The Merit of Dzikirullah Gathering

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The Merit of Dzikirullah Gathering 

By Imam Nawawi

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and Thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-‘ālameen. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, is His Messenger

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrated from the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam), who said:

“Allah (Subhānahu wata‘ala) have supernumerary angels who rove about seeking out gatherings in which Allah's name is being invoked: they sit with them and fold their wings round each other, filling in that which is between them and between the lowest heaven. When [the people in the gathering] depart, [the angels] ascend and rise up to heaven.”

The Prophet (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “Then Allah (Subhānahu wata‘ala) asks them - [though] He is most knowing about them: ‘Where did you come from?' And the angel say: ‘we have come from some servants of Yours on Earth: They were glorifying You (Tasbih: Subhana llah), exalting you (Takbir: Allahu Akbar), witnessing that there is no god but You (Tahlil: La ilaha illa llah), praising You (Tahmid: Al-Hamdu lillah), and asking [favours: mercy and forgiveness] of You.’

Allah (Subhānahu wata‘ala) says: ‘And what did they ask of Me?’ The angels say: ‘They asked of You Your Paradise.’ Allah (Subhānahu wata‘ala) says: ‘And have they seen My Paradise?’ They say: ‘No, O Lord.’ Allah (Subhānahu wata‘ala) says: ‘and how would it be were they to have seen My Paradise!’

The angels say: 'And they asked for protection of You. ‘Allah (Subhānahu wata‘ala) says:  ‘From what do they ask protection of Me?’ They say: ‘From Your Hell-fire, O Lord.’  Allah (Subhānahu wata‘ala) says: ‘And have they seen My Hell-fire?’ They say: ‘No, O Lord.’ Allah (Subhānahu wata‘ala) says: ‘and how would it be were they to have seen My Hell-fire!’

The angels say: ‘And they asked for Your forgiveness.’” The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Then Allah (Subhānahu wata‘ala) says: ‘I have forgiven them and I have bestowed upon them what they have asked for, and I have granted them sanctuary from that from which they asked protection.’”

“The angels say: ‘O Lord, among them is So-and-so, a much sinning servant, who was merely passing by and sat down with them.’”  The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “And Allah (Subhānahu wata‘ala) says: ‘and to him [too] I have given forgiveness: he who sits with such people shall not suffer.’”

[Recorded by Muslim, also by Al-Bukhari, At-Tirmidzi, and An-Nasa‘ie]

This hadith indicates the assemblies that proceeded by dzikirullah: Tasbih, Takbir, Tahlil, Tahmid and followed by Istighfar and Du’a seeking Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness are the assemblies that would be attended by of the angels, and gain the pleasure of Allah Subhānahu wata‘ala. Allah would bestow upon them what they have asked for.

There are several hadiths related to the virtue of the dzikirullah: Tasbih, Takbir, Tahlil, Tahmid, Istighfar and Du’a seeking Allah’s Favour.

Mu‘adz Ibn Jabal (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported that Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) once held him by the hand and said: “O Mu’adz! I swear by Allāh that I love you. I advise you not to miss supplicating after every solāh saying: ‘Allāhumma a ‘inni ‘alā dzikrika, Wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibâdatik. (O Allāh! Assist me in mentioning You, expressing gratitude to You, and worshiping You in the finest manner).”[Abu Dawud; An-Nasā‘ie]

Allah subhana wa ta'ala Says: "Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him ready to record it” [Surah Qaf, 50:18].

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "The uttering of the words: "Subhān-Allāh (Allāh is free from imperfection), Al-hamdu lillāh (All praise is due to Allāh), Lā ilāha illallāh (There is no true god except Allāh) and Allāhu Akbar (Allāh is the Greatest)' is dearer to me than anything over which the sun rises.'' [This is recorded by Muslim]

Commentary:  This Hadith highlights the fact that the formulas which mention the Praise and Glory of Allāh, His Majesty and Oneness are liked by the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) more than anything in the world, because this is one of the virtues which will survive and will be rewarded, while the world and all that it has will perish.

On the authority of Abu Malik al-Harith bin `Asim al-Ash`ari, (radiyallahu 'anhu), who said: The Messenger of Allah, (Sallallahu`alayhi wasallam), said:"Purification is half of iman (faith). Saying 'Al-Hamdulillah' (Praise be to Allah) fills the scales. Saying 'Subhanallah wa al-Hamdulillahi' (Exalted be Allah and Praise be to Allah) fills the space between the heavens and the earth. Solah is a light. Sadaqah (charity) is a proof. Sabr (patience) is a shining glory. The Qur'an is an argument either for you or against you. Everybody goes out in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves." [Muslim]

The hadith shows the importance of these great deeds in Islam through which every Muslim can free him or herself from the punishment of Allah subhana wa ta'ala in the Hereafter or in the Day of Judgment. One has to free oneself from any kind of enslavement except to Allah subhana wa ta'ala. One has to be a servant and slave of only Allah and not anyone or anything else.

‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “I met Ibrāhīm (`alayhissalam) on the Night of Ascension (Isra’ and Al- Mi’raj), and he said to me: `O Muhammad, conveys my greetings to your Ummah, and tell them that Jannah has a vast plain of pure soil and sweet water. It is a plain levelled land, treeless plain and the seeds are: Subhān-Allāh, Al-hamdu lillāh, Lā ilāha illallāh and Allāhu Akbar (Allāh is free from imperfection; All the Praise be to Allāh; There is no true god except Allāh; and Allāh is Greatest).'' [This is recorded by At-Tirmidzi (3462); At-Tirmidzi in his takhrij says: “Then say: Lā-hawla-wa-lā quwwata-illa-billāh [il-‘alyyul ‘Azeem]’ (There is no change of any condition nor power except by Allāh [the Most High, the Most Magnificent] '' in that manner’.”]

Commentary: Qi’an is the plural of Qa’ which means plain levelled land that does not have any tree. Trees grow on the plain land of Jannah in return for remembrance and Glorification of Allāh. The more one remembers Allāh, the greater is the number of trees which grow on the piece of land that will be awarded to him.

Abu Musa (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrated: Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said to me, “Shall I not guide you to a treasure from the treasures of Jannah?” I said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allāh!”' Thereupon he (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “(Recite) Lā-hawla-wa-lā quwwata-illa-billāh [il-‘aly-yul ‘Azeem]’ (There is no change of any condition nor power except by Allāh [the the Greatest, the Most Magnificent]).'' [This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: In this Hadith the invocation “Lā-hawla-wa-lā quwwata-illa-billāh [il-‘aly-yul ‘Azeem]”has been regarded a treasure of Jannah or one of the most precious stores of Jannah. The reason for its high eminence seems to be that through it, one makes a confession of his utter weakness and helplessness and attributes all power and authority to Allāh, and this is very much liked by Allāh. This statement is an outright admission that man has no power and if he can prevent himself from any mischief or do any good deed, it is only by the Will of Allāh and His Permission

Abu Darda (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: "Shall I not inform you of the best of your actions which are the purest to your Rabb, which exalt you to the high ranks, which are more efficacious than spending gold and silver (in charity), and better for you than you should encounter your enemies whom you will smite their necks and they will smite your necks?'' They said, "Certainly.'' Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “Remembrance of Allāh the Exalted [i.e Subhān-Allāh, Al-hamdu lillāh, Lā ilāha illallāh and Allāhu Akbar Lā-hawla-wa-lā quwwata-illa-billāh il-‘alyyul ‘Azeem (Allāh is free from imperfection; All the Praise be to Allāh; There is no true god except Allāh; and Allāh is Greatest. There is no change of any condition nor power except by Allāh, the Most High, and the Most Magnificent)].”  [This is recorded by At-Tirmidzi].

Commentary: This Hadith also tells us about the eminence of remembrance of Allāh, as the basis of every good deed is remembrance of Allāh and expression of one's devotion and obedience to Him. Without these two, even the greatest virtue is useless and is of no value. Thus, we must always bear it in mind that remembrance of Allāh is superior to everything else.

Sa’ad bin Abu Waqqas (radhiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: We were with the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) when he asked, "Is anyone of you unable to earn a thousand good deeds?'' One of those present asked: "How can one earn thousand good deeds in a day?'' Rasulullah (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) replied, "By saying: Subhan Allāh a  hundred times, then one thousand good deeds will be recorded for him or one thousand sins will be blotted out from his record.'' [This is recorded by Muslim].

Commentary: One thousand good deeds in return for saying the Tasbih: "Subhan-Allāh'' is a minimum reward under the promise that says i.e., ten-fold reward would be given for each good deed. The words "Au yuhattu’’ is open to disagreement among the religious scholars. Some of them have mentioned it with "Au'' which means one gets one thousand good deeds or a thousand sins are forgiven; while others have mentioned this Hadith with the word "Wa yuhattu'', that is, one is given a thousand virtues and a similar number of sins are pardoned.

Abu Dharr (radiyallāhu`anhu) narrated that Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “For every bone of the son of Adam a charity must be given each day. Every Tasbihah [saying Subhān Allāh (Glory be to Allāh)] is a charity, every Tahmidah [saying Al-hamdu Lillāh (Praise be to Allāh)] is a charity, every Tahlilah [saying Lā ilāha ill-Allāh (There is no god but Allāh)] is a charity, every Takbirah [saying Allāhu Akbar [Allāh is Most Great]) is a charity, enjoining what is good is a charity, forbidding what is evil is a charity, and two raka`at offered in the mid-morning (Solat Ad-Duha) is most rewarding.” [This is recorded by Muslim, 720]

In another narration Abu Dharr, (radiyallahu 'anhu), reported that some of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, (Sallallahu`alayhi wasallam), said to him:

"O Messenger of Allah, the rich have taken away all the rewards. They observe the solah as we do, and they keep the fasts as we do, and they give sadaqah (charity) from their surplus riches." Upon this he (the Prophet, Sallallahu`alayhi wasallam) said: "Has Allah not prescribed for you (a course) by following which you can also do sadaqah? Verily in every Tasbih (i.e. saying Subhanallah) there is a sadaqah, every Takbir (i.e. saying Allahu Akbar) is a sadaqah, every Tahmid (i.e. saying Alhamdulillah) is a sadaqah, every Tahlil (i.e. saying Lailaha illallah) is a sadaqah, enjoining of good is a sadaqah, forbidding of evil is a sadaqah, and having sexual intercourse with your wife is a sadaqah. They (the Companions) said: "O Messenger of Allah is there reward for him who satisfies his sexual passion among us?" He said: "Tell me, if he were to devote it to something forbidden, would it not be a sin on his part? Similarly, if he were to devote it to something lawful, he should have a reward."

[Muslim]

In another hadith recorded by both Muslim and Al-Bukhari, it is mentioned that the questioners were the poor of the Muhajruun or immigrants from Makkah. Ibn Rajab says that this hadith shows that those poor people thought that giving sadaqah (charity) can only be done through money, something which they could not afford. The Prophet, (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam), told them that all good deeds are considered as charitable acts.

Jabir bin Abdullah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) saying, "The best way to celebrate the remembrance of Allāh is to say: Lā ilāha illallāh (there is no true god except Allāh).'' [This is recorded by At-Tirmidzi].

Commentary: Since the Shahādah is the basis of Islam, its repetition in abundance has the greatest eminence. Some religious scholars regard only “Lā ilāha illAllāh” as eminent, while others hold that the second part of it (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allāh) is also included in it. Thus, in their opinion both these parts of the Shahādah should be recited together

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The poor Emigrants came to the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) and said: "The wealthy have gone with the highest ranks and lasting bliss.'' He asked: "How is that?'' They replied: "They offer Solāh as we offer it; they observe fast as we do; (and as they are wealthy) they perform Hajj and ‘Umrah, and go for Jihad, and they spend in charity but we cannot, and they free the slaves but we are unable to do so.'' The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "Shall I not teach you something with which you may overtake those who surpassed you and with which you will surpass those who will come after you? None will excel you unless he who does which you does.'' They said: "Yes, please do, O Messenger of Allāh'' He (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "You should recite: Tasbih “Subhān-Allāh (Allāh is free from imperfection)”, Takbir “Allāhu Akbar' (Allāh is Greatest)”, Tahmid “Al-hamdulillāh (Praise be to Allāh)” thirty-three times after each Solat.'' [This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Salih, the subnarrator of the Hadith said, when Abu Hurayrah (radhiyallāhu‘anhu) was asked about the manner of reciting Tasbih, Tahmid and Takbir, he said, "Recite: “Subhān-Allāh, wal-hamdulillāh, wallāhu Akbar”, till all are recited thirty-three times.

Commentary: This Hadith has already been mentioned, but with a slightly different wording with reference to Sahih Muslim. The elaboration made by Abu Salih apparently seems to indicate that all the three words should be recited in combination while other religious scholars have shown preference for reciting them separately. The purpose is, however, attained in either way. There does arise one question here: Should one recite each of these words thirty-three times or in all for thirty-three times? The wording of the Hadith does not make this clear. It makes it clear that each of these words is to be recited for thirty-three times. This is how their aggregate will come to ninety-nine. The Hadith that follows makes this point clear.

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu)  reported Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: "He who recites after every solāh: ‘Subhān-Allāh (Allāh is free from imperfection)’ thirty-three times; ‘Al-Hamdu lillāh (All the Praise be to Allāh)’ thirty-three times; ‘Allāhu Akbar (Allāh is Greatest)’ thirty-three times; and completes the hundred with: Lā ilāha illallāhu, wahdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli shay iñ Qadīr (There is no true god except Allāh. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent), will have all his sins pardoned even if they may be as large as the foam on the surface of the sea.''[This is recorded Muslim]

Abu Dharr (radiyallāhu`anhu) reported: The Prophet (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said:

"Allāh, the Almighty, says, `Whosoever does a good deed, will have (reward) ten times like it and I add more; and whosoever does an evil, will have the punishment like it or I will forgive (him); and whosoever approaches Me by one span, I will approach him by one cubit; and whosoever approaches Me by one cubit, I approach him by one fathom, and whosoever comes to Me walking, I go to him running; and whosoever meets Me with an earth-load of sins without associating anything with Me, I meet him with forgiveness like that".[Muslim]

This Hadith mentions the infinite Compassion and Mercy of Allāh to His obedient servants and a special expression of which will be made by Him on the Day of Resurrection. On that Day, He will servants at least ten times reward for each good deed. In some cases it may be far more than that, seven hundred times or more, as He would like. Such benevolence on His part warrants that a Muslim should never lose hope of His forgiveness.

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "There are two statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the Merciful: ‘Subhan-Allāhi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allāhil-Azeem [Glory is to Allāh and to Him is the praise, Glory is to Allāh, the Greatest, the Most Magnificent)'.''[This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In another narration Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu`anhu) also reported: Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “He who recites in the morning and in the evening the statement: ‘Subhān-Allāhi wa bihamdihi, Subhān-Allāhil-‘Azeem (Glory is to Allāh and to Him is the Praise, Glory is to Allāh, the Greatest, the Most Magnificent)’ one hundred times, will not be surpassed on the Day of Resurrection by anyone with better deeds than one who utters the same words or utters more of these words.” [Muslim]

Commentary: This Hadith affirms that man's actions carry weight. On the Day of Judgement, his actions will be cast into the Balance. At that time Allāh will endow these actions with weight, or according to some scholars, those records which register man's actions will be weighed. This is quite possible for the reason that Almighty Allāh is Capable of weighing things without even their physical form. This discussion apart, when actions will be cast into the Balance, the formula mentioned in the Hadith, the utterance of which is very easy, will prove weighty. Every Muslim should make it a practice to repeat them frequently. Allah subhana wa ta'ala Says: "Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him ready to record it” [Surah Qaf 50:18].

It was narrated that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said to a man (one of the Sahabah): “What do you say when you prayer (Du’a after the Tashahhud)?” He said: “I recite the Tashahhud, then I say:  “Allāhumma inni as alukal-Jannah wa a‘udzu bika Minan-nār” (O Allāh, I ask You for Paradise and seek refuge in You from the Fire).I cannot murmur like you and like Mu‘adz.” Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “It is about them that we were murmuring.” [Narrated by Abu Dawud, 792: sahih].

Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: We counted Allah’s Messenger saying a hundred times during one single sitting: ‘Rabb ighfir li wa tubb ‘alayya innaka antat-tawwābul-ghafūrur-rahīm’ (O Lord, forgive me and accept my repentance, for You are the Accepter of Repentance, Oft-Forgiving , Most Merciful). [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidzi].

Commentary: This Hadith tells us about the etiquette of praying to Allāh. We should use the Names of Allāh befitting our prayers, i.e., the Names of Allāh signifying those Attributes of Allāh which have a special concern with the subject of our particular prayer, i.e., while seeking forgiveness, His Names concerning His Attributes of forgiveness and kindness should be used. On the other hand, while praying for worldly matters, we should mention His Qualities of charity and bestowing gifts etc.

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu‘anha) reported: Prior to his demise, Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) used to supplicate frequently: “Subhan Allāhi wa bihamdihi; Astaghfirullaha wa atubu ilaih. (Allāh is free from imperfection, and I begin with praising Him. I beg forgiveness from Allāh and I turn to Him in repentance." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: In general, asking of forgiveness all the time is necessary and commendable. But during the old age and the last days of one's life it is particularly very essential. In this way, the Sunnah of Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) would also be followed.

 ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr (radiyallāhu‘anhu) narrated that Abu Bakar As-Siddiq (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: I requested the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) to teach me a supplication which I could recite in my Solāt. Thereupon he said, “Recite: ‘Allāhumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathira, Wa la yaghfirudz-dzunuba illa Anta, Faghfir li maghfiratan min ‘indika, warhamni , Innaka Antal-Ghafūr-ur-Rahim (O Allāh! I have considerably wronged myself. There is none to forgive the sins but You. So grant me pardon and have mercy on me. You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Compassionate).” [Recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ud (radiyallāhu‘anhu) reported: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) used to supplicate: “Allāhumma inni as ‘alukal-Huda, Wat-Tuqa, Wal-‘Afafa, Wal-Ghina (O Allāh! I beseech You for Guidance, Piety, Chastity and Contentment).” [Muslim].

Commentary: This du’a contains four words, the meanings and implications of which constitute its essence. These words are guidance, piety (fear of Allah), chastity and sufficiency. Guidance here means guidance at every turn of life and steadfastness on the path of truth. Fear of Allah is the greatest means of piety and strongest defense against sins. Chastity is the state of being free from what is unlawful. Self-sufficiency is the antonym of poverty and here it means the self-contentment. What it implies is that one should not care for what people possess. This Du’a is very comprehensive and valuable.

Anas Ibn Mālik (radiyallāhu’anhu) who said: “The supplication most often recited by Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam): Allahumma-ātina-fid-dunya hasanah, Wa fil-ākhirati-hasanah, Wa-qina-‘ādzabānnār (O Allah! Bestow upon us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the punishment of the Fire).’” (Al-Baqārah 2:201) [This is recorded by Al-Bukhāri, Muslim, and Tarmidzi].

Commentary: Tarmidzi (rahimullāh) said: “Hasanah is very comprehensive and includes in all kinds of good and benefits of this world and of the Hereafter. Good health, wealth and satisfaction of the world and good status in Jannah, forgiveness from sins and Allāh’s bounties and favours in both worlds are included in this duā’” [ Jāmi’ At-Tarmidzi]

Ibn Abi Hatim and Ibn Jarir recorded that Umm Salamah (radiyallāhu`anha), said that the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) used to supplicate: ‘Ya muqallibal-qulubi, thabbit qalbi `ala dinik (O Controller of the hearts make my heart steadfast in Your religion).” Rasulullah (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) then recited: Rabbana la tuzia’qulubana ba’ daiz hadaitana wahab Lana min laduñ karahmah; Iñnaka an tal wahhāb. (Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after Thou have guided us, and grant us mercy from Thou. Truly, Thou are the Bestower.) (Al-’Imran, 3:8) [This is recorded by Muslim and At-Tirmidzi]

And Allāh Almighty Knows best.

[Excerpted with modification from “Forty Hadith Qudsi, Hadith No: 39: The Merit Gathering for Dzikirullah and du’a seeking Allah’s Favour”, By Imam Nawawi via I C Truth]

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