يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا
O you who believe! Remember Allah, a frequent remembrance.
Sura al-Ahzab, verse 41
Life in this world has many distractions. Distractions that distance you from God, create Ghaflat or heedlessness, harden the heart, and generally prevent you from reaching the high status that a human being can attain. These distractions leave you with a feeling of dissatisfaction, as though something is missing in life and you just can’t get your hands on that which will make you completely happy.
To counter this, the Quran recommends constant remembrance of Allah. Not just remembering Him at the times of prayer but being continuously connected to Him. The thought of God should never leave you, from the time you wake up when you thank Him for giving life after death, until the time you retire for the day, asking Him for forgiveness. The Dhikr of Allah runs through your mind and body, illuminating it with the Light of Allah. This Light boosts your physical and spiritual health. It gives you a new perspective on life and helps you see things in ways you did not see before.
Dhikr of Allah is the nutrition that the human being craves. It is the balm for your pain in life, the medicine for the negative thoughts and emotions that keep appearing on the heart. Dhikr of Allah gives you energy and zest, and makes life exciting. You are not prey to the pettiness of people, or the frustrations of everyday life. Your eyes are set on a much loftier goal, on a Being who is far removed from the lowliness of this world.
It is thus in the best interest of the believer to remember Allah much, and drink from this life giving spring as often as possible. If you stray for a while, turn back. Ask forgiveness for having not thought of God, even for a while. This will then become a habit and you will never stray for long.
God addresses you, the believer, in this verse. Answer Him every day, using this verse to remind yourself that your connection to Him should never be severed. Remember Him – verbally, mentally, emotionally – and give yourself new life through it.