Dhikr / Muraqaba : The Remembrance of God 

• The Unveiling of Love : Sufism & The Remembrance of God by Shaykh Muzaffer Ozak  
• The Unique Name & the Treasury of Truths : by Shaykh Mustafa Ahmad al-Alawi
• Permissibility of LOUD ZIKR in the Masjid & Elsewhere by Mufti Abdun Nabi Hamidi
• The Remembrance of God : by Imam Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti
• Dhikr in the Vocal Form
• Letters from a Sufi Master
• Muraqaba : The Art & Science of Sufi Meditation

Page Last Updated: 9th November 2011

THE UNVEILING OF LOVE : Sufism & the Remembrance of God 

Paperback - 217 pages             by Shaykh Muzaffer Ozak              Translated by Muhtar Holland  

 
”An all-around introduction to Sufism as taught by a modern master.... The reader gets a feeling for the way Sufi instruction has been carried on through the centuries.”---Annemarie Shimmel

The Unveiling of Love is the inspired work of an enlightened master of Islam. Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak was the renowned spiritual leader of the Halveti-Jerrahi Order of Dervishes in Istanbul and in the U.S., as well as other countries in the West.

For the dervish, passionate and ecstatic adoration for the Divine Beloved illuminates both the heart and the mind. With the help of poems, traditional teaching stories and brief passages from the Quran, Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak unveils the meaning of spiritual affection and explores the relationship of lover and beloved.

Expressly written for a Western audience, The Unveiling of Love presents valuable guidance for those with long experience in Islam and for those who are encountering Sufism and the meaning of spiritual love for the first time.

The author’s preface in this new edition includes material never previously available in English. In it, Sheikh Muzaffer recounts some of his enraptured first encounters with American seekers.

 
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The Unique Name & The Treasury of Truths of Shaykh Muhammad ibn-al-Habib 
Small Paperback - 63 pages                                by Shaykh Mustafa Ahmad al-Alawi                                                    

Section relating to the permissibility of 'LOUD DHIKR' taken from opening page:

''Praise belongs to Allah and it is sufficient, and peace on His chosen slaves.

From the slave of his Lord, Ahmad ibn Mustafa al-'Alawi al-Mustaghanami.

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

As for our subject, esteemed brother, I recall the discussion between us during your short visit when I saw you angered at your brothers the 'Alawiyun, as it seemed to me then, not for any wrong they do but just because they are infatuated with having the solitary name on their tongues, and that is their saying ALLAH.

It seemed to you that this requires reproof - we might even say punishment. And this, because they are committed to dhikr of that Name, with cause or without cause. It is the same for them in a dilemma or without one, in a situation not demanding invocation, so that when one of them knocks on the door he says, 'Allah,' and when he stands up he says, 'Allah,' and when he sits down he says 'Allah,' and so on.

You are of the opinion that it is improper to use this name as a dhikr, it not being a form of structured speech according to you - based on what grammarians stipulate as the necessities of grammatical construction in their definition of informative speech. There is no point in my answering you unless it is with the object of seeking mutual understanding and investigating whether what they do is right and proper, and whether it is permissible or not. I present you with this note that through it there may be healing for the breasts and cure for the hearts.

As for your stand on what grammarians lay down as the necessities of grammatical construction in what is considered speech, it is correct, except that the fact escapes you that in this decision of theirs the grammarians are concerned with discursive speech and are far from applying their definition to dhikrs and what distinguishes them from the point of view of lawfulness or unlawfulness, and then what results from that of rewards and the like. If you asked them in their day or this, they would certainly reply, "What we decide is merely a technical term on which we rely in our practice and there is no dispute in a technical term." You must be aware of the fact that the language of the grammarians is not the same as that of the scholars of kalam, and theirs is not the same as that of the fuqaha, nor theirs in turn that of the scholars of hadith and so on, for every group has its technical terms. For us, it follows from this that grammarians are simply concerned with defining informative speech, and are not concerned with distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate dhikrs. In other words, what grammarians stipulate as the requirements of grammatical construction is particularly for someone who intends to communicate with someone else by his speech. As for someone who does dhikr, he only intends to benefit himself and establish the meaning of that noble Name in his heart through his dhikr, or a purpose of a similar nature.

 
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 Permissibilty of LOUD ZIKR in the Masjid & Elsewhere 
  Booklet - 64 pages                                                                    by Mawlana Abdun Nabi Hamidi

A Sarwari Qadiri Publication.

Forward

"Who is more unjust than he who prevents the Name of Allah from being mentioned in the Mosques of Allah?" (Surah Baqarah : 114) 

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, Peace & Blessings upon His Prophet and Messenger Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'a'a 'alayhi wa Sallam, his Family and Companions. This treatise is a vindication of the permissibility of loud Zikr(dhikr). This is an answer to the booklet entitled "Impermissibility of Loud Zikr in the Masjid" written by a certain extremist Islamic organisation. 

Dhikr of Allah is the most excellent act of Allah's servants and is stressed over and over again in the Noble Qur'an. Dhikr is the most praiseworthy act to earn the Pleasure of Allah, the most effective weapon to overcome the enemy and the most deserving of deeds in reward. It is the flag of Islam, the polish of the heart, the essence of the science of faith, the immunization against hypocrisy, the head of worship and the key of all success. Dhikr is something of tremendous importance.

What is the position of the Ahl al-Sunnat wal Jama'at on these points of objection (regarding loud Dhikr)? It is with this thought in mind that this treatise has been written - to protect the teachings of the Ahl al-Sunnat wal Jama'at regarding this issue. We would like to add that this treatise was not written to cause division and discord, but rather to end the arguments revolving around this topic. Let everyone follow his heart and let us unify ourselves and keep Allah's Order in the Noble Qur'an to "Hold fast to the Rope of Allah and do not separate".

Mawlana Abdun Nabi Hamidi should be congratulated for taking up this challenge and responsibility in writing this treatise. In it, he has left no doubt as to the permissibility of loud Dhikr in the Masjid and elsewhere.

Let us pray for Heavenly support for a better Islamic world in which everyone can find a place for himself or herself, based on the accepted schools of thought and the Ijtihad of scholars.

Faqir Saeed Ally Sarwari Qadiri

 
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The Remembrance of God                                     by Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti

Paperback - 82 pages                               Revised & Edited with Notes by Gibril Fouad al-Haddad

Written by one of the most celebrated and prolific scholars of the Islamic civilisation, this treatise was written in response to a questioner in regards to remembering God (dhikr) aloud and in a group. In his response, al-Suyuti responds citing twenty five Prophetic traditions that in his estimation, not only justify collective dhikr, but highly recommend it. 

Reviews:

Building on Imam al-Suyuti's authoritative account, the accompanying appendices and running commentary by Shaykh Gibril Haddad make this the ultimate reference on the subject of loud dhikr for the Muslim public.---Muhammad Afifi al-Akiti, Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, University of Oxford

Imam al-Suyuti is one of the towering landmarks of Islamic scholarship. This fatwa from a famous Qur'anic exegete, a leading authority in all the Qur'anic sciences, traditionist, jurisprudent, grammarian and historian, given with his characteristic lucidity and authority, obviates the need to look for more on the same subject.---Mostafa al-Badawi, author of Sufi Sage of Arabia: Abdallah ibn Alawi al-Haddad

 
An immense contribution. This timeless fatwa brings traditional scholarly authority of the highest degree and removes dangerous misconceptions about the centrality and universal benefit of the collective remembrance of God as a standing Sunna of worship in the Muslim community. Al-Suyuti's pronouncement on this matter is essential for our community to grow and to develop spiritually by removing the dros of ignorance in the name of Islam that blocks access to the divine. Any Muslim who may have doubts on this matter should hold firmly to the category.---Umar Faruq Abdallah, author of A Muslim in Victorian America: The Life of Alexander Russell Webb

 
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 Dhikr in the Vocal Form  

Paperback - 58 pages

Permissibility and Virtues of Dhikr and it's Gathering

By: Imam Muhammad 'Abdul Hayy Al-Lacknawi

Compiled and Translated By: Mawlana Muhammad Sajid Younus

About the Book:

The Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah is not just an act of great virtue but is a requirement of religion. This Dhikr can be performed both silently and discretely, or (in excessively) aloud and openly, and either individually, or in a group.

As Muslims moved further away from the time of the best and better generations doubts about many permissible and established practices began to be entered into the hearts of the Muslim Umma'. One such doubt being spread was about the permissibility of performing Dhikr in groups and in a raised voice. Shaykh Abd al-Hay Lacknawi took note of this and prepared an Arabic treatise, which became renowned in both the sub continent and the Arab World, proving the permissibility of gathering and performing Dhikr in a raised voice.

From the Translator's Introduction:

'This is a translation of only two sections of the original Arabic text. These two sections were selected after taking account the needs and aptitude of those who seek knowledge and truth solely through the English medium. It is hoped that these will suffice in consoling and reaffirming pious hearts that Dhikr Jahr is a permissible and authentic act. The other sections of the orignial work are of a scholastic nature and would only be relevant and of interest to those who would implicitly possess a good command of scholastic Arabic, thus rendering an English translation redundant.

Section 1 is a collection of 48 narrations related to the practice of raised Dhikr and its gatherings.

Section 2 is a detailed response to some of the objections that voiced against raised Dhikr.

Finally there is a brief summary and conclusion of the issues relating to Dhikr.'
                                                                                            ---Mawlana Muhammad Sajid Younus

 
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 Letters of a Sufi Master:                                 The Shaykh ad-Darqawi  
 Paperback - 78 pages

Shaykh al-'Arabi ad-Darqawi;

 Translated by: Titus Burckhardt  | Preface by Martin Lings
 

This precious translation of selections from the letters of Shaikh ad-Darqawi, the founder of a major branch of the Shadhiliyyah Order in North Africa in the 13th/19th century, belongs to a class of Sufi literature that has not as yet received enough attention outside of the Islamic world.  

Each letter is a precious gem of wisdom, an indispensable key to open certain doors which stand before every traveller upon the Path. Almost all the letters concern the method and the operative aspects of the Way based on the central techniques of the invocation or dhikr.

In this domain they must be considered among the most direct instructions given on Sufic method to be found in all Sufi literature, where generally masters have preferred to refer to the actual spiritual techniques through allusion. Occasionally, however, fundamental facets of Sufi doctrine are also discussed.

"The sickness that is afflicting your heart is one of those things which strike men whom God loves, for 'of all men the most sorely tried are the Prophets, after them the saints, then those who resemble them, closely or remotely.' So do not be downcast, since this happens most often to men full of sincerity and love, to cause them to go forward towards their Lord.

By this suffering their hearts are purified and transformed into pure substance. Lacking such encounters with reality, nobody would reach the knowledge of God, far from it, for 'if there were no arenas for souls, the runners would not be able to run their course' as it is said in Ibn 'Ata-Illah's Hikam, in which he also says: 'In the variety of signs and changing states I came to recognise Thine intention in regard to me, that of showing me all things, so that there might be nothing in which I would not know Thee.'

In the same sense, the initiates have said: 'It is in times of upheaval that men stand out from amongst men.' In the Qur'an it is said : Do the people then reckon that they will be left in peace because they say 'we believe,' and that they will not be tried? (XXIX,1)."

In making available these letters in English, Titus Burckhardt has rendered a service to those seeking spiritual instruction. He has also enriched Sufi literature in Western languages and made available one more document of extraordinary power and beauty belonging to the recent past.

"During his early years in Morocco, Titus Burckhardt immersed himself in the Arabic language and assimilated the classics of Sufism in their original form. In later years, through his translations, he was to share these treasures with a wider public. One of his most important works of translation was of the spiritual letters of the renowned 18th-century Moroccan Shaikh Mulay al-'Arabi ad-Darqawi. These letters manifest a deep and lively insight into timeless metaphysical truths & at the same time, are a precious document of practical spiritual counsel." ----William Stoddart

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Muraqaba : The Art and Science of Sufi Meditation 

Hardback - 189 pages                                                           by Khawaja Shams al-Din Azeemi

For centuries Sufis have practised Muraqaba (meditation) within their inner circle. Now Sufi Master Khawaja Shamshuddin Azeemi is sharing these techniques with you.

Learn how the healing power of Muraqaba can bring peace and harmony to you and your loved one's life. Learn how a 16 week programme can improve your memory, immunity and general well-being, lower your blood pressure and transform you from an ordinary to an enlightened and contended being. Learn about other mysteries of Sufism (tasawwuf) like kashaf, haatif ghaybi, istaghraaq and so on. See how the Muraqaba of different colours can solve your specific health problems.

 
Regular practice of Muraqaba is instrumental in achieving the following:

• Lower blood pressure
• Longevity
• Fat reduction
• Enhanced Creativity
• Loss of irritability
• Improvement in the condition of the Heart
• Improvement in Hearing
• Improvement in Vision
• Improvement in Immunity against diseases
• End of Depression
• Stress Reduction
• Increased red blood corpuscules
• Enhanced Memory
• Improved Decision Making
• End of Insomnia
• Good sleep
• End of fear
• End of doubts
• End of jealousy
• End of negative thinking

Every human being, from the time of birth to death spends life in two states. In other words, in the human mind there are two types of conditions that prevail every moment of our life. One of these conditions or state is wakening and the other sleeping or dreaming. In the wakening state, they are trapped in Time and Space while during dreaming they are free from the confines of spatiotemporal limitations. This freedom of Time and Space is sought through Muraqaba (Sufi meditation) by converting the state of sleeping or dreaming into an awakened state. Because during Muraqaba (Sufi meditation), a person goes through the same conditions that he or she goes through while sleeping or dreaming. 

For those who are more interested in practicing Sufi Meditation for spiritual growth, Sufi-Master Azeemi has created a 16-week step-by-step programme of Sufi Meditation and respiratory exercises with dhikr. Also included in Muraqaba (Sufi Meditation) are Sufi stories and Case Reports of Muraqaba students and others who have used the healing methods given in this book.

About the Author:

Born Khwaja Shamsuddin Ansari on October 17, 1927 in Siharanpur, U.P., India into a Sunni cleric household; young Shamsuddin saw first hand the superficiality of the legalistic outward religion. Growing up he had several encounters that provoked his interests in the esoteric religion. At the young age of twenty, he set out on the quest of finding a true murshid (Sufi Master). That nine-year journey took him from his native city to places like the Patiala State, India and then to Lahore and then later Sadiqabad, Pakistan. Finally in Karachi, he arrived at the doorsteps of the Syed Muhammad Azeem a.k.a. Qalandar Baba Awliya (1896-1979), founder of the Azeemiyya tariqah.

For well over four decades, Sufi-Master Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi has been helping millions of people through his unique style of Spiritual Self-Healing in which he blends Parapsychology with centuries old Sufi meditation methods. It all began with his advise column in a newspaper and a weekly class on Sufi Meditation at his home in the 60's. Couple of years later that small class on Sufi Meditation turned into a huge gathering where people from all walks of life, age, gender and ethnic and religious background gather twice daily for Muraqaba (Sufi Meditation) session and through more that 35 books that he has written so far, many of which have been translated into English, Russian, Arabic and Farsi. 

 
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