Besides Reading the Qur'an There are Zikr and other Forms of Worship

 Besides Reading The Qur’an

There are Zikr and Other Forms of Worship

Dr Mozammel Haque

Zikr and other forms of worship

Besides reading of the Qur’an

No doubt, reading of the Qur’an in the month of Ramadan, the month of its revelation, is the best way but besides that, one can do other way of worship, Ibadah, remembrance of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. I have seen during the month of Ramadan, many people were doing Tawaaf in Haram or some people were performing Umrah and others were engaged in Zikr or remembrance of Allah the Almighty.

The Angels are remembering Allah the Almighty by saying the third Kalimah. Islamic scholars mentioned the beginning or the originality of the third Kalimah – “Subhanallah(i) Walhamdulillah(i) Wa La Ilaha Illallah(u) Wallahu Akbar Wala Hawla Wa La Quwwata illah Billah hil Aleyeel Azeem.” (There is no Power and Might except from Allah, The Most High, The Great) and up to this day, this kalimah (or declaration of faith) buzzes around the Arsh of Almighty Allah.

Story Behind Third Kalimah

The Third Kalimah has a unique and very interesting story behind it. It all started before Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala created Adam A.S.(peace be upon him) The Angels were trying to move the Arsh (Throne) of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala but it was too heavy and would not budge. So they asked Almighty Allah for help. Allah told them to recite “Subhanallah”. The Angels did as they were told and found that it gave them the power and strength and they were able to move the Arsh. They liked this so much that they began constantly hymning, “Subhanallah,” – (Glory be to Allah)

 Then Allah created Adam A.S. When Allah blew life into Adam, the first thing he did was sneeze and say “Alhamdulillah” (All praise be to Allah). The Angels liked this act so much that they added this to their praise and glorification of Allah. Thus the kalimah became: “Subhanallah(i) Walhamdulillah”.

 Hundreds of years passed and the Prophet Nooh A.S. (peace be upon him) was now on earth. For nine hundred years he proclaimed the oneness of Allah with the words: “La Ilaha Illallah”. (There is none worthy of worship). The Angels loved this act so much that they added this to the kalimah. Thus, the kalimah  now became “Subhanallah(i) Walhamdulillah Wa La Ilaha illallah.”

The Angels kept repeating this kalimah day and night. Many centuries passed and the Prophet Ibrahim A.S. (peace be upon him) was asked by Almighty Allah to sacrifice his beloved son Ismaeel A.S. (peace be upon him). He was about to slaughter his son and He needed something to give him the courage he needed to do this difficult deed. So he recited: “Allahu Akbar”. (Allah is Great). The Angels loved this act so much that they added “Allahu Akbar” to the Kalimah. Thus the kalimah became: “Subhanallah (i) Walhamdulillah (i) Wa La Ilaha illah (u) Wallahu Akbar.”

 More centuries passed. It was the Night of Meraj, when our Beloved Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. (peace and blessings be upon him) ascended to the Heavens with Gibraeel A.S. There Gibraeel A.S. (peace be upon him) told the Prophet S.A.W (peace and blessings be upon him) the story and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) added the final part of the Kalimah: “Wala Hawla Wa La Quwwata illah Billah hil Aleyeel Azeem.”

 Thus “Subhanallah(i) Walhamdulillah(i) Wa La Ilaha Illallah(u) Wallahu Akbar Wala Hawla Wa La Quwwata illah Billah hil Aleyeel Azeem.” (There is no Power and Might except from Allah, The Most High, The Great) and up to this day, this kalimah (or declaration of faith) buzzes around the Arsh of Almighty Allah.

Third Kalimah is Tamjeed, this is the Kalimah (the first part) that is recited 33 times after each Farz Salah (Namaaz), and is called Tasbih Fatima.

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) says that if a person recites Ayatul Kursi after every Farz Salah Namaaz then there will be nothing between him and Heaven except “Death”.

There is another Tradition of the Prophet (PBUH) that says third Kalimah is such a great medicine that it cures every disease and the most minor disease it cures is – Sorrow (Gham)

 Another Hadith says if a person recites Surah Ikhlaas 10 times a day then Allah builds a palace for him in the Heaven and the last but not the least ALLAH says spread the knowledge whatever you have; it is the duty of every Muslim.

 May ALLAH accept our good deeds, especially in this blessed month of Ramadan. Ameen InshaAllah.