Meaning of "thikr"

 

In last week's reminder, we have pointed out the divine manner of meditation as recommended by God almighty in 73:1-8, 73:20, and 17: 78-79 ; reading the Quran. We have also listed the many divine benefits of meditation with the Quran and using it as a useful tool as stated by God almighty:

 

[56:73]  We rendered it a reminder, and a useful tool for the users. 

 

Continuing to explore the Quran and meditate with it as a "useful tool for the users", we learn that one of its divine attributes is being "thikr". The Quran is numerously referred to by God as "thikr". This word is often translated as scripture, reminder, proof, or message. The word "thikr" simply means remembrance or commemoration with all what this carries of reflecting and taking heed. This is why it is translated as a reminder as well. So, Quran by itself is "thikr". This thikr is specially described by God as "thikrun hakeem", and "thikrun mubarak"  which means full of wisdom, and blessed respectively :

 

[3:58]  These are the revelations that we recite to you, providing a message (thikr) full of wisdom.

 

[21:50]  This too is a blessed reminder  (thikr) that we sent down. Are you denying it?

[6:155]  This too is a blessed scripture (thikr) that we have revealed; you shall follow it and lead a righteous life, that you may attain mercy.

 

Based on the above verses, meditating with the Quran and reading its message, or  revelations is considered "thikr" or commemoration of God almighty. Not only that but it is a "thikr" that is blessed and full of wisdom according to God - a "thikr" that proves our inner submission and appreciation, increases our knowledge, and in the same time drives us closer to God, and blesses us with happiness, success, and contentment. These are all the reasons explained by God to commemorate Him and we achieve these benefits by simply reading the best "thikr" ; the Quran.

 

 [2:198]  You commit no error by seeking provisions from your Lord (through commerce). When you file from `Arafaat, you shall commemorate GOD at the Sacred Location (of Muzdalifah). You shall commemorate Him for guiding you; before this, you had gone astray.

 

[2:185] ... GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.

 

[2:239]  Under unusual circumstances, you may pray while walking or riding. Once you are safe, you shall commemorate GOD as He taught you what you never knew.

 

[8:45]  O you who believe, when you encounter an army, you shall hold fast and commemorate GOD frequently, that you may succeed.

 

[73:8]  You shall commemorate the name of your Lord, to come ever closer and closer to Him.

 

[20:130]  Therefore, be patient in the face of their utterances, and praise and glorify your Lord before sunrise and before sunset. And during the night glorify Him, as well as at both ends of the day, that you may be happy.

 

When we meditate with the Quran, we are indeed commemorating God, by reflecting and taking heed of all of His narration. Every single meaning or command in the Quran is a reminder from God, hence it is "thikr" or commemoration. Every single word in the Quran is actually a word of praise and glorification for God as it is authored by Him and speaks directly or indirectly for Him, His greatness, and His attributes.. There is nothing that is more righteous, effective, or powerful to commemorate God with than His very own words in His very own scripture. This is a simple reminder that we should all keep in mind . Whenever we are reading and studying the Quran, we are actually commemorating, glorifying, and praising God using His "thik" that is blessed and full of wisdom. If we simply read the Quran, we are using the best words, and the most beautiful formula to commemorate God - a formula that is far superior to our own words and tones of glorification and praise. 

 

The following are just few beautiful verses that only prove how effective and perfect Quran, the whole Quran, as a tool of commemoration:

 

[1:2]  Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe.

 

[36:36]  Glory be to the One who created all kinds of plants from the earth, as well as themselves, and other creations that they do not even know.

 

[6:1]  Praise be to GOD, who created the heavens and the earth, and made the darkness and the light. Yet, those who disbelieve in their Lord continue to deviate.

 

[17:111] ...."Praise be to GOD, who has never begotten a son, nor does He have a partner in His kingship, nor does He need any ally out of weakness," and magnify Him constantly.

 

[52:43]  Do they have another god beside GOD? GOD be glorified, far above having partners.

 

[27:93]  ..."Praise be to GOD; He will show you His proofs, until you recognize them. Your Lord is never unaware of anything you do."

 

[35:1]  Praise be to GOD, Initiator of the heavens and the earth, and appointer of the angels to be messengers with wings - two, three, and four (wings). He increases the creation as He wills. GOD is Omnipotent.

 

[18:1]  Praise GOD, who revealed to His servant this scripture, and made it flawless.

 

[39:74]  .... "Praise be to GOD, who fulfilled His promise to us, and made us inherit the earth, enjoying Paradise as we please." What a beautiful recompense for the workers!

 

[28:70]  He is the one GOD; there is no other god beside Him. To Him belongs all praise in this first life, and in the Hereafter. All judgment belongs with Him, and to Him you will be returned.

 

[30:18]  All praise is due to Him in the heavens and the earth, throughout the evening, as well as in the middle of your day.

 

                            God

[59:22]  He is the One GOD; there is no other god beside Him. Knower of all secrets and declarations. He is the Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

[59:23]  He is the One GOD; there is no other god beside Him. The King, the Most Sacred, the Peace, the Most Faithful, the Supreme, the Almighty, the Most Powerful, the Most Dignified. GOD be glorified; far above having partners.

[59:24]  He is the One GOD; the Creator, the Initiator, the Designer. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Glorifying Him is everything in the heavens and the earth. He is the Almighty, Most Wise.

    

                 Almighty God

[6:59]  With Him are the keys to all secrets; none knows them except He. He knows everything on land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls without His knowledge. Nor is there a grain in the depths of the soil. Nor is there anything wet or dry, that is not recorded in a profound record.

 

[64:1]  Glorifying GOD is everything in the heavens and everything on earth. To Him belongs all kingship, and to Him belongs all praise, and He is Omnipotent.

 

[34:1]  Praise be to GOD - to whom belongs everything in the heavens and the earth; all praise is also due to Him in the Hereafter. He is the Most Wise, the Cognizant.

 

[45:36]  To GOD belongs all praise; Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth, Lord of the universe.

 

Indeed,

 

[56:73]  We rendered it a reminder, and a useful tool for the users. 

 

Peaceful Friday, salaam, and God bless.

 

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