In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Commemoration of God - Meaning of "thikr"

An attribute of Quran that is frequently mentioned by God is being "Thikr". The word "thikr" means a reminder that is worth deep reflection, contemplation and taking heed. It is variously translated in the English translation of Quran as scripture, reminder, proof, or message. When Quran which is a scripture, a message and a reminder full of proofs, is labeled as "thikr, it is described by God as "thikrun Hakeem", and "thikrun mubarak" which means a reminder of the judging laws, a reminder that is blessed. This leads us to recognize Quran as the ultimate source of "Thikr" to be reminded with GOD and HIS PATH; the ultimate source of commemorating God. This can be noted in the following group of verses. The "traditional" practice of repeating and mimicking praises and attributes of God, individually or in groups,limits the deep meaning of "thikr" or commemoration as used in Quran.

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

[21:50] This too is a blessed reminder (thikr in the Arabic text) that we sent down. Are you denying it?
[6:155] This too is a blessed scripture (thikr in the Arabic text) that we have revealed; you shall follow it and lead a righteous life, that you may attain mercy.

When we observe the recitation of Quran (17:78-79, 73:1-8, 73:20,) we are genuinely commemorating God since we are reflecting and taking heed of His own narration, laws and proofs. Each word authored by God is a word of praise and glorification as it speaks directly or indirectly for Him. Every command in Quran is a reminder that came straight from God, hence it is "thikr" or commemoration of Him. Every meaning and value spells out one or more of His attributes.. What could be more effective to commemorate God with, than reciting His very own words, laws, ethics, proofs and reminders in His very own scripture?

The direct commands of glorifying and praising God (50:39, 20:130, 15:98) or commemorating His name (73:8) are "traditionally" interpreted and practiced by repeating certain statements such as "praise God", "glory be to God", or by literally mentioning God's attributes! Every single verse in Quran suffices as a powerful formula of praise and glorification since it gives us a true understanding and reason that God alone is the Party worthy of praise and glorification. This truly establishes the connection with God, instils reverence in our hearts, and fills our souls with awe. The "traditional," artificial and hypnotizing mimicking, singing, repeating of "Alhamdulellah," "sunhana Allah," etc... does not accomplish that. That repeating and mimicking of praises and attributes, individually or in groups, limits the deep meaning of "thikr" and makes it a mechanical process. The following sampling of verses demonstrate how Quran brings value, reason, sense, effectiveness and beauty when we commemorate God with it:

[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.

[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.

[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.

Peaceful Friday, salaam and God bless.