The Dhikrs of the Tariqa and Their Benefits
The Dhikrs of the Tariqa and Their Benefits
In today’s world, many people suffer from psychological issues and disorders such as depression, sadness, anger, envy, and anxiety. These negative traits often emerge in critical moments or inappropriate settings, causing discomfort for both the individual and those around them.
One of the miraculous and transformative methods that can aid such individuals is the practice of reciting dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
The Transformative Properties of Dhikr
Dhikr helps individuals overcome negative traits such as stinginess, greed, anger, avarice, lust, envy, poor manners, idle curiosity, mockery, blame, negative thoughts, arrogance, and hypocrisy.
Additionally, reciting dhikr contributes to fostering and solidifying positive qualities such as generosity, contentment, humility, patience, resilience in the face of difficulties, forgiveness, reliance on Allah, tolerance, devotion, gratitude, acceptance of divine decree, and perseverance during trials.
The Importance of Dhikr in the Tariqa
Dhikr is one of the most significant pillars of spiritual insight and the Tariqa. It not only purifies the heart but also refines the entire being, preparing the individual to receive the divine light and blessings of divine love.
The lack of love and blessings is one of the primary causes of psychological and spiritual issues. Dhikr serves as a gateway to tranquility and spiritual elevation.
The Dhikrs of the Qadiri Kasnazani Tariqa
The Danger of Performing Dhikr Without the Tariqa
What happens if someone who has not taken the pledge begins reciting the dhikr of the Tariqa? Imagine a person who holds a key to the divine treasury of mercy but does not know the password. This person stands before a locked door, trying every possible way to open it.
Meanwhile, the devil, an old companion of this individual, realizes their intention to enter God’s fortress and separate from his influence. The devil understands that this person plans to join the ranks of God’s friends and escape his dominion.
To prevent this transformation, the devil may resort to all possible tricks and schemes to hinder this individual’s progress or convince them to abandon their act. It is best not to test this scenario, as it may lead to challenges and obstacles. The devil will not easily allow someone to leave his control and reach the divine light.
This could explain the widespread beliefs discouraging people from frequent dhikr, such as the notion that reciting “La ilaha illa Allah” excessively may lead to poverty or that too much dhikr may cause problems. These beliefs are nothing more than rumors and whispers used by the devil to keep people away from the treasury of endless divine mercy and blessings.
Through such tactics, the devil seeks to deprive people of the light and peace that dhikr can bring to their hearts and souls, working to keep them in darkness and heedlessness. In truth, these rumors have no basis and are merely obstacles that hinder the spiritual and moral growth of individuals.
The Results of Committing to Dhikr
When a person who has joined the Tariqa remains committed to the dhikr prescribed by the Sheikh of the Tariqa, it is as if they have entered a fortified castle of God’s mercy. This fortress is so secure that no worldly or heavenly force can harm them. Additionally, the Sheikh of the Tariqa, with his spiritual and moral strength, serves as a guarantor of their protection and care. Even negative effects from magic or satanic harm, which have unfortunately become widespread in our time, will have no impact on them.
However, if the individual neglects the dhikrs and practices they have pledged to uphold or abandons them entirely, they effectively step out of this divine fortress, exposing themselves to the dangers and harms they were previously shielded from. In essence, adhering to the dhikr in the Tariqa is not only a spiritual commitment but also a powerful shield that protects a person from the calamities and hardships of life.
The Sufi Masters have said:
- “If remembrance ceases, help ceases.” Meaning that if remembrance is interrupted, assistance also stops.
- “One who has no “Vird” or Dhikr, will have no divine inspirations.” Meaning that “If dhikr ceases, the divine support ceases.”
Classification of Dhikr in the Tariqa
- Perennial Dhikr (The Nineteen Dhikrs): These are dhikrs that are recited continuously over an extended period, with each dhikr repeated 100,000 times.
- Daily Dhikr: These include dhikr after prayers, the afternoon dhikr (Wird al-Asr), daily supplications, and others, as detailed in “The Instructions of the Tariqa” section of this site.
When a person commits to regular dhikr after taking the Tariqa, the remembrance moves from the tongue to the heart. They begin to enjoy repeating it, grow fond of hearing it, and embrace it until the dhikr becomes an integral part of their soul. At this point, the person feels a special warmth and energy in their heart. Eventually, their heart becomes preoccupied with the remembrance of Allah in all circumstances.
The nineteen perennial dhikrs are the cornerstone of the Tariqa, beginning with the dhikr “La ilaha illa Allah.” These dhikrs hold profound secrets and have a unique impact on the soul and spirit of a person.
The first seven Dhikrs in the Tariqa are particularly focused on reforming the human Ego (Nafs). These dhikrs work systematically to cleanse the heart, nurture the spirit, and transform the individual into a beacon of light and divine mercy.
The First Dhikr: “La ilaha illa Allah”
This dhikr purifies a person from all sins.
- It is designated for the Commanding Ego (Nafs al-Ammara).
- The Nafs al-Ammara is veiled in a dark shadow, its light is deep blue, and its location is in the chest.
- This Ego gives rise to negative traits such as ignorance, miserliness, greed, deceit, anger, lust, envy, bad character, spying on irrelevant matters, mockery, animosity, and harming others.
The Second Dhikr: “Allah”
This dhikr connects a person to the infinite mercy of Allah.
- It is designated for the Reproaching Ego (Nafs al-Lawwama).
- The light of the Nafs al-Lawwama is yellow, and its location is in the heart.
- Traits of this Ego include: self-reproach, negative thoughts, arrogance, objection to creation, hidden hypocrisy, lust, and love of authority.
The Third Dhikr: “Ya Hu”
This dhikr establishes the light of faith in the heart and elevates a person to the rank of the knowledgeable.
- It is designated for the Inspired Ego (Nafs al-Mulhama).
- The light of the Nafs al-Mulhama is red, and its location is in the soul.
- Traits of this Ego include: generosity, contentment, knowledge, humility, patience, endurance of harm, forgiveness, having good opinions of others’ actions, accepting their excuses, and recognizing that everyone will be judged by Allah—thus refraining from judging others.
The Fourth Dhikr: “Ya Hayy”
This dhikr purifies the heart of all impurities.
- It is designated for the Confident Ego (Nafs al-Mutma’inna).
- The light of the Nafs al-Mutma’inna is white.
- Traits of this Ego include: generosity, reliance on Allah, forbearance, worship, gratitude, acceptance of destiny, and patience during trials.
The Fifth Dhikr: “Ya Wahid”
When the servant is sincere, this dhikr removes the veil between them and Allah.
- This dhikr is designated for the Contented Ego (Nafs al-Radiyah).
- The light of the Nafs al-Radiyah is green.
- Traits of this Ego include: detachment from all except Allah, sincerity, piety, and complete oblivion to anything other than Allah.
The Sixth Dhikr: “Ya Aziz”
This dhikr saves a person from the harm of the evil of the sinful Ego and Satan.
- This dhikr is designated for the Pleasing Ego (Nafs al-Mardiyah).
- The light of the Nafs al-Mardiyah is black.
- Traits of this Ego include: good character, kindness towards others, tolerance of others’ mistakes, love for creation, and closeness to Allah.
The Seventh Dhikr: “Ya Wadud”
When recited with sincerity, this dhikr opens the supernatural sight and hearing of a person.
- This dhikr is designated for the Perfect Ego (Nafs al-Kamilah).
- The Nafs al-Kamilah has no apparent light.
- Traits of this Ego include: diligence in worship, performing worship with all limbs, the heart, and the tongue, continuous seeking of forgiveness, and deep humility.
- The person with this Ego does not slacken in worship and prays Allah with their whole body, tongue, and heart. They seek forgiveness extensively, and their humility is abundant. Their joy and contentment from people’s attention to the truth and their love for people exceed their love for their own children, and there is no dislike in their heart towards any creature.
Continuing the Study of Dhikrs and Their Sequence
The study of dhikrs in the Qadiri Kasnazani Sufi Order is extensive, and the dhikrs mentioned above pertain only to the first seven dhikrs of the Tariqa. The remaining twelve dhikrs possess significant virtues and blessings, explained in “The Instructions of the Tariqa” section on the website.
The Importance of Sequence in Perennial Dhikrs
- The dhikrs of the Tariqa cannot be performed randomly or out of sequence, as each dhikr carries unique blessings, properties, and secrets.
- These dhikrs must be performed in the correct order, with the blessings of one dhikr complementing and enhancing those of the next.
Illustrative Example:
- A person cannot begin with the dhikr “Allah” before reciting “La ilaha illa Allah.”
- This is because the dhikr “La ilaha illa Allah” purifies the individual from all sins and misdeeds, while the dhikr “Allah” immerses them in Allah’s mercy. Therefore, one must first cleanse themselves of sins and misdeeds through “La ilaha illa Allah” to be ready to receive Allah’s mercy through the dhikr “Allah.”
- After completing the dhikr “Allah” and obtaining divine mercy, one can move to the dhikr “Ya Hu” to establish the light of faith in their heart.
Adhering to the correct sequence is a fundamental principle of the Qadiri Kasnazani Sufi Order. It ensures that the practitioner attains the full blessings carried by each dhikr.
If you are interested in benefiting from the profound virtues of the dhikrs of the Tariqa, you can contact us through the “Contact Us” section on the website to arrange the necessary steps for joining the Tariqa and obtaining permission to begin the dhikrs.
Group Dhikrs and Dhikr Circles
Benefits of Group Dhikr
One of the most impactful ways to alleviate depression, achieve spiritual tranquility, resolve problems and misfortunes, and curb inner desires—thereby improving moral character—is by engaging in group dhikr, also known as “collective dhikr.”
Participating in group dhikr gatherings brings blessings into one’s life and noticeably improves the individual’s overall well-being.
The Impact of Blessings in Group Dhikr
The remarkable effect of group dhikr in alleviating depression and illuminating the heart with the light of faith is undeniable, thanks to the accumulated blessings unique to collective dhikr. This effect has cumulative properties, much like light and radiance.
For instance, when a single person engages in worship or dhikr alone, those around them benefit from the blessings of their actions. However, if two people engage in worship or dhikr together, each not only gains the blessings of their own acts but also benefits from the blessings of the other.
The Spiritual Power of Collective Worship
This is why collective worship and gatherings receive strong emphasis, as they have extraordinary effects on the spiritual elevation of individuals.
The impact of group dhikr cannot be replaced by individual dhikr. For example, if ten people come together and each recites ten dhikrs collectively, the effect differs significantly from one person reciting a hundred dhikrs alone. The blessings of group dhikr accumulate in a concentrated manner, penetrating the heart quickly, much like a heavy hammer that removes the rust from the heart.
In contrast, individual efforts are like using a small hammer to remove thick rust from the heart—a far less effective approach. To clear this rust, strong and focused strikes are required, and this is the role of the light of group dhikr.
This concept can be explained through the example of a magnifying glass. If the light passing through the lens is scattered, it will have little effect on a piece of paper. However, when the light is concentrated, it can burn the paper.
Allah Almighty also referred to the rust that settles on hearts in His saying:
“Nay, but what they used to do has covered their hearts with rust” (Al-Mutaffifin: 14).
Group dhikr, therefore, acts as a powerful force that removes this rust, allowing the heart to shine with divine light and enabling individuals to experience a profound spiritual transformation.
The Importance of Group Dhikr in the Qadiri Kasnazani Order
Group dhikr or dhikr gatherings hold immense significance in the Qadiri Kasnazani Order. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Indeed, these hearts rust, and their polish is the recitation of the Quran and gatherings of dhikr.”
He also said:
“If you pass by the gardens of Paradise, take your fill.”
When asked about these gardens, he replied: “They are the gatherings of dhikr.”
Movement During Dhikr
In the Qadiri Kasnazani Order, movement during dhikr is considered essential. This is reflected in the verse from the Quran, where Allah the Almighty says in Surah An-Nahl (16:48):
“Have they not considered how every object that Allah has created casts its shadow to the right and to the left, prostrating to Allah while they are humble?”
The Role of Drums, Tambourines, and Sama’
The use of drums, tambourines, and rhythmic movements during dhikr, known as sama’, enhances spiritual energy and vitality while drawing young people towards Islamic culture. Additionally, the melodious recitation of the Quran and dhikr uplifts the heart, enabling it to connect with divine light.
The great mystic poet Saadi Shirazi remarked:
The camel, enchanted by the caravan leader’s song,
Moves into a state of ecstasy and joy.
If you lack such passion within,
You are but a creature of crooked nature.
The Blessings of Group Dhikr
Group dhikr sessions are typically held once or twice a week in Takyas (Khanqahs), offering a precious opportunity to transmit divine light and blessings among disciples.
During group dhikr, blessings flow like light or rain from the heavens. The rhythmic movements of dhikr, known as Sama’, help attract even more of this divine light and blessing. While receiving these abundant blessings, individuals may experience specific outward states that can be observed by participating in group dhikr sessions. These gatherings are entirely free and open to everyone.
These states include shimmering eyes, tears streaming down, weeping with joy, and a state of relaxation accompanied by vitality. The shedding of tears is likened to the descent of light upon the eyes. In group dhikr, participants typically close their eyes to disconnect from external senses and better benefit from the light and blessings of the dhikr. It has been narrated from a prominent figure of the Tariqa, Sheikh Sultan Hussein Al-Kasnazan (Qaddas Allahu Sirrah), that he once pointed to a group of people who did not close their eyes during dhikr and remarked:
“Strange how the eyes of these individuals are not blinded by the light of this dhikr!”
If you are interested in joining group dhikr sessions and benefiting from the blessings of these practices, you can contact us through the “Contact Us” section to coordinate your attendance at these blessed gatherings.
The Importance of Love and Desire in Dhikr
Movements of Group Dhikr
You can watch three videos that demonstrate the movements of group dhikr in the Qadiri Kasnazani Tariqa: