Islam for Muslims
ISLAMIC RECITATIONS
There are 3 primary forms of recitations that a Muslim can perform on a regular basis
- Quranic recitations
- Dzikr
- Dua's (supplications)
Quranic recitation are complete or partial recitations of surahs or ayat from the Quran. The advantage of this recitation is that it improves fluency in reciting the Suran, and if done in ocnjunction with tranliteration, allows us to learn about the contents of the Quran. The Quran should preferably be learnt together with its meanings so that it is not mere recitation, but also appreciation of the Word of Allah (Quran, unlike other books such as the Bible, is the verbatim Word of God, and not inspirational writings).
Dzikr (ذکر ) are verses recited for the remembrance of Allah. It can be done in a formal setting (eg in a tahlil) or informally, as in your daily life. Dzikr, like any other recitations, is a means of remebering Allah. Isntead of daydreaming the moments away, wet your lips by reciting these that shows your devotion to the Greatness of Allah.
Dua's or supplications, are the reflections of our need for our Creator. We ask Allah for what we need because we are weak, while He, our Creator, the Ruler of all the Universe, has everything and more importantly, Knows what is good for us and what is not.
Walaqad khalaqna al-insanawanaAAlamu ma tuwaswisu bihi nafsuhu wanahnu aqrabuilayhi min habli alwareedi
It was We Who created man, and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him: for We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein. (50:16)
Supplications are variable - while there are some dua's that are already available, one is not restricted to these. Dua's are personal - it is the direct communication between you, the Created, and your Creator. There is no need for any intermediary. As such, it can be spoke in your own language, and in any way you fancy. However, there are certain practises that I urge you follow. When you do dua:
Do not shy away from asking from Allah. Dua shows that we are aware of our weakness, limitations, incompleteness and vulnerability and that we are dependent on Allah. In fact, not to ask for help from the One amounts to arrogance.
It was We Who created man, and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him: for We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein. (50:16)
Supplications are variable - while there are some dua's that are already available, one is not restricted to these. Dua's are personal - it is the direct communication between you, the Created, and your Creator. There is no need for any intermediary. As such, it can be spoke in your own language, and in any way you fancy. However, there are certain practises that I urge you follow. When you do dua:
- At the start, give praise to Allah because you are afterall communicating with your Lord. At the minimum, start with this: الحمد لله ربّ العالمين (alhamdulillahi rabbil 'alamin) which means All Praises be to Allah, the Lord of all that exists.
- At the end, give sholawat to Rasulullah (Wasallahu ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa ala alihi wa sahbihi wasallam) which means And May Allah grant peace and honour to him and his family; and a repeat of praise to Allah as above.
Do not shy away from asking from Allah. Dua shows that we are aware of our weakness, limitations, incompleteness and vulnerability and that we are dependent on Allah. In fact, not to ask for help from the One amounts to arrogance.
Waqala rabbukumu ad 'oonee astajiblakum inna alladzeena yastakbiroona 'an 'ibadatee sayadkhuloona jahannama dakhireen
And your Lord says: "Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer): but those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell - in humiliation!" (40:60)
Dua's, being requests, will end with Aamiin (آمين) which means May Allah fulfill our request.
One mistake is not believing that Allah is Listening to you, especially when the dua was not granted. Refer back to 50:16 above. Allah Knows what is best for us. In our ignorance, we may have asked Him for something that may not benefit us and as such, Allah withholds that request for our advantage. Alternatively, he may delay it to a more opportune time that will benefit you better. Never second-guess Allah. He Knows best. Ask, and continue asking. You shall be dealt with what is best for you, insya Allah.
And your Lord says: "Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer): but those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell - in humiliation!" (40:60)
Dua's, being requests, will end with Aamiin (آمين) which means May Allah fulfill our request.
One mistake is not believing that Allah is Listening to you, especially when the dua was not granted. Refer back to 50:16 above. Allah Knows what is best for us. In our ignorance, we may have asked Him for something that may not benefit us and as such, Allah withholds that request for our advantage. Alternatively, he may delay it to a more opportune time that will benefit you better. Never second-guess Allah. He Knows best. Ask, and continue asking. You shall be dealt with what is best for you, insya Allah.
EMBEDDING RECITATIONS IN OUR FAILY LIVES
Recitations can be easily embedded in our daily lives. For a start, dua's relevant to our daily lives are aplenty - before and after eating, entering and exiting the toilet, when retiring to bed and upon awakening, etc... Start with these as there are definite events and signposts to remind you.
Remembrance of Allah is soothing to the mind and soul. As such, slowly and gradually, replace some of your daydream and free time with recitations. It isbetter to wet your lips with verses praising Allah than empty conversations.
