THE ESSENCE OF ALL WORSHIP

THE ESSENCE OF ALL WORSHIP Remembering God Always A BDULLAH IBN ABBAS, the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and Companion, once said that to everything that God has prescribed there is a definite limit, which can be waived when one is indisposed. Dhikr, or remembrance of God, on the other hand, has no limit; nor can it be excused on account of any disposition. Here are two sayings of the Prophet con­cerning dhikr: ‘‘‘Shall I tell you what the best action is, that is most pleasing to your Lord, which will raise you up most in His sight?’ the Prophet asked. ‘Please do, Prophet of God,’ the Companions replied. ‘Remembrance of the Almighty and Exalted God,” the Prophet said. “A man came to the Prophet and asked which of those who struggle for the divine cause would have the greatest reward. ‘The one who remembers God most,’ the Prophet replied. He then asked which of those who fast would have the greatest re­ward. The Prophet answered again: ‘The one who remembers God most.’ The man then asked about those who pray, pay the poor-due, perform pilgrimage and give charity. The Prophet gave the same reply to all his questions. ‘Those who remember God receive all the rewards.’ (Musnad Ahmad) Remembrance of God is the greatest of all forms of worship for the simple reason that it is the essence of all worship. Essentially, dhikr is another word for realization of God. Dhikr is the state which overcomes a person when he discovers God, when he breaks through the veil of outward forms and penetrates the world of inner meanings. It is only natural that when this happens, he should be mindful of God all the time. When a person discovers God in all His glory and greatness, the effect that it has on him is shattering. His heart and mind are shaken with deep realization of the momentous nature of his discovery. He gives tongue to a litany of praise and adoration. Dhikr is the state that God’s humble servant experiences when he considers God’s favours and reflects upon God’s perfection. No be­lieving soul can remain unmoved by such an experience. The aware­ness of God that fills his heart springs spontaneously to his lips Remembrance of God is the greatest of all forms of worship for the simple reason that it is the essence of all worship.