Wake your heart up. I often receive messages from those who feel that they are far from God. They feel as though their relationship with him is irreparable and they are on the verge of giving up. Sometimes I feel far as well. I’ve posted about this before, and about the importance of good companionship. I’d like to tell you that there is another path to strengthening your relationship with God. it’s remembering Him.

Usually this is simply called Dhikr. The concept of being in a meditative and reflective state, while internally and externally (by way of your tongue) praising the Divine. Statements like, “SubhanAllah” and “Alhamdulilah” are some of the litanies that we all know. The issue I’ve seen though is that there is always some argument about how and when dhikr should be made. Look, I’d like to tell you something very important.

Hearts are dying.

Maybe your heart is completely fine, but with all of the distractions in this world and all of the negativity, sometimes I drift away. There is a need to drop the phone, leave the computer and sit in a quiet room with some nice Bukhoor and reflect on God’s greatness. Maybe you don’t think you have the time. Are you in a Café right now like I am? Are you at work? Are you on a lunch break? Are you with family? A wedding? A party? It doesn’t matter where you might be, remember Him.

It will awaken your heart. It will give you an internal sight. Every time you reflect on how all praise belongs to Him, you’ll come to realize your blessings and give thanks. Whenever you sit and say “La ilaha ill Allah”, you’ll be able to turn away from being a fan of the creation and become a fan of the Creator.

Dhikr is a key to the soul’s awakening. What does it awaken to? To the greatness of the Divine.

The Prophet said, “Purity is half of iman (faith). ‘Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)’ fills the scales, and ‘subhan-Allah (how far is Allah from every imperfection) and ‘Al-hamdulillah (praise be to Allah)’ fill that which is between heaven and earth.

Praise Him because He’s worthy to be praised and watch as He illuminates your heart.

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