Zikr Lesson for the week
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Ilal liqaa is a common expression in Arabic which is used when two persons are separating. It means ‘until we meet again’. The reason for making mention of this is that at the end of Surah Kahf Allah (swt) draws reference to those who are desirous of meeting Him. He says in His Holy Words;
“whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner”.
(Chapter 18, verse 110)
Every human being will be returning to Allah (swt) one day. He makes mention of this in Surah Yaseen;
“and to Him will ye be all be returning”.
(Chapter 36, verse 83)
Our goal is that upon our returning we should meet our Lord. Every human being will returning to Him, but not all will meet Him. Allah (swt) gives a formula to those wishing to meet Him in Surah Kahf,
“whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner”.
What is the best good action a believer can do, in addition to the declaration of Tawheed? The performance of Salaat. After testifying in the Oneness of God, Allah (swt) commands us to perform Salaat. In Salaat we are actually meeting Allah (swt) face to face. Before we begin salaat we say;
Inni -y wajjahtu wajh -e li- 'alladhe fat.ara as- samaawaat wa- al- 'ard. h.anef(an) wa- maa 'anaa min al-
mushriken
"For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him(Who is facing me) Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah."
Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said;
“When you stand for salaat facing the Qibla understand that Allah is in front of you, and is between you and the Kaba”
We stand facing the Kaba for Salaat, but we are actually in front of Allah (swt), speaking to Him, glorifying Him and also speaking to His Nabi when we recite the At-Tashahud.
"Greetings, prayers and our good deeds are for Allah. Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be on you O Prophet.”
Muslims’ are the only ones who have this opportunity to stand and address our Lord face to face. Christians go through Jesus (as) and the others go through their gods’. Shaitan will try his best to divert our attention, especially when we stand for prayer. We have to maintain our focus and not to be distracted by the obstacles with which we are faced and insha Allah we will, one day meet our Lord face to face.
