by Sajjad
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salam sajjad
i must be candid with you, i have always nurtured a similar understanding of salat so i completely succumb ( as lamtu li Rabbil alamin). However where my mind is still not settled is on WUDU (abolution). I still feel it has other meanings . what do you think?your brother
ansi -
Zikr is the remembrance and awareness of Allah. It is important because that which occupied ones mind is what he attaches greater value and importance to, so obviously Allah should be on our minds more than anything else, that is a manifestation of rejecting shirk.
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Peace...
Zikr is normally translated as MENTION / REMIND / REMEMBER / MESSAGE etc..
I am not here to invalidate them.. But for example word REMEMBER has many a meaning to cover.. So, I feel CONSIDERATION would suit ie 'to give a careful thought to something / Thoughtfulness' would befit...
Anyway, I am not in full agreement to the translation of MESSAGE... Rather I would go with CONSIDERATION..
For example..
54 "..... .... So eat of what they catch for you, and consider attribution of Allah on it, and be concious of Allah...... ..."
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Peace...
Zikr is normally translated as MENTION / REMIND / REMEMBER / MESSAGE etc..
I am not here to invalidate them.. But for example word REMEMBER has many a meaning to cover.. So, I feel CONSIDERATION would suit ie 'to give a careful thought to something / Thoughtfulness' would befit...
Anyway, I am not in full agreement to the translation of MESSAGE... Rather I would go with CONSIDERATION..
For example..
54 "..... .... So eat of what they catch for you, and consider attribution of Allah on it, and be concious of Allah...... ..."
Peace...
Some are concerned and they ask as under
Do you mean to say we don't need to MENTION the name of Allah before eating as per verse 6118...
Well! Verse 6118 goes like this.."So eat of that on it the attribution of Allah / The Deity has been considered, if you are believers in His verses."
Even 6121
"And do not eat of that on it the attribution of Allah / The Deity has not been considered, for indeed, it is grave disobedience. ...."
To grasp it precisely without any deviation of the meaning, pls refer the exact meaning of ATTRIBUTION..
so.. Accordingly.. There is no need of MENTIONING the name of Allah before eating..
I have no idea what the name the Deity itself.. Allah is the Deity and He is the Rabb / Lord of all Races.. And He has many an attributions which are unique..Thanks..
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salam sajjad
i must be candid with you, i have always nurtured a similar understanding of salat so i completely succumb ( as lamtu li Rabbil alamin). However where my mind is still not settled is on WUDU (abolution). I still feel it has other meanings . what do you think?your brother
ansiSalam Brother,
Wudu is prescribed probably for hygiene purposes before the Salat sessions in public. This link has a good explanation <https//lampofislam.wordpress.com/2021/10/09/why-wudu-ghusl-and-tayammum-are-not-ritual-purification>Brother Sajjad, thanks for your detailed explanation about Salat. It makes sense about what Salat is all about.
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https//media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/gettyimages-1014167982-20240517143600404.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill/f_webp
When I see this photo, I feel the power of God. It's almost 100 years old, and it makes me think about how temporary life is and the beauty in God's creation that keeps renewing itself. Remembering God isn't just about saying words; it's about seeing, feeling, and pondering everything around us. This picture, these moments, all remind me of the incredible cycle of life that God created and I can not stop but considering everything around me that one day I would disappear and all those who live within my period of time and what would remain is God who is always alive and some times I wonder what was in his mind that he decided to create this whole universe, its not just to test us but surely he has his own reasons.. hence CONSIDERATION is the word that comes to my mind as Jkhan explained.
https//edition.cnn.com/travel/mallory-disappeared-everest-summit-mystery/index.html
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Dhikr is many things... A combination of things at times according to the context of the verses
It can mean any of theses words and/or a combination of theses at the same time.
Remember
Reflect
Reminder/Be reminded
Take heed/take the example and learn from it
Keep in your mind.
Consider
Take note.
A message to heed.
...The overriding and most important meaning is "To keep GOD in your mind 24/7 as a deterrent/reminder... i.e to be GOD conscious at all times.
Once that is established and becomes part of your life , you will remember,reflect, consider, take heed...etc Or try to as best you can.
Once you take GOD as your number one priority , you do "Dhikr" in deeds and intentions-doing, saying thinking... about GOD s way/path instructions in your life.
i.e GOD and His system will be the most important part of your life.GOD bless you all.
Peace.
