How to truly understand the meaning of Dhikr (Remembrance of God)?

Understanding the true meaning of Dhikr goes beyond the mere repetition of words and litanies; it is a state of constant mindfulness and awareness of God's presence, power, majesty, and mercy, which should permeate every aspect of a person's life. The Holy Quran repeatedly invites believers to the remembrance of Allah, presenting it as a source of peace for hearts and success in this world and the hereafter. To achieve this profound understanding, we must consider several key aspects. The first step in truly understanding Dhikr is realizing that it encompasses a wide range of spiritual, verbal, and practical activities, not just uttering "La ilaha illallah" or "Subhanallah." Heartfelt Dhikr, or Dhikr al-Qalb, refers to the continuous attention and presence of the heart towards God; it's the constant awareness that Allah is watching over all our actions, that He is the Provider, our ultimate Refuge, and that everything is within His power. This presence of heart is the foundation and essence of true Dhikr, and without it, verbal Dhikr will be ineffective. When one's heart is attentive to God, even silence can be considered a form of remembrance. Verbal Dhikr, or Dhikr al-Lisan, includes any form of praise, gratitude, glorification (Tasbih), affirmation of divine unity (Tahleel), magnification (Takbir), and supplication (Du'a) expressed through the tongue. However, the difference between true Dhikr and superficial Dhikr lies in the fact that verbal remembrance must originate from the heart and be accompanied by its meaning and comprehension. Repetition without the heart's presence offers no benefit beyond moving the tongue. When one utters "Subhanallah" with their entire being, they should comprehend God's immense purity and majesty and feel awe in its presence. When saying "Alhamdulillah," one should grasp the depth of Allah's countless blessings and be truly grateful. This harmony between the tongue and the heart transforms Dhikr into a powerful tool for connection with the Creator. Practical Dhikr, or Dhikr al-Amal, is also a crucial part of the true meaning of Dhikr. This type of remembrance signifies being mindful of Allah in all daily actions and behaviors. It means that every action we undertake should be with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure and in accordance with His commands. Adhering to lawful and unlawful matters (halal and haram), refraining from injustice, showing kindness to others, fulfilling religious obligations (like prayer and fasting), and abstaining from prohibitions are all manifestations of practical Dhikr. A believer who is mindful of God in the marketplace, at work, at home, or anywhere else, and is careful about upholding the rights of others, trustworthiness, and honesty, is engaged in practical Dhikr. This form of remembrance is a sign of perfected faith and God's continuous presence in one's life. To deepen the understanding of Dhikr, contemplation of the verses of the Holy Quran holds special significance. The Quran itself is referred to as "Dhikr," and every verse reminds us of Allah's power, wisdom, mercy, and His commands and prohibitions. Reciting, understanding, and acting upon the Quran is considered the greatest form of Dhikr. When a person recites the divine verses and reflects upon their meanings, their heart becomes illuminated with divine light, and this illumination guides them to the remembrance of Allah and His beautiful names. The Quran is a comprehensive guide for knowing God and the path to eternal salvation, and without it, a true understanding of Dhikr would be difficult. Furthermore, the presence of heart and sincerity of intention during Dhikr are extremely important. Dhikr should be accompanied by love and yearning for Allah, not merely out of habit or obligation. The purer one's intention and the freer their heart from worldly attachments, the deeper and more impactful their Dhikr will be. This sincerity helps a person taste the true joy of connecting with their Lord and experience unparalleled tranquility. Perseverance and consistency in Dhikr, even in difficult circumstances, contribute to a deeper understanding. Allah in the Quran invites believers to "Dhikran Kathiran" (much remembrance). This consistency ensures that the remembrance of God becomes ingrained in one's being, allowing them to perceive Allah as present and observant at all times, whether in joy or sorrow, ease or hardship. This steadfastness grants a person peace of mind and assurance that they are always under divine care and protection. Ultimately, understanding the true meaning of Dhikr is a spiritual journey that involves knowledge, faith, action, and perseverance. This understanding helps a person lead a more meaningful life, be patient in the face of challenges, and remain connected to the infinite source of divine power. Dhikr is the bridge between the servant and the Creator, and the stronger this bridge, the greater the peace and felicity one will attain. True Dhikr guides a person towards success and salvation and protects them from heedlessness and satanic whispers, for the heart that remembers God is a sanctuary for divine love, and Satan has no path into it. Therefore, Dhikr is not merely an act of worship but a lifestyle that imbuses every moment of a believer's life with divine light.