Importance And Benefits Of Performing al-Istikhaarah

   بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

1. Spiritual Benefits:

a) Manifestation Of Tawḥeed:

Al-Istikhaarah is a profound act of worship that demonstrates a Believer’s absolute dependence on Allaah alone. It is an opportunity to engage in sincere supplication (Du`aa), which is one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allaah. By turning to Allaah in times of uncertainty, a person affirms his Faith and puts his complete trust in the Creator of the heavens and the earth.

b) Adherence To Sunnah:

Praying Al-Istikhaarah is following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is a practice (Sunnah) that was taught by the Prophet ﷺ for “each and every matter,” both big and small, highlighting its importance as a regular part of a Muslim’s life. It is an act of worship that brings spiritual rewards and solidifies one’s connection with Allaah.

(6.14) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

   بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله 

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 14):

 

The Virtues Of Gatherings Where Allaah Is Remembered And The Study Circles Where The Religion Is Taught:

Many Aḥaadeeth mention the virtues of such gatherings where Allaah is remembered. The following are seven such narrations:

19 (First) - Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrated: Allaah’s Messenger ﷺ said: ❝Allaah has Angels who go about on the roads and paths seeking those who remember Allaah. When they find some people who remember Allaah (and praise Him), they call each other, saying: “Come to the object of your pursuit.” Then the Angels surround them with their wings (till the space between them and) the lowest heaven (is fully covered). (After these people disperse and the Angels go back), their Lord asks them (those Angels) - though He knows better than them - {What do My slaves say?} The Angels reply: “They are glorifying Your praise by saying: the Tasbeeḥ (Sub-ḥaan Allaah), the Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar), the Taḥmeed (Alḥamdulillaah), the Tamjeed, (i.e., they were declaring Your Perfectness, praising, remembering Your Greatness and Majesty).” Allaah then asks: {Did they see Me?} The Angels reply: “No! By Allaah, they have not seen You.” Allaah asks: {How would they act if they were to see Me?} The Angels reply: “If they were to see You, they would worship You more devoutly, and glorify You more deeply, and extol You (and declare Your freedom from any resemblance to anything) much more.” Allaah says (to the Angels): {What do they seek from Me?} The Angels reply: “They beg You for Paradise.” Allaah says (to the Angels): {Have they seen it?} The Angels say: “No! By Allaah, O Lord! They have not seen it.” Allaah says: {How would it have been if they saw it?} The Angels say: “Were they to see it, they would have been more intensely eager for it, would have asked more earnestly for it, and would have had a greater desire for it.” Allaah says: {From what do they seek protection?} The Angels reply: “They seek protection from the (Hell) Fire.” Allaah says: {Have they seen it?} The Angels say: “No By Allaah, O Lord! They did not see it.” Allaah says: {How would they act if they were to see it?} The Angels say: “If they were to see it, they would be more earnest in fleeing from it and would have extreme fear from it.” Then Allaah says: {I make you witnesses that I have forgiven them.}❞ Allaah’s Messenger ﷺ further said: ❝One of the Angels would say: “There was so-and-so amongst them, and he was not one of them, but he had just come for some need (and he sat with them).” Allaah would say: {They are people who are seated together, and he who sits with them will not be miserable.}❞ [1]

(6.13) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

  بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله 

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 13): 

9- The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَا مِنْ قَوْمٍ يَقُومُونَ مِنْ مَجْلِسٍ لَا يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ فِيهِ، إِلَّا قَامُوا عَنْ مِثْلِ جِيفَةِ حِمَارٍ وَكَانَ لَهُمْ حَسْرَةً

❝Those people who get up from a gathering in which they did not remember Allaah will be just as if they had got up from (a gathering) similar to that of the carcass of a donkey, and it will be a cause of grief to them.❞ [1]

(6.12) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

  بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله 

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 12):

8- The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَا جَلَسَ قَوْمٌ مَجْلِسًا لَمْ يَذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ فِيهِ، وَلَمْ يُصَلُّوا عَلَى نَبِيِّهِمْ، إِلَّا كَانَ عَلَيْهِمْ تِرَةً، فَإِنْ شَاءَ عَذَّبَهُمْ وَإِنْ شَاءَ غَفَرَ لَهُمْ

❝No group sits in a gathering in which they do not remember Allaah nor send Ṣalaah upon their Prophet, except it will be a source of remorse for them. If He تعالى wills, He will punish them, and if He wills, He will forgive them .❞ [1]

(6.11) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

 بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله 

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 11):

7- The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَنْ قَعَدَ مَقْعَدًا لَمْ يَذْكُرِ اللَّهَ فِيهِ كَانَتْ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ اللَّهِ تِرَةٌ، وَمَنْ اضْطَجَعَ مَضْجَعًا، لَا يَذْكُرُ اللَّهَ فِيهِ كَانَتْ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ اللَّهِ تِرَةٌ

❝If anyone sits at a place (or a gathering) where he does not remember Allaah, deprivation will descend on him from Allaah; and if he lies in a place where he does not remember Allaah, deprivation will descend on him from Allaah.❞ [1]

Explanation:

First: The wordings of the Ḥadeeth:

(6.10) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله 

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 10):

6- The Prophet ﷺ said: 

أَفَلَا يَغْدُو أَحَدُكُمْ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ فَيَعْلَمُ، أَوْ يَقْرَأُ آيَتَيْنِ مِنْ كِتَابِ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، خَيْرٌ لَهُ مِنْ نَاقَتَيْنِ، وَثَلَاثٌ خَيْرٌ لَهُ مِنْ ثَلَاثٍ، وَأَرْبَعٌ خَيْرٌ لَهُ مِنْ أَرْبَعٍ، وَمِنْ أَعْدَادِهِنَّ مِنَ الْإِبِلِ

❝Does not one of you go out in the morning to the Masjid and learn or recite two Aayaat (verses) from the Book of Allaah عز وجل? That is better for him than two she-camels, and three Aayaat (verses) are better (than three she-camels), and four verses are better for him than four (she-camels), and so on their number in camels.❞ [1]

Explanation:

First: The wordings of the Ḥadeeth:

(6.9) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله 

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 9):

5- The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَنْ قَرَأَ حَرْفًا مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَلَهُ بِهِ حَسَنَةٌ، وَالحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا، لَا أَقُولُ الم حَرْفٌ، وَلَكِنْ أَلِفٌ حَرْفٌ وَلَامٌ حَرْفٌ وَمِيمٌ حَرْفٌ

❝Whoever recites a letter from Allaah’s Book (the Qur’aan), he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a tenfold reward. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem (الـــم) is (one) letter, but Alif (أ) is a letter, Laam (ل) is a letter and Meem (م) is a letter.❞ [1]

(6.8) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله 

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 8):

4- The Prophet ﷺ said:

لَا يَزَالُ لِسَانُكَ رَطْبًا مِنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ

❝Let  not  your  tongue  cease  to  be  moist  with  the  remembrance  of  Allaah عز وجل❞

The complete narration is as follows:

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ بُسْرٍ، أَنَّ أَعْرَابِيًّا قَالَ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: إِنَّ شَرَائِعَ الْإِسْلَامِ قَدْ كَثُرَتْ عَلَيَّ، فَأَنْبِئْنِي مِنْهَا بِشَيْءٍ أَتَشَبَّثُ بِهِ قَالَ: لَا يَزَالُ لِسَانُكَ رَطْبًا مِنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ

`Abdullaah Ibn Busr رضي الله عنهما narrated that a Bedouin said to the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said: “The laws of Islaam have become burdensome for me. Tell me of something that I will be (easily) able to adhere to. He ﷺ said: ❝Always keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allaah عز وجل❞ [1] 

(6.7) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله 

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 7):

3- The Prophet ﷺ said:

يَقُولُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى: أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي، وَأَنَا مَعَهُ إِذَا ذَكَرَنِي، فَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي، وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلَإٍ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلَإٍ خَيْرٍ مِنْهُمْ، وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَيَّ بِشِبْرٍ تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ ذِرَاعًا، وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَيَّ ذِرَاعًا تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ بَاعًا، وَإِنْ أَتَانِي يَمْشِي أَتَيْتُهُ هَرْوَلَةً

❝Allaah تعالى says: {I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e., I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than them; and if he draws nearer to Me by a hand span, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he draws nearer to me by one cubit, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.}❞ [1]

(6.6) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 6): 

2- The Prophet ﷺ said:

أَلَا أُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِخَيْرِ أَعْمَالِكُمْ، وَأَزْكَاهَا عِنْدَ مَلِيكِكُمْ، وَأَرْفَعِهَا فِي دَرَجَاتِكُمْ وَخَيْرٌ لَكُمْ مِنْ إِنْفَاقِ الذَّهَبِ وَالوَرِقِ، وَخَيْرٌ لَكُمْ مِنْ أَنْ تَلْقَوْا عَدُوَّكُمْ فَتَضْرِبُوا أَعْنَاقَهُمْ وَيَضْرِبُوا أَعْنَاقَكُمْ؟ قَالُوا: بَلَى. قَالَ: ذِكْرُ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى

❝Should I not inform you of the best of your deed, and the purest of them with your Master, and the highest of them in your ranks, and what is better for you than spending gold and silver, and better for you than meeting your enemy, and you striking their necks, and they strike your necks?❞ They said: “Of course.” He ﷺ said: ❝The remembrance of Allaah تعالى.❞ [Then] Mu`aadh Ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه said: ❝There is nothing that brings one  more  salvation  from  the  punishment  of  Allaah  than  the  remembrance of Allaah.❞ [1]

(6.5) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 5): 

1- The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَثَلُ الَّذِي يَذْكُرُ رَبَّهُ وَالَّذِي لاَ يَذْكُرُ رَبَّهُ، مَثَلُ الحَيِّ وَالمَيِّتِ

❝The similitude of one who remembers his Rabb (Lord) and one who does not remember Him, is like that of the living and the dead.❞ [1]

Explanation:

(6.4) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 4):   

Fourth: Allaah تعالى said:

وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَخِيفَةً وَدُونَ الْجَهْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ وَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْغَافِلِينَ

{And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.} [1]

Explanation:

(6.3) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 3):  

Third: Allaah تعالى said:

﴿وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا﴾‏

{and the men and the women who remember Allaah much, Allaah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)} [1]

Explanation:

1. al-Haafidh al-Baghawee رحمه الله reported that Mujaahid said: “A slave (of Allaah) cannot be considered among those who remember Allaah much till he remembers Allaah while standing, sitting, and laying down.” [2]

2. Tafseer al-Muyassar: “The men and women who remember Allaah much with their hearts and tongues, for all of them (i.e., the ten categories mentioned in the Aayah), Allaah has prepared forgiveness for their sins and a great reward, i.e., Paradise.” [3]

3. Shaikh al-Sa`dee رحمه الله said: {for them}, that is, for these people who are described in these glowing terms as possessing these noble characteristics, which include beliefs, deeds of the heart, physical deeds, spoken words, and doing acts that may benefit oneself or others, as well as doing good deeds and refraining from evil deeds, for the one who does these things has established the religion in the fullest sense, both outwardly and inwardly, and has attained Islaam, Imaan (Faith) and Ihsaan (highest level of God-consciousness).” [4]

---

[1] Surah al-Ahzaab (33): 35

[2] Tafseer al-Baghawee (3/640)

[3] Tafseer al-Muyassar (1/422)

[4] Tafseer al-Sa`dee (1/664)

(6.2) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

 بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 2): 

Second: Allaah تعالى said:

﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا *‏ وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا﴾

{O you who believe! Remember Allaah with much remembrance. And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon [the early morning (Fajr) and `Asr prayers]} [1]

Explanation:

(6.1) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Merits Of Dhikr

 بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله

The Merits Of Dhikr (Remembering Allaah) (Part 1):

First: Allaah تعالى said:

﴿فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِي وَلَا تَكْفُرُونِ﴾
{Therefore, remember Me, I will remember you. And be grateful to Me, and do not be ungrateful} [1]

Explanation:

(5) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: The Very Many Benefits Of Remembrance Of Allaah

 بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله.

The Very Many Benefits Of Remembrance Of Allaah:

Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said:
(From al-Waabil al-Sayyib)

In doing the Adhkaar (remembrance of Allaah), there are more than hundred benefits:

1. Remembrance drives away, suppresses, and breaks the Devil.

2. It pleases (Allaah) the Most Merciful, the Almighty, the Sublime.

3. It removes the worries and sadness from the heart.

4. It brings happiness, joy and relief to the heart.

(4) Explanation Of Hisn Al-Muslim: Dhikr, Its Meaning & Types

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ithaaf al-Muslim bi Sharh Hisn al-Muslim

(Gifting A Muslim With Explanation Of Fortress Of The Muslim)

By: Shaikh Sa`eed Ibn `Alee Ibn Wahf al-Qahtaanee رحمه الله.

Dhikr:

Definition, Types,

And Mentioning Some Of The Mistakes That A Lot Of People Do

DEFINITION:

Dhikr is an Arabic word that means: “remembrance, reminder, recall, or mention.” Dhikr is the opposite of forgetfulness (failure to remember), negligence, and heedlessness.