Zikr (Remembrance of Allah)

The remembrance of Allah. The effort of total concentration with sincerity on God, to realise His nearness and company, and removing all other thoughts is called zikr. Everything which can be instrumental in invoking God, such as a name, a sign, an act, a word, a prayer, or recitations of the Holy Quran, or invoking blessings on the Holy Quran, or invoking blessings on the Holy Prophet (durood sharif), or entreaties, or spiritual conditions and similar acts which enhance the remembrance of the beloved and increase communion with Him, are covered by the term zikr. As such all actions, words, and spiritual conditions of a Sufi which are never free from the remembrance of Allah are called ‘azkaar’ (plural of zikr). The excellence of zikr is felt when the veils between the one who remembers (zakir) and the one who is remembered (mazkoor) are lifted.

Zikr is of several kinds, the details of which are available in books of mystical exercises. But the most useful method of zikr for a murid is that which his Shaikh directs him to adopt, keeping in view his aptitude and his spiritual needs. To adopt any kind of zikr without guidance of the Shaikh can do more harm than good.

Following are the kinds of zikr briefly explained:

Zikr-e-Lisani: (remembrance with the tongue). That is also called zikr-e-nasooti.

Zikr-e-raabta: This involves an un-interrupted link with the Shaikh whether he is present or absent. In his presence, utmost respect must be observed. In his absence, concentration on his image is necessary.

Zikr-e-Qalbi: (remembering silently in the heart). This is also called Zikr-e-Malakooti. To envisage the beloved in one’s heart. This is also called Muraqibah (meditation).

Zikr-e-Nafsi: To progress from the image in the mind towards the Truth. This is also called fikr.

Zikr-e-Roohi: Contemplation of realiry through His beautiful Names and Attributes. This is also called zikr-e-Jabrooti of Mushahida.

Zikr-e-Lahooti: Reflection of effulgences of Pure Essence on the salik’s heart which have no direction, no simile and no example. This is also called zikr-e-sirri.

Zikr-e-Nafi Isbaat: This involves the repetition of the phrase, ‘Laa-Ilaha-ilallah’, (There is no god except Allah)

Zikr-e-Ism-e-Zaat: Repeated remembrance of ‘Allah’

Zikr-e-Malakooti: Repeated remembrance of ‘illa-allaah’

Zikr-e-Jabrooti: This is repeated remembrance of ‘Allah’

Zikr-e-Lahooti: To repeat “Hoo! Hoo!”

Zikr-e-Mareeza: This involves moaning like a sick person at the Time of zikr. The Sohrawardiah Order emphasizes this mode of zikr.

Zikr-e-Mahzoona: To Perform zikr with a grief stcicken voice. This is speciality of the Qadriah Order.

Zikr-e-Ishqiah: Zikr in a voice overcome with fervor and zeal. This is the distinvtion of the Chishtia Order

The remembrance of Allah. The effort of total concentration with sincerity on God, to realise His nearness and company, and removing all other thoughts is called zikr. Everything which can be instrumental in invoking God, such as a name, a sign, an act, a word, a prayer, or recitations of the Holy Quran, or invoking blessings on the Holy Quran, or invoking blessings on the Holy Prophet (durood sharif), or entreaties, or spiritual conditions and similar acts which enhance the remembrance of the beloved and increase communion with Him, are covered by the term zikr. As such all actions, words, and spiritual conditions of a Sufi which are never free from the remembrance of Allah are called ‘azkaar’ (plural of zikr). The excellence of zikr is felt when the veils between the one who remembers (zakir) and the one who is remembered (mazkoor) are lifted.

Zikr is of several kinds, the details of which are available in books of mystical exercises. But the most useful method of zikr for a murid is that which his Shaikh directs him to adopt, keeping in view his aptitude and his spiritual needs. To adopt any kind of zikr without guidance of the Shaikh can do more harm than good.

Following are the kinds of zikr briefly explained:

Zikr-e-Lisani: (remembrance with the tongue). That is also called zikr-e-nasooti.

Zikr-e-raabta: This involves an un-interrupted link with the Shaikh whether he is present or absent. In his presence, utmost respect must be observed. In his absence, concentration on his image is necessary.

Zikr-e-Qalbi: (remembering silently in the heart). This is also called Zikr-e-Malakooti. To envisage the beloved in one’s heart. This is also called Muraqibah (meditation).

Zikr-e-Nafsi: To progress from the image in the mind towards the Truth. This is also called fikr.

Zikr-e-Roohi: Contemplation of realiry through His beautiful Names and Attributes. This is also called zikr-e-Jabrooti of Mushahida.

Zikr-e-Lahooti: Reflection of effulgences of Pure Essence on the salik’s heart which have no direction, no simile and no example. This is also called zikr-e-sirri.

Zikr-e-Nafi Isbaat: This involves the repetition of the phrase, ‘Laa-Ilaha-ilallah’, (There is no god except Allah)

Zikr-e-Ism-e-Zaat: Repeated remembrance of ‘Allah’

Zikr-e-Malakooti: Repeated remembrance of ‘illa-allaah’

Zikr-e-Jabrooti: This is repeated remembrance of ‘Allah’

Zikr-e-Lahooti: To repeat “Hoo! Hoo!”

Zikr-e-Mareeza: This involves moaning like a sick person at the Time of zikr. The Sohrawardiah Order emphasizes this mode of zikr.

Zikr-e-Mahzoona: To Perform zikr with a grief stcicken voice. This is speciality of the Qadriah Order.

Zikr-e-Ishqiah: Zikr in a voice overcome with fervor and zeal. This is the distinvtion of the Chishtia Order