An Explanation of Ibn al-Qayyim's The Benefits of Remembrance

Authors: Imam Ibn al-Qayyim | Imam Ibn Bāz
Publisher: Lum'ah al-Lughah Publishing
Pages: 74

In the Arabic language, dhikr denotes remembering, utterance, and repetition. In the scholarly and Islamic sense, it is broader and deeper: it includes remembrance of Allah with the heart through awareness and attentiveness; with the tongue through recitation, praise, supplication, and invocation; and with the limbs through obedience and compliance with His commands. Thus, dhikr is not confined to inward reflection alone, nor to silent awareness, but is a lived reality that appears upon the tongue and manifests in action.

For this reason, the scholars frequently emphasised that dhikr of the tongue holds a unique and central position in a believer's life. It awakens the heart, preserves consistency, and anchors the believer upon obedience. This meaning is clearly established in the statement of the Prophet ﷺ when a man said: "O Messenger of Allah, the laws of Islam are too many for me, so inform me of something I can hold on to." He replied: "Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah."