Dhikrullah (remembrance of Allah) is of many types and forms including Qur’anic recitation, prayer (salat), supplication (dua), studying Islamic knowledge, meditation (muraqaba), sending salutations (durud sharif) on the Prophet (s.a.w.s.).
The importance, loftiness and benefits of dhikr are stressed repeatedly in both the Majestic Qur’an and hadith sharif. Allah (exalted is He) stresses that we should remember him often and in all circumstances:
O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance; and glorify Him morning and evening. (Qur’an 33: 35, 41-42)
Lo! In the creation of the Heavens and the earth and in the night and day are tokens (of His sovereignty) for men of understanding, such as remember Allah, in standing, sitting, and reclining. (Qur’an 3:190-191)
Then do ye remember Me I will remember you. (Qur’an 2:152)
A hadith qudsi further corroborates this and emphasises it is a means to Allah’s proximity:
“I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly better than it. And if he draws near to Me a hand’s span, I draw near to him an arm’s length; and if he draws near to Me an arm’s length, I draw near to him a fathom’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.” Bukhari & Muslim
Remembering His name – Allah – is also a dhikr that is stressed:
And mention the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with a complete devotion. (Qur’an 73:8)
Osman Khan