Weekly Zikr

THE FORGOTTEN TRADITION OF THE HEART

Many of us today are faced with a multitude of expectations from various responsibilities and individuals in our lives - work, family, school and the community. Coupled with the increasing pace at which each of our responsibilities expect from us, it is easy for us as individuals to feel emotionally, mentally and spiritually drained. Yet deep within ourselves, amidst the bustle of life, we seek tranquility regardless of the challenges that life presents. What is it and how can we seek it?

We might easily assume that central to our being and consciousness lies the brain. The Islamic Tradition however differs in that central to our being the heart - the spiritual heart. Our Holy Prophet ﷺ once narrated, “There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good, the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]. We understand from this that the state of our being lies in the state of our hearts which is designed to be in a state of tranquility through the remembrance of Allah s.w.t. However, it is also understood that our hearts are created to be vulnerable to anxiety and agitation. It is therefore a life-long effort and dedication to mend our hearts. The recalibration of the mind, body and soul is therefore simply through constantly engaging in Zikrullah, which is not merely an act of repeating the sacred name of God, but a process of recalibrating our hearts.

Just as how our lungs need air to breathe, our hearts require the remembrance of Allah s.w.t. in order to survive, cope, embrace and overcome the challenges that is being presented on a constant basis as we seek not just happiness, but eternal happiness through first striving to attain a tranquil state of heart.

"…Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (13:28)

Here at Khanqah Ehsaniyyah, our Zikir sessions are open to everyone and anyone from all walks of life regardless of background or social status - seekers, students of knowledge, youths, parents, social workers, community leaders or possibly anyone out there who is seeking for solace and tranquility amidst the fast-paced technologically evolving world we live in today.