Dhikr or “Invocation” is the quintessential means of actualizing the Divine Presence and passing from intellectual theory to experience and realization. In scholastic terms this is a transition from potency to act – in effect to attain “union” with God [ittihad] or the realization of the Oneness of God [tawhid], for this is the goal of Sufism.
The principle of reciprocity between God and man is expressed by God’s revealed words: “Therefore remember Me; I will remember you.” [2:152]. The Noble Qur’an often underlines the importance of invocation in verses such as these:
- “Remember God standing and sitting” [3:191]
- “… those who believe and do good works, and remember God much…” [26:227]
- “Surely the Remembrance of God is greatest” [29:45]
Our Dhikr
In a nutshell, a seeker [salik] of any spiritual path [tariqah] enters into a covenant [bay’ah] with a living spiritual guide [murshid] to:
- perform with excellence all that He, eminent is His Glory, has mandated and recommended
- abstain with content all that He, Most High, has prohibited and disliked
- beseech His forgiveness swiftly when transgressions occur
- undertake the stipulated dhikr (remembrance of Allah) of the order
In the ‘Arusi-Qadiri path, the invocations are of the following 3 types:
- Daily Wird
The daily recital of the Wird is the key to maintaining the rabita or “Spiritual Connection” with both the Murshid and the Tariqah - Weekly Ratib
The Ratib Jalaliyyah contains the Sirr or “Secret” of the Arusi-Qadiri order and must be established to attain success in one’s Suluk or “Spiritual Endeavours” - Other Recitals
There are many other Ahzab (litanies) and Awrad (orations) that are voluntarily adopted or prescribed to murids according to their stations and needs by the Shaikh
NOTE: All of the above invocations are in addition to recommended daily recital of the Noble Qur’an and sublime Adhkar (Remembrances) and Ad’iyya (Supplications) prescribed by the beloved Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace.
