Zikr
The a Maizbhandari salik travel the path of truth with ever increasing awareness of Allah. One aspect of awareness is the practice of Zikr .Zikr means ‘remembering Allah, ‘ usually by pronouncing His name or by uttering a number of recognized formula.
Moulana Rumi said :
” Allah Allah Gufta Allah
Mishood Isukhun Kai Baure
Mordum Shaod.”
People uttering Allah, Allah dissolves himself in Allah- How will this simple talk comprehensive to the ordinary people? But one should remember that ” this Allah, Allah” is not like that which is repeatedly uttered along the road of shrine for earning money. Moulana Rumi said:
A’che Issa Korbadud Aj Namehu,
Mishude Pai Dawar Aj Namey Pa,
E ashhor Nabwad
chuna Buwad Eska Pak.”
Meaning:- When Hazarat Issa (Jesus) (A) would Whiff upon dead body in the name of Allah, even the dead would be alive. Whereas, ordinary people are pronouncing the holy name all the time- but there is no benefit at this because there is no touch of holy love. For this Dr.Iqbal said:-
Rah Gayi Rasomey Azam Ruhey Belal Na Rahi,
Falsafi Rah Gia – Talkina Gajjali Na Rahi,
Masjid Marsia Khha hai ka Namaji Na Rahi”
Meaning:- The custom of chanting Azan (Call for prayer) is going on but it has not the life of Belal.
The Qur’an repeatedly admonishes believer to celebrate the praises of God and to do this often. For remembering the name of Allah brings satisfaction and comfort to man’s heart. The following verses of Quran reveals the significance of zikir:
” Recite that which has been revealed to you of the scripture, and observe prayer .For prayer restrain one from lewdness and iniquity , but remembrance of Allah is the greatest virtue.”
“Therefore remember Me, and I Will remember you.”
The Quran warns those who neglect zikir : ” Whoso blinds himself to the remembrance of the all Merciful, to him we assign Satan for comrade and debar them from the way, and yet they think they are guided.” Again ,” Be not as those who forgot God , and so He caused them to forgot their own souls .Those , they are ungodly.” The key to human happiness lies in the remembrance of God, as in the Quranic verse : ” verliy, in the remembrance of God do Hearts find peace.”